Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genitopelvic Dysesthesia

Abstract

Persistent genital arousal disorder/genitopelvic dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is a distressing condition characterized by persistent or recurrent, unwanted, or intrusive sensations of genital arousal that occur in the absence of subjective feelings of sexual desire that persist for at least 3 months. Despite its negative psychosocial impact, including high levels of suicidal ideation, it is not well known by most health care providers and can easily be misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed. This paper describes a detailed biopsychosocial regional algorithm for the assessment and management of PGAD/GPD and draws attention to the need for multidisciplinary approaches to its effective management.