Recently I saw a patient with an interesting and peculiar complaint: she felt constant clitoral arousal that lead to pressure that she could not relieve. It was leading to anxiety and disrupting her life and activities. Even after achieving orgasm from masturbation, she would still sense the clitoris to be stimulated.

It was fortuitous that I read about this condition about 3 months before I saw the patient in the office. It is a little known condition that was first described in 2001. It is a problem of genital arousal, not sexual arousal. Patients will experience tingling, pressure, irritation, congestion, throbbing, pain or vaginal contractions. Only sometimes can sexual intercourse or masturbating alleviate the sensation. In a recent Dutch study, there appears to be a correlation between PGAD, overactive bladder and anxiety.

In my patient’s case, as is described for PGAD, the patient felt genital/clitoral arousal the entire day; it was unwanted and intrusive to her life; it was triggered by non-sexual activity (she had a UTI that preceded it); it lead to distress; it was not associated with a psychological condition. Because of the problem, her anxiety level is raised which leads to a vicious cycle of worsening the condition.

What are considered to be the triggers for PGAD?
Sexual stimulation
Masturbation
Stress
Anxiety
Loss
Menses

What can exacerbate the condition?
Pressure against the genitals
Visual arousal
Vibration (car, motor)
Stimulation by partner
Intercourse
PMS
Genitals becoming too hot
Riding a bicycle/horse

There is no specific treatment since the cause remains vague. Psychosocial support and defining the condition helps to create some knowledge that such a condition exists. Intercourse or orgasm may bring some temporary relief. Ice or topical anesthetics can help reduce swelling and sensation. Pelvic massage or stretching exercises may help. Mood stabilizing medication is empiric and may or may not help, especially if there is underlying anxiety or depression. Anxiety-reducing coping skills and activities can lead to distraction and may be useful.

Thus far, topical anesthetics have brought my patient some relief.