Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder typically develop symptoms of spontaneous arousal suddenly. Often times they are confused and unsure of what is going on. They typically try to see their primary care doctor or make an urgent care appointment soon after the onset, to figure out what is happening to them. More times than not, the doctor or nurse practitioner they see, has no idea what is going on based on their description. If they see a general internist they may be referred to a Gynecologist or even a psychiatrist.
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Treat Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, Not Its Symptoms
Sometimes they are given lidocaine cream to numb their symptoms, which does not treat the problem, but only mask it. Most medical professionals we speak to, have no idea what it is and often think it is a hyper-sexuality disorder or laugh and say how that sounds like a “good problem”. Unfortunately, with the little literature out there, patients often feel helpless and discouraged. The truth of the matter is, persistent genital arousal disorder is unwanted, unpleasant and disruptive for every single woman that has it.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.9″]A quick google search of PGAD, brings up limited articles, most of which do not give any hope for treatment. The reality is most women who do have this condition, do not want to talk about it, out of fear of what others may think. Women with PGAD may not realize the causes which could be pudendal neuralgia, repetitive stress to the groin area, weening off anti-depressants, or a Tarlov cyst. Women suffering with PGAD have no support groups or outlets to discuss their condition and often leads to anxiety and depression.
Pudendal Neuralgia Repetitive Stress to Groin Area Weening off Anti Depressant – Tarlov Cyst
Treatment options for Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder
However, there is treatment for PGAD, and we have had success with treating our patients with PGAD depending on the chronicity of their symptoms. It is important for women with persistent genital arousal disorder to know that there are treatments options and that research is being done on this disorder, so they know that this condition isn’t hopeless. Our treatment protocols can range from yoga routines to ultrasound guided trigger point injections but all aim at releasing the compression in the pelvic floor muscles. If you have been diagnosed with PGAD or suffering from its symptoms contact Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine today.
Relevant Publications/Citations
Shrikhande A, Ahmed T, Shrikhande G, Hill C. A Novel, Non-Opiod Based Treatment Approach to Men with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS) Using Ultrasound Guided Nerve Hydrodissection and Pelvic Floor Musculature Trigger Point Injections. The International Continence Society. 2018 Aug. Link to Article.
Walter Frontera, Julie Silver, Thomas Rizzo,Tayyaba Ahmed, Isabel Chan. Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2018 Nov; 4(107): 587-595. Link to Article.
Ahmed T. Interviewee on Pelvic Health Summit – Pelvic Pain and Sexual Health. Pelvic Health Summit. 2018 May. Link to Interview.