Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), also named Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS) is a disease represented by spontaneous, unprovoked, intrusive and persistent sensations of genital arousal (often accompanied by breast congestion), with or without orgasm or genital engorgement/swelling/lubrication, unrelieved by one or several orgasms, but not connected to a higher sex drive (patients are annoyed by this arousal) are rather likely to experience psychological conditions than pleasure.

PGAD has nothing to do with hypersexuality (nymphomania). Women reported to have PGAD experience depression, panic attacks, shame, embarrassment, frustration, guilt, anxiety, isolation, feelings of helplessness, vulnerability and sadness, being awakened in the morning by hot flashes and a feeling of a lack of normality. They usually feel the experience of spontaneous orgasms which are not brought on by sexual stimulation and are intense. PGAD patients often show a history of sexual victimization.

How to Treat PGAD Syndrome?

1. Psycho-education and support. Knowing that PGAD syndrome patients are not alone in their experiences. The support group psas-support is an important resource for anyone living with PGAD.

 2. Identifying triggers. For some women, certain triggers make the pain brought by PGAD syndrome worse. Discovering what the triggers are can make it easier to avoid them.

3. Medications. Given that some medications may be related to onset of PGAD  syndrome for some women, it is understandable that they may not want to pursue treatment. On the other hand, the experience can be so distressing that some women will take a “whatever works” approach. No single medications are recommended, and doctors suggest that finding one that works is a process of trial and error to be done with your physician.

4. Pelvic massage. Stretching and pelvic massage which can relax the pelvic floor muscles and increase awareness of stress and tension, may help in reducing pain. A physiotherapist or other healthcare practitioner with experience in pelvic issues may provide some help in this area.