Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, also known as PGAD, may sound uncommon, but it is a real and distressing condition affecting those who experience it. Another name for this disorder is Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS).
Women with PGAD encounter unwelcome genital sexual arousal sensations without any desire or genital stimulation. Unfortunately, this condition offers only brief relief after orgasm and intrudes upon one's daily life.
PGAD is generally regarded as rare, but its exact prevalence remains uncertain. It has been reported in women across all age groups, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, menopausal status, or educational background.
How is PGAD diagnosed?
To diagnose PGAD, five distinct criteria must be met:
Prolonged genital arousal lasting from hours to months.
Absence of any other known cause for genital arousal.
Genital arousal unrelated to sexual desire.
Unwanted and intrusive nature of the arousal sensations, accompanied by distress.
Persistence of arousal sensations to some degree even after orgasm.
The element of distress is crucial in diagnosing PGAD, as some women may experience genital arousal sensations but not find them distressing or unwanted, making them not meet the criteria for PGAD.
What Does PGAD Feel Like?
Many women find it challenging to articulate the sensation, but they unanimously agree that it is unpleasant. Common descriptors include congestion, swelling, tingling, wetness, throbbing, itching, numbness, burning, vibration, or restlessness in the clitoris, vagina, labia, pelvis, or upper legs. Approximately one in three women finds these sensations physically painful.
Common triggers include physical stimulation (intercourse or masturbation), psychological stress or anxiety, pressure on the genitals (sitting on hard surfaces or cycling), vibrations from vehicles, or erotic visual stimuli. Some women note symptom exacerbation at night when vaginal blood flow increases.
What are some coping strategies?
Women utilise various strategies to alleviate these unwanted sensations, such as masturbation, orgasm, distraction, intercourse, exercise, or cold compresses. However, relief is often temporary or partial. It's essential to understand that increased sexual arousal in PGAD doesn't equate to heightened sexual desire. In fact, satisfaction with sexual activity is often lower in women with PGAD.
What Causes PGAD?
In most cases, the cause of PGAD remains unknown even after careful assessment. However, some conditions have been associated with PGAD:
Restless Legs Syndrome
Overactive Bladder
History of Sexual Abuse
Depression
Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Pudendal Neuralgia
Various neurological diseases.
What can help?
Simple measures include avoiding tight clothing, prolonged sitting, or cycling
Pelvic health therapist may be able to address any tension in pelvic floor muscles
Some women find relief through masturbation and repeated orgasms
Relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.
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