Things normally happen in a specific order in the bedroom. What you feel, see, smell, touch, and hear makes you sexually aroused. Physical changes occur as a result of your body’s response. You usually become mentally excited as well.
But what about when, for no apparent reason, you become aroused? Nothing triggers your sexual feelings or sensors, yet you become excited and even have an orgasm. These changes can be frustrating and long-term and are known as persistent genital arousal disorder.
What Is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder?
Persistent general arousal disorder (PGAD) is uncommon. It’s also known as a restless genital syndrome. Women are almost exclusively affected—only a few cases in men have been reported.
Other arousal disorders stem from a difficulty to be stimulated. With PGAD, you are constantly and abruptly excited. You have no control over your arousal. Even if you force yourself to have an orgasm, the feelings will return quickly.
Persistent genital arousal disorder is distinct from hypersexuality, which consists of y obsessing over sex or struggling to control your sexual behavior. With PGAD, you are aroused even when you’re not thinking about sex.
Symptoms
Sexual arousal usually necessitates the activation of your senses. You feel, hear, or see things that make you happy. However, with PGAD, you become aroused even when nothing is triggering your desire.
Arousal is characterized by increased blood flow to the genital area, which causes the clitoris to swell and the genital area to throb and pound. Vaginal secretions rise as well. The symptoms can last for hours, days, or weeks.
An orgasm can provide temporary relief, but the symptoms quickly return. The spasms can be so intense that it can be difficult to sit down or concentrate. You may also experience pain in your pelvis, buttocks, or legs. Other PGAD symptoms include:
- Genital pain and discomfort
- A tingling clitoris
- Vaginal contractions and lubrication
The condition, like any sexual issue, can be upsetting. Relationships may suffer as a result. You may be too embarrassed to discuss it with your doctors. This can also result in depression and anxiety.
Causes
Doctors are still trying to figure out the possible causes of PGAD. It has been associated with:
- Stress and/or other psychological issues
- Side effects of medications, such as antidepressants
- Infections of the genitalia
- Pelvic problems
- Hormonal changes, including the discontinuation or restart of hormone therapy after menopause
Recent research suggests that nerves may be involved. Several women with the condition were found to have cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on their nerves near the base of their spine in one study. Another had a herniated disc, and another had a spinal cord defect.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a physical examination as well as a psychological evaluation. They will ask you about your medical and sexual history, as well as your symptoms.
Hormone levels in your blood will usually be tested. You will almost certainly be subjected to a special test that measures blood flow to your genitals before and after you’ve been aroused. A tampon-sized device that uses light to detect the amount of blood circulating inside your vaginal wall is one way your doctor might do this.
You may also undergo tests such as an EEG, CT scan, or MRI to rule out any neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. The doctor will examine you for conditions such as epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome, restless legs syndrome, and overactive bladder.
The criteria for a PGAD diagnosis includes:
- Feeling physical sensations of sexual arousal (increased blood flow and pressure in genitals) but without desire
- Feeling the onset of symptoms because of a sexual trigger, a non-sexual trigger, or no trigger
- Experiencing arousal symptoms in genitals for several hours or days without relief
- Symptoms that do not resolve after one or even multiple orgasms
- Experiencing distress because of the symptoms
Treatment
Your doctor will treat you if a specific cause can be identified. For example, you may require cyst removal or discontinuation of a medication that is causing your symptoms. If they are unsure of the exact cause, they will concentrate on treating your symptoms.
Treatment options for PGAD include:
- Massage of the groin
- Cognitive therapy based on mindfulness
- Biofeedback
- Treatment for anxiety, including therapy and antidepressants
- Numbing creams for the skin
- Ice cubes or ice baths
- Acupressure
- Medication for pain
- Relaxants for the muscles
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit
- Medication to prevent seizures
Outlook
Doctors are continuing to work to understand more about the causes of PGAD and the treatments for the disorder. Sometimes just getting a diagnosis and knowing that your condition has a name can alleviate stress and uncertainty. Collaborating with your doctor is the first step toward symptom relief and determining the cause.