In a rare and distressing medical case, a 21-year-old woman from the US is grappling with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), a condition that leaves her in a state of constant arousal without any sexual desire. Scarlet Kaitlin Wallen started experiencing the initial symptoms of this disorder at the tender age of six.
She felt severe ‘pins and needles’ at frequent intervals in her genital area. She underwent several surgeries and treatments to get rid of this condition which leads to challenges and discomfort in her day-to-day life.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Jagriti Varshney, gynaecologist and obstetrician, New Delhi, provides insights into this unusual disorder, shedding light on its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and potential treatments.
What is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder?
PGAD is an uncommon and peculiar condition characterised by prolonged genital arousal without any sexual desire or stimulation. Dr Varshney emphasises that it is distinctly different from hypersexuality, where sexual desire is prominent. Although both men and women can experience PGAD, studies indicate that it predominantly affects women.
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Symptoms of PGAD
Describing the symptoms, Dr Varshney said, “Individuals with PGAD endure a constant feeling of pain or discomfort in the vulva, which includes the clitoris, labia, perineum, and anus. They may experience tingling sensations, involuntary vaginal contractions, and unpredictable orgasms.” Adding, she said, “This condition is often associated with psychiatric disorders, with affected individuals showing high rates of depression, generalised anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.”
Causes of PGAD
According to Dr Varshney, the exact cause of PGAD remains unclear, but several theories exist. Dr. Varshney mentions that it could be due to increased blood flow to the genital region or disturbances in the pudendal nerve, which supplies this area. Ongoing research is investigating these and other potential etiological factors.
Diagnosis of PGAD
Dr Varshney said that diagnosing PGAD involves meeting specific criteria which include:
- Physical sensations of sexual arousal due to increased blood flow and pressure over the genitals, without accompanying desire.
- Onset of symptoms triggered by sexual or non-sexual stimuli, or no trigger at all.
- Continuous arousal symptoms lasting for several hours or days without relief.
- Symptoms persisting despite multiple orgasms.
- Significant distress and quality of life impairment due to these unwanted symptoms.
Treatment Options
Given its rarity, PGAD has limited treatment options. Dr Varshney notes that it is often found in individuals with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Treatment can include:
Medications: Anti-anxiety pills, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, mood stabilisers, and neuropathy medications.
Behavioural Interventions: Cognitive behavioural therapy, distraction techniques, and validation techniques have shown promising results.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy massages and exercises can be beneficial.
Treatment must be individualised, as what works for one patient may not work for another. The focus is on improving quality of life and managing symptoms effectively.
Conclusion
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder is a challenging and poorly understood condition. Increased awareness and continued research are essential to better understand its causes and develop effective treatments. For those affected, seeking help from healthcare professionals and exploring various treatment options can provide relief and improve quality of life.