2 days ago
Woman, 20, plagued by spontaneous uncontrollable orgasms all day long – and docs are stumped
FOR years a woman experienced uncontrollable and spontaneous orgasms in a rare case that left doctors baffled.
The 20-year-old's symptoms were unrelated to sexual desire and were reported to have severely impaired her daily life.
1
From around the age of 14, the unnamed woman started having sharp "electric sensations" in her groin and pelvic contractions resembling orgasms.
Despite multiple treatments, including treatment for depressive and psychotic symptoms, her orgasms persisted.
She began to believe they were being externally manipulated.
Desperate to get help, the woman finally visited a hospital in China, but her condition had become so severe her orgasmic episodes interrupted her medical interviews.
Neurologists were left clueless after ruling out epilepsy and other neurological disorders through ECG monitoring and other tests.
But when the researchers prescribed antipsychotic medication - specifically risperidone and later olanzapine - her symptoms began to subside.
It was at this point she was diagnosed with persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).
After a few weeks of treatment, her symptoms became infrequent and less severe. Her delusions also improved.
And over time, she was able to return to work and function socially.
When she stopped treatment, her symptoms returned, but as long as she continued taking medication, her condition remained stable.
My partner and I are celibate but I can't stop having orgasms – I have 50 a day and it's actually excruciating
Her case was published in AME Case Reports, with the authors concluding: "Our case suggests that the dopamine system may play an important role in pathological processes involving sensory abnormalities, particularly those involving the central nervous system.
"And the treatment with antipsychotic drugs may be one of the therapeutic directions for PGAD."
PGAD remains a poorly understood condition with no established standard treatment.
It's difficult to pinpoint the exact number of people with PGAD in the UK, but research suggests it's a rare condition, potentially affecting around 1 per cent of women.
The exact cause is unknown, but possible physical causes include nerve damage, spinal abnormalities, or medication side effects.
Experts have suggested PGAD might be triggered by changes in the use of antidepressants or anti- anxiety medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Psychological stress and anxiety may also worsen symptoms.
Some research has proposed PGAD is related to dopamine system dysfunction.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain, that plays a key role in the brain's reward system, motivation, and movement, and can affect arousal.
Excess dopamine activity in certain brain regions, such as the hypothalamus and limbic system, may amplify sexual responses and could theoretically produce symptoms like those seen in PGAD.
The use of dopamine-blocking medications - such as risperidone and olanzapine - may reduce abnormal arousal sensations by dampening the dopamine response.
This case adds support to this hypothesis.
What is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)?
PGAD is when individuals experience sensations of genital arousal (swelling, tingling, throbbing, etc.) without any subjective sexual desire.
Arousal can occur without any obvious trigger and can last for extended periods, sometimes for days or even weeks.
Unlike normal sexual arousal, PGAD symptoms may not subside after orgasm and may require multiple orgasms to achieve temporary relief.
The symptoms can be distressing, causing anxiety, depression, and significant disruption to daily life.
Possible causes and contributing factors
While the exact cause is unknown, experts have suggested the following possible causes...
Neurological factors: Nerve irritation or damage, particularly to the pudendal nerve or other pelvic nerves, is a common area of focus.
Tarlov cysts: These cysts on the sacral nerve root are found in a significant percentage of women with PGAD.
Medications: Certain medications, including some SSRIs and those used for restless legs syndrome, have been linked to PGAD.
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to or exacerbate PGAD symptoms.
Trauma: In some cases, PGAD may be linked to past trauma, particularly sexual abuse, with some researchers suggesting a possible dissociative component.
Treatment
Multidisciplinary approach: Treatment often involves a combination of approaches, including physical therapy, medication, and psychological therapy.
Medications: Pain relievers, nerve medications, and antidepressants may be used to manage symptoms.
Therapy: Addressing potential psychological factors and teaching coping mechanisms can be helpful.
Interventional procedures: In some cases, procedures like nerve blocks or injections to address Tarlov cysts may be considered.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have PGAD.
