Persistent genital arousal disorder

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is characterized by sensations of physiological genital arousal that occur in the absence of psychological sexual desire. The primary symptom characteristic of PGAD is the presence of persistent, intrusive, and unwanted sensations of genital arousal. The genital arousal is typically localized to the labia minora and/or majora, the clitoris, and the region above the pubic bone. The presence of distress is a necessary criterion for the diagnosis of PGAD, and it is often what leads individuals to seek treatment. Individuals with PGAD often experience a high degree of associated psychosocial impairment. The healthcare experiences of individuals with PGAD appear to share many similarities with what has been reported for other forms of genital discomfort (such as vulvodynia). The etiology of the condition remains unknown. In terms of biological factors, both central nervous system and peripheral nervous system factors have been cited as potential contributors to PGAD