Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: What is it?

 

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: What is it?

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).

Things happen in a definite order in the bedroom. Things that you touch, smell, see, hear, and feel can all arouse your sexual interest. Your body makes physical adjustments in response. Usually, you also have mental excitement.

However, arousal can occasionally occur spontaneously and without any apparent cause. Even an orgasm or excitement may occur when nothing increases your sexual urges. These alterations may cause you long-term unhappiness. The term "persistent genital arousal disorder" describes this illness.

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: What is it?

It's uncommon to have persistent general arousal disorder, or PGAD. It's also known as restless genital syndrome. Women are nearly always impacted. Men have been the subject of very few reported cases.

Other arousal issues make it difficult for you to become excited. With PGAD, you experience sudden, continuous excitement. Your arousal is beyond your control. The feelings return quickly, even if you force yourself to experience an orgasm.

Contrary to hypersexuality, which is characterized by constant thoughts of sex or difficulty controlling one's sexual conduct, persistent genital arousal disease is not like that. Even when you're not thinking about sex, you get aroused when you have PGAD.

Signs and symptoms
Usually, being sexually aroused involves using all of your senses. You are affected by things that you see, hear, or feel. However, PGAD causes you to become aroused even when there isn't anything that makes you feel lustful.
Increased blood flow to the vaginal area, which results in the clitoris swelling and the genital area pounding, is one of the feelings associated with arousal. Moreover, vaginal secretions rise. The emotions may last for several days, weeks, or even hours.

A little respite may be experienced during an orgasm, but the symptoms soon return. It can be difficult to simply sit down or focus since the feelings can be so intense. Leg, buttock, or pelvic pain are possible additional symptoms.

The condition is potentially disturbing, just like any sexual issue. Relationships may suffer as a result. It's possible that you feel too ashamed to discuss it with your doctors. Additionally, this may result in anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Reasons
Researchers are currently trying to identify every potential cause of PGAD. It's connected to:
. Psychological issues, such as tension
.Adverse effects of medications including antidepressants
. Infections of the genitalia
. Pelvic problems
Changes in hormones, such as the cessation or initiation of hormone therapy during menopause
According to recent studies, nerves might be involved. Cysts, or sacs filled with fluid, were seen on the nerves close to the base of the spine in a number of female patients. One individual had a herniated disc, while another had a spinal cord abnormality.

Identification
Your physician will examine you physically and assess you psychologically. They will interview you about your symptoms and discuss your medical and sexual history with you.

Tests are typically performed to measure the amounts of hormones in your blood. A unique test that gauges blood flow to your genitalia both before and after you're aroused will probably also be performed to you. Your doctor may use a tampon-sized device that measures the volume of blood circulating in your vaginal wall using light as one method of doing this.

Tests such as an MRI, CT scan, or EEG may also be performed in order to rule out neurological conditions as the source of your symptoms. The physician will undertake a check-up for disorders such as Tourette's syndrome, overactive bladder, epilepsy, and restless legs syndrome.

The diagnosis of PGAD is predicated on arousal that:
. Lasts for hours, days, or longer and doesn’t go away easily
. Doesn’t end with orgasms
. Is intrusive or unwanted
. Isn’t triggered by sexual activity
. Causes distress

Handling
Your doctor will treat the issue if they are able to identify the exact cause. For instance, you might have to stop taking a prescription that's making your symptoms worse or have a cyst removed. In the event that the precise cause is unknown, they will concentrate on treating your symptoms.

Treatment options include:
. Pelvic massage
. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
. Biofeedback
. Anxiety treatment, including therapy    and antidepressants
. Topical numbing medications
. Ice or ice baths
. Acupressure
. Pain medications
. Muscle relaxants
. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit
. Anti-seizure medications