Persistent genital arousal disorder is a condition in which a woman experiences persistent and usually unwanted sexual arousal. Women with this disorder generally become aroused without any provocation or physical contact. Interestingly, sex and orgasms don't seem to ease arousal, and some women with the condition say it only makes things worse. Many of these women report that near-constant sexual arousal distracts and interferes with their daily routines. Others report having spontaneous orgasms that are embarrassing or upsetting.
While it does not occur in all women with persistent genital arousal disorder, some women with this disorder have uncontrollable orgasms. This can be caused by the disorder or related to another condition that the woman has at the same time. When this symptom occurs, a woman can reach orgasm even if she has not been stimulated and is not thinking about sex. For example, some women report experiencing uncontrollable orgasms while brushing their teeth or hugging family members. This is often a source of embarrassment and distress.
Scientists are not sure what causes this condition, but some suspect that the disorder is related to the anxiety a woman may experience. Others theorize that it is related to a victim's fear that episodes of pain may reoccur. There is even some evidence to suggest that the problem may be related to seizures in some women.
People are often unsure how to treat persistent genital arousal disorder. In some cases, masturbation can provide temporary relief, but the arousal seems to return fairly quickly. In fact, some women with the condition report that arousal is more intense after having an orgasm by other methods. Others report that they find it increasingly difficult to have orgasms that are not caused by the disorder. These women theorize that their genitals become somewhat numb to the touch as a result of the disorder and frequent masturbation.
Some victims may respond to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are generally prescribed as antidepressants. They work by interfering with the reabsorption of a brain chemical called serotonin. This helps alter the reception and sending of chemical messages in the brain. Also, the disorder resolves spontaneously in some women.
In some cases, women report that they like the feeling of arousal caused by the disorder and may not see the need for treatment. Persistent arousal is generally only considered a disorder or syndrome when it is unwanted or interferes with normal relationships and events.