What Is PGAD?

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Very often, patients have approached medical health professionals who have not heard of persistent genital arousal, and oftentimes their symptoms are dismissed. PGAD is a real disease and must be treated by professionals who have experience treating those who suffer with it.

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Quick Answer

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), also known as restless genital syndrome or persistent sexual arousal syndrome, is a condition characterized by unwanted, spontaneous, and persistent sensations of genital arousal that occur without sexual desire or stimulation. Symptoms may include genital tingling, pressure, throbbing, sensitivity, discomfort, or unwanted orgasmic sensations that can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Potential contributing factors include pelvic floor muscle tension, pudendal nerve irritation, Tarlov cysts, gynecologic conditions, repetitive stress, and changes associated with discontinuing certain antidepressant medications. Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine evaluates pelvic nerves, muscles, medical history, and symptoms to identify possible contributing factors. The PRM Protocol™, an office-based treatment approach, targets pelvic nerve irritation, inflammation, and spastic pelvic floor muscles that may contribute to PGAD symptoms. A specialist evaluation can help determine an individualized treatment plan.

What is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder? Symptoms Causes Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatments FAQ

Understanding PGAD & Pelvic Pain

What is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder?

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, also known as PGAD Restless Genital Syndrome or Persistent Genital Arousal Syndrome, is a condition characterized by unrelenting, spontaneous, and uncontainable genital arousal. Arousal symptoms feel unbidden, intrusive, uninvited, and unwanted, and the symptoms cause distress.

PGAD in Men & Women

What Causes Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder?

While there are a number of causes for PGAD, it is important to understand that persistent genital arousal can be associated with underlying disorders:

It is also thought that pinching, compressing, or irritating a nerve called the pudendal nerve, which helps you feel sensations around your genitals, may cause PGAD.

Pelvic floor dysfunction
Chronic pelvic pain
Certain medications
Gynecological Disorders
Neurological Disorders
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Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Risk Factors

Although the causes of persistent genital arousal can commonly be traced back to pelvic floor conditions, there are other conditions and lifestyle factors that can increase both a man’s and a woman’s chance of developing PGAD.

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    Gynecologic disorders

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    Pudendal Neuralgia

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    Repetitive Stress

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    Weaning off antidepressants

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    Tarlov Cyst

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    Post gynecologic surgeries

Do You Think You Have PGAD?

Diagnosing Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Diagnosing PGAD and the issues that are causing it requires an in-depth examination of both the nerves and muscles within the pelvis, learning of your medical history, and getting a full picture of your symptoms and lifestyle.

Here’s what you can expect when you are a patient at Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine:

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    Step One – First, our providers will ask questions about your medical history and listen to your symptoms to get a full picture of what is going on with you.

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    Step Two – Next, an external exam of your hips, abdomen, and posterior sacrum.

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    Step Three – Next, your pelvic nerves are evaluated externally with a soft cotton tip.

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    Step Four – Next, with your consent, gel is placed on a gloved finger and an internal exam is performed to allow us to evaluate the nerves and muscles within the pelvis. There is no speculum required as we are evaluating the pelvic floor muscles and nerves not the organs.

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    Step Five – Sometimes patients will need Imaging to help us understand if there is an associated cause of the pelvic nerve and muscle pain and dysfunction found on exam.

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    Step Six – Oftentimes, treatment can be started the same day as there is no down time. Our patients have been suffering with pelvic pain symptoms for 6+ months. We like to get them on the road to feeling better as soon as we can as the longer the symptoms are present the harder it is for us to resolve them.

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PRM Protocol™
Men’s Health Services
Nutrition Health Coaching
Behavioral Therapy Techniques

Treatment Options for Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Once a proper diagnosis has been given, we offer a proprietary office-based procedure to treat the underlying causes of PGAD. This treatment consists of a series of pelvic nerve and muscle treatments to directly target the spastic pelvic floor muscles, inflammation in the pelvis, and nerve pain. Depending on the symptoms or condition causing your persistent genital arousal, other modalities may be needed in addition to our treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)?

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) causes unwanted, persistent sensations of genital arousal that occur without sexual desire or stimulation. Symptoms may include genital pressure, tingling, throbbing, sensitivity, discomfort, or unwanted orgasmic sensations. These symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with sleep, work, relationships, and daily activities.

What causes Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)?

PGAD can have several potential contributing factors, including pelvic floor muscle tension, pudendal nerve irritation, Tarlov cysts, gynecologic conditions, repetitive stress or trauma, and changes associated with discontinuing certain antidepressant medications. The underlying cause varies between individuals, so a comprehensive medical evaluation can help identify possible contributors.

How is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder treated at Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine?

Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine evaluates the pelvic nerves and muscles, medical history, and symptoms to identify potential contributors to PGAD. The PRM Protocol™, an office-based treatment approach, targets pelvic nerve irritation, inflammation, and spastic pelvic floor muscles that may contribute to symptoms. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on examination findings and each patient’s needs.

Find Persistent Genital Arousal Pain Relief

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