PGAD comes with social stigma

Dear Dr. Roach: I have persistent genital arousal disorder. I find it difficult to talk about with my doctors and I’ve been openly mocked for it. I find there is a distinct lack of sensitivity in the medical community about this. People like me genuinely suffer in a variety of ways, whether it is from the physical side effects of being constantly aroused and unable to find relief or from the psychological trauma and stress of being aroused in inappropriate situations.

I’ve had humiliating experiences over the years with doctors who have made inappropriate comments like, “How is this a bad thing?” or from accusations of being some kind of sexual deviant during annual pelvic exams.

People with PGAD are not sexual deviants. We do not enjoy our condition. It’s physically painful, disruptive to our everyday lives and embarrassing. It would be sincerely appreciated if you could spread some awareness about PGAD so that sufferers like myself can have a more trusting relationship with our providers. — Anon.

Answer: I appreciate your writing, as I think most people are not familiar with this condition.

PGAD is a state of sexual arousal that is unrelated to desire and unrelieved by sexual intercourse. It is triggered by physical stimuli, such as traveling in a car, or by psychological stimuli, especially anxiety. Many describe the symptoms as painful.

There is no single treatment that is effective for everyone with PGAD. Counseling and medication are used. Cold packs or cold baths have been helpful for some.

If there is a take-home message, it’s that people with this condition shouldn’t feel bad about it and shouldn’t feel embarrassed about it. There are ways to help, but recognizing the condition is the first step.