https://people.com/brooke-shields-cosmetic-surgery-without-consent-new-book-excerpt-8770612

Brooke Shields Got a ‘Bonus' Labia Rejuvenation Without Her Consent: 'Why Can’t Everybody Just Leave My Vagina Alone’ (Exclusive)

The star's latest book, 'Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old' is her most provocative yet

By Liz McNeil Updated on January 10, 2025 11:01AM EST

163

COMMENTS

After a lifetime in the spotlight, Brooke Shields’ new book, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, (out Jan. 14) is her most provocative yet.

At 59, the star is remarkably candid, about everything from sex to motherhood to claiming agency over her body — including at the doctor’s office.

She writes about an irregular pap smear that led to a “cone biopsy,” a procedure to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix. The pre-cancerous cells were removed — but it was only years later that she learned (from a female doctor) that the aggressive biopsy would make it difficult to conceive due to the scar tissue left behind. That was only the precursor to another medical procedure she underwent that carried unexpected consequences.

Below, read an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE from the chapter titled "No Longer The Punching Bag: A Plea for Self-Advocacy" about the moment she discovered a medical procedure she didn't consent to.

Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old Thoughts on Aging as a Woman. FLATIRON BOOKS

About eight years after I’d had both my girls, I found myself in another — and in retrospect, much more egregious — situation where it felt like my medical care was taken out of my hands. I was at an appointment with my gynecologist, and after my exam she asked if I ever felt discomfort because of my labia.

“Only in tight jeans and spin classes and every romantic moment ever,” I said.

(I do apologize if this is too graphic or simply TMI, as some generations still call it. I’d be lying if I said I’m not embarrassed to share this very intimate information. But, if we are to change the way we approach and talk about women’s health, then we need to bring up the uncomfortable but very real issues. Shame is no longer an option).

My labia (you’ve got to admit this is a funny word) had been an issue for me since I was in high school, and one I’d been ashamed of forever. My best friend Lisa had the same situation, and at least together we could laugh about it. It’s like you’re in a boxing gym and you have two little speed bags between your legs, we’d joke. It hurt and it was in the way, and when I told my gynecologist as much, she said it was very common and that I was surely a candidate for a labial reduction procedure.

Brooke Shields in 2024. TAYLOR HILL/GETTY

Technically it would be considered a cosmetic procedure — even that still pisses me off because we’re talking about pain — but it was one that would significantly decrease my discomfort. Why should that be reduced to a cosmetic choice, as if I wanted a more photogenic labia so I could be in adult films (nothing against those in the profession!). It also meant that, like many other important procedures for women, it would not be covered by insurance. In any case, my doctor made me feel less ashamed and relieved that there was a solution. She recommended a doctor in L.A.

I had one consultation with this (yes, male) doctor and wondered why I hadn’t heard about this surgery earlier — years of discomfort, potentially fixed! I went in to have the procedure. When it was over, the doctor gave me the rundown of how it went. “I was very detailed,” he said, to my relief and excitement. And then: “I was in there for four hours, and you know what I did? I tightened you up a little bit! Gave you a little rejuvenation!”

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5662187&forum_id=2).#48540880)

Absolutely devastating

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5662187&forum_id=2).#48541468)