Brooke Shields has lived her life in the public eye since childhood, but in her new memoir she reveals many private, sometimes traumatic moments. Brooke Shields Mustn’t Grow Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman (which goes on sale Tuesday, January 14). More than one of these traumas was caused by medical professionals. One disturbing story – about unwanted (and unnecessary) vaginal rejuvenation – stands out among the rest.

Shields, now 59, reveals exclusively in the latest issue Us weekly Cover story that in her 40s, her gynecologist asked if the length of her labia had ever caused any discomfort. That had been the case — along with bleeding and chafing since high school — and the doctor (whom Shields described as “wonderful”) told her that surgical reduction was possible.

“Of course it’s not covered by insurance because it’s considered cosmetic, which is very interesting. “Last time I checked, I didn’t want to be a porn star,” Shields joked UsShe explained that she had “heard of porn stars doing this” for aesthetic reasons.

In the book, the actress apologizes to readers who may find the story “too graphic or just TMI, as some generations still call it,” but explains that her intentions were pure.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t embarrassed to share this very sensitive information,” she wrote. “But if we want to change the way we approach and talk about women’s health, we need to raise the uncomfortable but very real issues. Shame is no longer an option.”

Shields opted for the procedure recommended by her gynecologist. During a follow-up appointment, she had a shocking conversation with her male Beverly Hills plastic surgeon.

“He let me know he threw in a little bonus,” Shields said Usand explained that in addition to her reduction – the procedure she agreed to – she had a rejuvenation (or vaginal tightening). “It felt like such an invasion – such a bizarre kind of rape.”

Shields recalled that the doctor “explained to me, quite rightly and proudly, that he, you know, threw in a little deuce.” The actress told Us She was “amazed” by his revelation.

“There’s nothing that suggests it has to be tighter, smaller, firmer or younger, especially there,” Shields said, noting that both she and her gynecologist were angry.

Related: Celebrities who admitted they had plastic surgery

It’s often assumed that celebrities who have had plastic surgery will do anything to hide their secret, but stars from Ronnie Ortiz-Magro to Courteney Cox have spoken openly about their experiences under the knife. Some celebrities have even shared their plastic surgery nightmares. Heidi Montag, for example, developed health problems due to her (…).

Shields neither wanted nor needed the “irreversible” procedure and did not want to talk about it – he felt both “shame” and “anger”. (Shields narrated Us that she didn’t tell her husband, the producer Chris Henchywhat happened “for the longest time.”)

She decided not to take any further legal or other action. “I thought, I don’t want anyone else telling me what to do,” Shields added.

For more information about Shields, see the latest issue of Us weekly – now at the kiosk.

With reporting by Carla Sosenko