Hollywood star Halle Berry recently shared her experience of being misdiagnosed with herpes, revealing how the ordeal affected her relationship with boyfriend Van Hunt.
During a candid conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show, the 58-year-old actress spoke about how symptoms of perimenopause led to an incorrect diagnosis, straining her personal life.
“We struggled with finding a way to have sex again,” Berry admitted, explaining that menopause-related vaginal dryness made intimacy painful. “It got pretty rough for a minute.”
The Oscar-winning actress recalled a distressing six-to-seven-month period when intercourse felt like “razor blades.” Initially, she had no idea what was causing the discomfort.
A Shocking Diagnosis
Berry, who had just started dating Hunt in 2020, thought she was entering a new and exciting phase of life. However, things took a turn when she started experiencing severe pain while urinating.
“I tried to go to the bathroom, and I couldn’t,” she recounted. “It was so painful. I had to squeeze it out, and it took me almost 10 minutes just to empty my bladder.”
Concerned, Berry visited her doctor, only to be diagnosed with a “really bad case of herpes.” This unexpected news led to a stressful period where she and Hunt questioned how she could have contracted the virus.
For 72 hours, the couple played “the blame game,” trying to make sense of the situation. However, a follow-up call from Berry’s doctor revealed that the initial diagnosis was wrong—she did not have herpes.
Finding the Real Cause
Determined to get answers, Berry did her own research and discovered she was suffering from Dry Vagina Syndrome, a symptom of perimenopause.
“This was a defining moment for me,” she said, reflecting on the misdiagnosis. “I realized how little we know about menopause and how doctors sometimes dismiss women’s health issues.”
Berry has since become an advocate for menopause awareness, hoping to help other women navigate this phase of life with more knowledge and support.
Other Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Health Struggles
Berry is not the only public figure to share personal health battles. Many celebrities have spoken out about their medical scares, raising awareness and encouraging others to seek proper treatment:
- Christy Carlson Romano revealed she was accidentally shot in the face while on a clay pigeon shooting trip.
- Amy Schumer learned through online speculation that she had Cushing syndrome, later confirmed by doctors.
- Hailey Bieber suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by a small blood clot traveling to her brain.
- Justin Bieber was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, leading to partial facial paralysis.
- Jamie Foxx shared his recovery journey after suffering a brain bleed and stroke.
- Shailene Woodley opened up about a decade-long health struggle that affected her mobility and mental well-being.
Berry’s story highlights the importance of proper medical evaluation and advocating for one’s health. As more celebrities share their experiences, conversations around misdiagnoses and overlooked health issues continue to grow.
