A Comparison of Medical Comorbidities, Psychosocial, and Sexual Well-being in an Online Cross-Sectional Sample of Women Experiencing Persistent Genital Arousal Symptoms and a Control Group

Background: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is characterized by symptoms of distressing physiological sexual arousal (Persistent genital arousal [PGA] symptoms such as genital vasocongestion, sensitivity, or both) that occur in the absence of sexual desire. There continues to be a lack of systematic research on this condition. Little is known about the common medical comorbidities and psychological, sexual, or relationship well-being of individuals who experience PGA symptoms.

Aims: To compare these biopsychosocial factors in an age-matched sample of women with and without symptoms of PGA. A secondary aim was to examine what symptom factors (associated distress, symptom severity) and cognitive factors (eg, catastrophizing of vulvar sensations) were associated with psychosocial outcomes in women with symptoms of PGA.

Methods: Age-matched samples of women with (n = 72) and without (n = 72) symptoms of PGA completed a comprehensive online survey.

Main outcome measures: Participants self-reported their medical histories and completed validated measures of psychosocial functioning (depressive and anxiety symptoms, catastrophizing of vulvar sensations, sexual functioning and distress, and relationship functioning).

Results: Women with symptoms of PGAD reported significantly greater depressive and anxiety symptoms, sexual distress, and suicidal ideation, as well as significantly poorer relationship functioning than women without PGA symptoms. Catastrophizing of vulvar sensations was related to PGA symptom ratings (greater severity, distress) and psychosocial outcomes (greater depression, anxiety, and sexual distress).

Clinical implications: The results of this study highlight medical and psychosocial difficulties associated with PGA symptoms, which should be assessed and addressed as essential components of treatment.

Strengths & limitations: This study seeks to address the paucity of research on the well-being of women with PGA symptoms by undertaking a comparison of age-matched samples using validated questionnaires. This study is limited by its self-report, cross-sectional design.

Conclusion: PGA symptoms are associated with significant health and psychological difficulties. These results highlight the need for continued research in this area to improve identification and treatment for this population. Jackowich RA, Poirier É, Pukall CF. A Comparison of Medical Comorbidities, Psychosocial, and Sexual Well-being in an Online Cross-Sectional Sample of Women Experiencing Persistent Genital Arousal Symptoms and a Control Group. J Sex Med 2020;17:69-82.