Doctors in China are baffled after meeting a young woman living with an incredibly rare and life-altering condition — Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD).
The symptoms have been debilitating for the young woman (Getty Stock Image)
For most people, orgasms are linked to sexual pleasure. But for this 20-year-old, who has been dealing with the symptoms since she was 14, the experience is far from enjoyable. In fact, it’s been completely debilitating, impacting her education, work, relationships, and mental health.
What Is PGAD?
PGAD is a medical condition where the body experiences persistent genital arousal without sexual desire or stimulation. Unlike normal arousal, PGAD doesn’t feel pleasurable — it’s often described as pressure, throbbing, burning, itching, or even pins and needles.
Doctors are still searching for answers for the cause of PGAD (Getty Stock Image)
The Cleveland Clinic explains that desire is a key part of healthy sexual arousal. Without it, the sensations can feel intrusive and exhausting, especially when relief is unpredictable.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
The woman’s symptoms first appeared in her early teens. Alongside the constant sensitivity, she began to believe others could read her thoughts — leading to hospitalization for depression and psychosis.
Despite trying anti-epileptic and psychiatric medications, nothing seemed to work. Neurologists ruled out epilepsy, and scans showed no structural abnormalities. Finally, specialists at the Peking University Sixth Hospital diagnosed her with PGAD — a condition first officially described in 2001 and still largely misunderstood.
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Why Does PGAD Happen?
The exact cause remains unknown, but researchers have linked it to:
- Nerve damage or spinal abnormalities
- Medication changes — particularly with antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs (SSRIs or SNRIs)
- Neurotransmitter imbalances, especially dopamine, which affects arousal and reward systems
Some people also experience PGAD symptoms after stopping certain medications suddenly.
Living With PGAD
While PGAD affects around 1% of women in the U.S., experts believe it’s under-diagnosed because many are too embarrassed to speak about it. Unfortunately, there’s currently no known cure, but treatments may focus on managing triggers, mental health support, and pain relief.
For this young woman, the journey continues. Her case serves as a reminder that sexual health issues aren’t always about pleasure — and that awareness and compassion are crucial for conditions that can’t be “seen” but can deeply affect someone’s life.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult a qualified expert before making decisions based on this information.
