Physical Therapy Treatment of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder During Pregnancy: A Case Report

Introduction. Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is described as the spontaneous, intrusive, and unwanted genital arousal in the absence of sexual interest and desire. Whether the etiology of this disorder is essentially central or peripheral is unclear; however, a presenting symptom may be persistent engorgement of genital erectile and vascular tissue. Aim. To describe a case of a distressed 27 year old pregnant woman with symptoms consistent with PGAD, and the intervention leading to the resolution of symptoms. Methods. A patient with symptoms of PGAD was assessed. Information regarding this condition was offered. A manual therapy treatment was provided to decrease muscle hypertonus near the pudendal nerve, and a home intervention was suggested. Results. Complete resolution of symptoms per patient's report 1 week later. Conclusion. Treatment with pelvic floor manual therapy directed at the pudendal nerve may provide safe and significant relief from PGAD symptoms in a pregnant woman patient. Rosenbaum TY. Physical therapy treatment of persistent genital arousal disorder during pregnancy: A case report. J Sex Med 2010;7:1306-1310.