Brooke Shields, the beloved actress known for her roles in Pretty Baby and Blue Lagoon, is opening up about a deeply personal and unsettling experience in her new memoir, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman. The 59-year-old star candidly recounts a traumatic medical procedure performed without her consent, shedding light on an issue that highlights the importance of bodily autonomy and medical ethics.
A Shocking Revelation
In her 40s, Shields sought medical advice from her gynecologist regarding discomfort caused by the length of her labia, an issue she had struggled with since high school. After experiencing bleeding and chafing for years, she agreed to a surgical reduction recommended by her doctor.
However, during a post-operative checkup, her plastic surgeon delivered unexpected news. Without her consent, he had performed an additional procedure: a vaginal rejuvenation, commonly associated with tightening.
“He legitimately proudly explained to me that he, you know, threw in a little twofer,” Shields recalled during an interview with Us Weekly.
Emotional Fallout
Shields expressed a mix of emotions, including anger, shame, and betrayal. She described her reaction as one of outrage, which was echoed by her gynecologist, who had not authorized the additional procedure either.
“Nothing pointed toward this need to be tighter or smaller or firmer or younger, especially there,” Shields explained.
The emotional toll was immense. Shields admitted she didn’t discuss the incident with her husband, Chris Henchy, “for the longest time.”
Speaking Out for Change
Despite her discomfort, Shields chose to share this experience in her memoir, aiming to foster open dialogue about women’s health, consent, and the shame often associated with intimate issues.
“I’d be lying if I said I’m not embarrassed to share this very intimate information,” Shields writes. “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.”
Advocacy Through Vulnerability
Shields’ decision to speak out underscores the need for accountability and awareness in medical practices. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower others to advocate for their rights and bodily autonomy.
Her memoir, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman, offers a deeply personal perspective on aging, body image, and resilience. It will be available on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
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