Behind this name that can make you fantasize hides a rare and little-known female sexual disorder that alters the quality of life and causes women to suffer psychologically. Persistent or Permanent Genital Arousal Syndrome Causes, Symptoms and Solutions with Urological Surgeon Dr. Charlotte Methorst.
Persistent or Permanent Genital Arousal Syndrome (PGSS) refers to unwanted genital arousal, that is, in the absence of sexual desire or stimulation.
“The woman will feel sensations of excitement and swelling in the labia minora or labia majora, clitoris, vagina or even nipples, which will persist over time. There feeling of orgasm may be imminent when you have no desire to be turned on at the time. Some women will have orgasms spontaneous and involuntary felt as unpleasant, painful and exhausting”explains Dr. Charlotte Methorst.
The exact causes of persistent genital arousal syndrome are not known. Although this disorder has been around for a very long time, it was only really described in the early 2000s and has been studied very little since. “We have noticed that certain diseases were associated with PEMS, such as neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, overactive bladders or restless leg syndromeobserves the urological surgeon. It has also been associated with the taking certain medications such as SRIs (antidepressants) as well as the presence of Tarlov cysts in the sacral roots, i.e. nerves that are close to the spine. In this case, surgical treatment reduced the symptoms in these patients.“.
Persistent Genital Arousal Syndrome appears to occur more during perimenopause. It would therefore be linked to hormones. “Women with an overactive bladder, restless legs syndrome, or genital varicesthat is to say dilated veins in the genital sphere, are also more at risk of developing this syndrome“, adds the specialist.
The genital syndrome has serious repercussions on the daily lives of women who are affected. There suffering is above all psychological since this persistent excitement is experienced as intrusive and worrying. So much so that it pushes some women to suicide. From time to time, orgasm will help reduce the symptoms but it takes several to achieve this. “Women will therefore tend to go more often to their partner at the beginning or to masturbate more often than usual to try to reduce the symptoms.“, specifies Dr. Charlotte Methorst. On the other hand, there are certain patients in whom orgasm will not bring any relief. Ultimately, women will avoid sexuality because in addition to reactivating the symptoms, we have no don’t want to have sex when you’re not feeling well.
Persistent genital arousal syndrome is extremely rare, it affects only 1% of women therefore it has been studied very little. “It is estimated that there are about fifty articles on the subject in the world literature so it is a bit complicated to find a practitioner. Neurologists, gynecologists, urologists and some general practitioners will be able to take an interest in pathology but more than the specialty of the practitioner, it is necessary to ensure the interest of the practitioner for this pathology“, emphasizes the urological surgeon.
“We will test different treatments and see what works”
The diagnosis is essentially clinical. The main criterion for establishing the diagnosis is persistent excitement which will last several days or even several weeks. Experienced as intrusive, this excitement occurs outside of any sexual desire and causes great psychological suffering. Another characteristic, orgasms do not reduce excitement. “Of the imaging exams will then be performed to try to find a cause. A Spinal MRI to eliminate Tarlov cysts, a Pelvic MRI to look for a tumor that could compress, veins that could be dilated, an abdominal ultrasound and a hormonal balance“, continues the specialist.
“As with many pathologies for which we do not know the cause, we will test different treatments and see what works.“, analyzes Dr. Charlotte Methorst. In general, the patient’s condition improves after the removal of a Tarlov cyst, embolization of pelvic varices or treatment of an overactive bladder. “Drug treatments such as antidepressants can be tested, but their effects vary from one patient to another: they can improve the symptoms or, on the contrary, increase the disorder. “, nuances the urological surgeon. Sacral electrostimulation can also improve things. Finally, behavioral therapies, relaxation and mindfulness play an important role since they will sometimes make it possible to better accept the disorder.
Thanks to Dr. Charlotte Methorst, urological surgeon.