ABC News Anchor Linsey Davis ‘Suffered in Silence’ From Years-Long Battle With Uterine Fibroids

ABC News anchor Linsey Davis is sharing the story of her years-long battle with uterine fibroids in the hopes of helping other women.

The 47-year-old journalist was first diagnosed with fibroids, noncancerous tumors that grow in or around the uterus, 13 years ago. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods, and interfere with fertility.

Even though they’re common, Linsey said in an interview with People, she “suffered in silence. It’s not something that I would talk to anybody about other than the gynecologist.”

When she got pregnant 11 years ago, her fibroids began to grow alongside the fetus, though doctors assured her the baby would ultimately “win out.” And in 2014, she and her husband, Paul Roberts, welcomed healthy son Ayden.

“Fast-forward six years…and I just started having really drastically bad periods that would last for maybe two weeks,” she recalls.

In addition to intense bleeding, her stomach was so bloated she looked pregnant. She decided to have a surgery called a myomectomy to remove six fibroids while also preserving the uterus.

But then a year and a half ago, a pelvic ultrasound confirmed more fibroids had returned. This time, she opted for a hysterectomy as it offered a permanent solution.

Linsey says she wanted to share her experience to raise awareness about the condition so others don’t have to suffer in silence. “I think that it just feels good to be able to talk with other people … I just feel like that is a healthier approach rather than just trying to, on your own, solve for x.”