Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), originally called persistent sexual arousal syndrome (PSAS), is spontaneous, persistent, unwanted and uncontrollable genital arousal in the absence of sexual stimulation or sexual desire, and is typically not relieved by orgasm. Instead, multiple orgasms over hours or days may be required for relief. It has been compared to priapism in male and female genitalia. PGAD is rare and is not well understood. There is concern that the title may be misleading because, since the genital arousal is unwanted, it is dubious to characterize it as arousal.
Signs and symptoms
Physical arousal caused by PGAD can be very intense and persist for extended periods, days, weeks or years at a time. The symptoms may result from sexual activity or from no identified stimulus, and are not relieved by a single orgasm; instead, multiple strong orgasms over hours, days, or weeks are needed for short term relief. Women and men and has been compared to priapism in men. Surgical treatment was effective in this instance.
Diagnosis
The following five criteria must be met by patients in order to be diagnosed with PGAD:
- Typical physiological responses from sexual arousal persist for an extended amount of time and do not cease on their own
- Feelings of arousal remain even after orgasm or multiple orgasms are needed to lessen the arousal
- Arousal is experienced without desire or sexual excitement
- Arousal occurs with both sexual and non-sexual stimuli or with no stimuli
- Symptoms are intrusive, unwanted, and cause distress
Treatment
Because PGAD has only been researched since 2001, there is little documenting what may cure or remedy the disorder.
Having a team of professionals such as a medical provider, a pelvic floor physical therapist, massage therapist and sex therapist has been shown to aid patients. One study found that, after working with professionals, patients felt validated, listened to, and that their sexual function had improved. Although online surveys have indicated that hundreds of women and men
History
The earliest references to PGAD may be Greek descriptions of hypersexuality (previously known as "satyriasis" and "nymphomania"), which confused persistent genital arousal with sexual insatiability.
Impact on mental health
Women and men Most people that suffer from PGAD report having to masturbate 6, 20 or even more times a day and may have to use many types of sexual devices to experience any type of relief from symptoms. Many people are afraid to leave their homes due to fears that PGAD symptoms may flare up while in public and they will not be able to wait until they are able to relieve themselves.
Before the start of their PGAD, many women were seen to have higher stress scores as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety.