Symptom Characteristics and Medical History of an Online Sample of Women Who Experience Symptoms of Persistent Genital Arousal

J Sex Marital Ther. 2018 Feb 17;44(2):111-126. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2017.1321598. Epub 2017 May 26.

Abstract

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD; Leiblum & Nathan, 2001 ) is characterized by distressing symptoms suggestive of genital arousal in the absence of subjective feelings of arousal. Although awareness of PGAD is growing, there continues to be a lack of systematic research on it. This study characterized an online sample of women with symptoms of persistent genital arousal (PGA) in terms of their symptom characteristics, medical comorbidities, symptom triggers, management strategies, and predictors of distress. Women reported diverse PGA symptoms, with almost half reporting painful symptoms, and most reported very high distress and negative emotions. Further research and awareness of PGA are needed to provide effective care for this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arousal*
  • Chronic Pain / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Disclosure
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / complications
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / psychology*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / complications
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women's Health
  • Young Adult