Persistent genital arousal disorder - the present knowledge

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a relatively recently described sexual disorder, characterized by symptoms of spontaneous genital arousal which persist in the absence of sexual desire and may affect women and men. Epidemiological studies conducted so far indicate that the prevalence of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPsychiatria polska Vol. 56; no. 6; p. 1203
Main Authors Kapuśniak, Natalia Ewa, Piegza, Magdalena
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Poland 31.12.2022
Subjects
Arousal - physiology
Female
Genitalia - innervation
Humans
Male
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - diagnosis
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - therapy
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - diagnosis
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - etiology
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - therapy
Vulvodynia - complications
restless legs syndrome
persistent genital arousal disorder
restless genital syndrome
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Summary:Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a relatively recently described sexual disorder, characterized by symptoms of spontaneous genital arousal which persist in the absence of sexual desire and may affect women and men. Epidemiological studies conducted so far indicate that the prevalence of PGAD in the population may reach 1-4%. The etiology of PGAD remains unclear and complex, hypothesized causes include vascular, neurological, hormonal, psychological, pharmacologic, dietary, mechanical factors or a combination of these factors. Proposed methods of treatment include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, hypnotherapy, injection of botulinum toxin, pelvic floor physical therapy, application of anesthetizing agents, reduction of identifiable factors exacerbating the symptoms, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. There is no standardized treatment algorithm for PGAD due to lack of clinical trials (evidence-based medicine). The classification of PGAD is under discussion: it could be classified as a separate sexual disorder, a subtype of vulvodynia or a disorder with pathogenesis similar to overactive bladder (OAB) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Due to specificity of symptoms, patients may feel shame and discomfort during the examination or even delay reporting symptoms to the specialist. Thus, it is crucial to spread knowledge about this disorder, which would allow doctors to diagnose and help PGAD patients sooner.
ISSN:2391-5854