Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) may sound like a psychological disorder or for some a good thing, but experiencing intense and long lasting genital arousal and orgasms is actually a very harsh medical condition.

But what is this condition?

This condition actually has nothing to do with pleasure. For the people who suffer from this disorder, it greatly affects their personal life. PGAD is not a hypersexual disorder, it is a physical condition that causes many men and women harm. Persistent Genital Arousal Syndrome is associated with constant, spontaneous and intrusive feelings of genital arousal in the absence or conscious sexual thoughts or stimuli.

Here is the working definition of PGAD:

  • Persistent physical arousal in the genital area.
  • In the absence of conscious thoughts of sexual desire or interests.
  • Associated with spontaneous orgasm or feelings that orgasm is imminent and the symptoms not diminished by orgasm.

This condition mostly affects women and can be characterized by an implacable feeling of genital congestion and pelvic pain. Many who live with PGAD have learned what triggers these sudden flare-ups of intense pain. Triggers may vary from bumpy train rides to inserting a tampon to wearing stilettos (which offsets the balance of the pelvis). All of these things can cause extreme genital sensitivity.

The symptoms for PGAD can vary from person to person, but the general consensus is that it causes pain and discomfort.

The cause of this disorder isn’t necessarily known, but according to a recent report by Dr. David Goldmeier, a specialist in sexual medicine, PGAD is related to a number of different conditions — from compression of the pudendal nerve (the one that carries sensation around your genitalia) to pre-existing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. However, there are no clear signs or studies to prove what causes this disorder.

The men and women who suffer from these conditions don’t have any straight answers on what will resolve their pain. Certain medications associated with anxiety and depression have been prescribed to PGAD sufferers. Most medications lessen the symptoms, but in no way cure the disorder. In fact, PGAD has only recently been classed in medical literature as a distinct syndrome. This disorder is quite rare, but the men and women affected by it suffer a great deal.

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