Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is a condition characterized by unrelenting, spontaneous, unwanted, and uncontainable genital arousal. According to a 2020 study which looked at men and women in the US and Canada, it was found that 1.1% to 4.3% of males and 0.6% to 2.7% of females reported moderate to high frequency symptoms of PGAD.

There are many possible causes of this syndrome including post gynecologic surgeries, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, Tarlov cysts, chronic pelvic pain, and pudendal neuralgia. To address this condition thoroughly a team approach is important, including medical management, pelvic health physical therapy, and often a mental health professional, as this condition can be very distressing.

Pelvic health physical therapy plays a key role in addressing any muscle or nerve impairment that might be contributing to unwanted symptoms, and will work to calm and desensitize the central nervous system, which is often a contributing factor to the dysfunction. Pelvic health physical therapists are specialists in this region of the body and despite the complexity of this condition, will be there to support, guide, and advocate for patients living with PGAD.