What is persistent genital arousal?
Persistent genital arousal disorder is a rare, highly undesirable and distressing sexual dysfunction associated with the excessive and continuous stimulation and swelling of the genitals, even when the person has no sexual desire. It is a problem described during recent years and often seems paradoxical, because it is not about women’s difficulty to get aroused, but about persistent arousal. This is a problem that sufferers describe as a monster of medical conditions and may become so annoying to lead to suicidal thoughts or even attempts. Persistent arousal usually does not go away after orgasm, and in some patients the intensity is periodic or cyclic and in others it’s daily and intensified in various moments of the day. Stress is one factor that seems to exacerbate the symptoms. Although it’s a condition first described in women, we now know that it is also occurs to men men, were arousal leading to orgasm causes unwanted ejaculation at times when the person does not have sexual desire. Its causes have not yet been identified, although some research groups have suggested biological mechanisms involved and possible ways to manage them.
How do sufferers experience the problem?
Usually they hide the problem, because they fear that if they discuss it they will be humiliated and considered sex addicts. Women often report that the problem led them to social isolation because they spend much time at home, to avoid anything that might enhance their problem. Driving, e.g., causes vibrations that can create additional problems and therefore
avoided. Tight clothes may also be avoided, including underwear, since anything touching the genital area causes exacerbation of the disorder.
Often, even walking creates exacerbation, and a woman may be unable to do even the minimum daily housework, so they stay still for hours in bed. Generally the disorder creates isolation, shame and a sense of humiliation for many women and men patients.
