Halle Berry: I No Longer Fake Orgasms After Perimenopause Diagnosis

Halle Berry is speaking candidly about a shift in her approach to intimacy, revealing she no longer feels compelled to feign orgasm for the sake of a partner’s ego. The Oscar-winning actress, February 24, 2026, discussed her evolving perspective during an appearance on the Sex With Emily podcast, linking it to a journey of self-discovery sparked by a misdiagnosis and subsequent understanding of perimenopause.

Berry recounted a frightening experience in 2024 where she sought medical attention for pain during intercourse, initially being told she had the “worst case of herpes” her doctor had ever seen. The diagnosis proved incorrect, ultimately attributed to symptoms of perimenopause, a period affecting roughly two million women in the United States annually. This experience, she explained, became a catalyst for advocating for greater awareness around women’s health and openly discussing the physical changes that accompany midlife.

“I feel like I have razor blades in my vagina,” Berry described to her gynecologist at the time, detailing the intense discomfort that led to the initial misdiagnosis. The relief of learning it wasn’t an STD, coupled with understanding the root cause in perimenopause, empowered her to prioritize her own needs and desires within her relationship with musician Van Hunt.

“We had to get there so that he felt good about bringing us to orgasm,” Berry explained on the podcast, reflecting on past dynamics. “So we had to say that we did it so that he would feel good about himself. Because what is that doing? That’s putting his needs before our own. And now I don’t do that anymore.”

This newfound assertiveness, Berry clarified, isn’t about denying pleasure to her partner, but rather establishing a mutually satisfying experience. “I’m like, ‘No, I come first like you come first to you,’” she stated. “We both deserve to have this be a mutually enjoyable experience where we both can roll over and go to sleep because we feel good—not one snoring and the other one looking… [like], ‘What the hell?’”

Berry’s comments tap into a broader conversation about the societal pressures placed on women to prioritize male pleasure. Research suggests that faking orgasms is a common practice, with a 2021 study noting that factors like frequency of masturbation and the perceived importance of sex can contribute to women feigning pleasure. The study, examining relationships across different dynamics, highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing sexual expression.

The actress’s openness also challenges the often-performative nature of sex, particularly as influenced by pornography. During the podcast, Berry and host Emily Morse discussed how unrealistic expectations, often fueled by pornographic depictions, can shape sexual encounters. Berry noted she now feels comfortable telling Hunt “don’t do what you see in porn,” emphasizing the importance of authentic communication and individualized pleasure.

Berry and Hunt’s relationship has been marked by a degree of public curiosity, including initial reports surrounding a proposal. While Berry initially played coy about the engagement, she later confirmed she had indeed said “yes,” though a specific date hadn’t been set. The couple’s journey, from navigating a health scare to openly discussing intimacy, reflects a growing trend of celebrities using their platforms to destigmatize conversations around women’s health and sexual well-being.

The actress recently discussed the initial confusion surrounding her diagnosis on The Drew Barrymore Show earlier this month, recounting a period of “the blame game” with Hunt before receiving the correct diagnosis. She emphasized the importance of self-advocacy in identifying and addressing symptoms of perimenopause, which she described as “Dry Vagina Syndrome.”

Berry’s willingness to share her personal experiences, from a misdiagnosed STD scare to navigating the challenges of perimenopause, positions her as a vocal advocate for women’s health. Her message is clear: prioritizing one’s own pleasure and well-being is not selfish, but essential for a fulfilling and equitable intimate life.