Halle Berry recently opened up about a major change in her approach to sex after being diagnosed with perimenopause. At 54, she began dating musician Van Hunt, with their relationship progressing, leading to their engagement last year. But with this new stage in her life came unexpected challenges.
In a candid discussion at the 2024 A Day of Unreasonable Conversation summit, Berry revealed a painful experience she had, initially thinking it was a sexually transmitted infection. “I said, ‘Oh my God, what’s happening?’” she recalled. Her gynecologist initially misdiagnosed her, claiming she had a severe case of herpes. After testing, both she and Hunt learned that was not the case—but it was a symptom of perimenopause, a phase affecting two million women in the U.S. annually.
This misdiagnosis became a wake-up call for Berry, sparking her to advocate for awareness around perimenopause. On the Sex With Emily podcast, she shared how this experience transformed her attitude towards intimacy. While their sex life is vibrant again, she now emphasizes open communication about what feels good. Berry stated she no longer fakes orgasms, a common practice among women. “We both deserve to enjoy this experience,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of mutual satisfaction.
A 2021 study confirmed this issue, revealing that many women fake pleasure due to societal pressures and misconceptions about sexual norms. Both Berry and podcast host Emily Morse reflected on how societal expectations often prioritize male pleasure, and that this has historical roots in how sex has been depicted in media, largely drawing from unrealistic portrayals in adult films.
Revisiting her experiences, Berry mentioned that after the misdiagnosis, she and Hunt spent significant time trying to process their fears before realizing they needed to understand the actual issues at play. She discovered that her symptoms pointed to “Dry Vagina Syndrome,” which is typically common during perimenopause. This knowledge, she said, allowed her to better navigate her intimacy and connection with her partner.
Halle Berry’s openness about her journey marks an important moment in breaking the stigma around women’s health and pleasure, encouraging others to voice their needs and experiences in the bedroom.
For more insights on women’s health and perimenopause, you can explore resources like the North American Menopause Society.
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Halle Berry, Celebrity, Sex and Relationships
