Symptoms of Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS)
Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome should not be confused with hypersexuality (sometimes known as nymphomania) where the woman displays a compulsive sexual desire and need for sex.
Symptoms of Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS) or Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) in women include -
- Genital and breast vasocongestion (sudden and increased rush of blood) and sensitivity, setting off a highly distracting tingling sensation in the genital areas that persist for a lengthy period of time—sometimes for days, weeks and even months with little relief even after dozens of orgasms.
- All women who report suffering from persistent sexual arousal syndrome find it unwanted, uncomfortable and distressing and get only temporary relief with orgasm.
- Though the sexual arousal happens for some women round the clock (except while asleep) for no reason at all, even non-sexual stimuli such as riding in an automobile or train, mobile phone vibrations or even using the toilet are said to spike the syndrome unbearably.
- Though it can affect women of any age, some doctors observe that the patients are mainly post-menopausal women in their 40s and 50s or women who have taken hormonal treatment and that it could be the result of an irregularity in sensory nerves.
- Often the symptoms happen after surgery of bladder or brain surgery.
- In some patients the simple up and down movement of legs can cause arousal.
Each patient may face a different trigger that causes the arousal. In a few, being on progesterone therapy can act as a trigger for the syndrome. Some patients describe the arousal as ‘throbbing’ and others as ‘completely insatiable’ and describe it as ‘dreadful’ and become so bothered that they are almost suicidal.
A patient of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) said – ‘I spend day after day -masturbating and showering and masturbating and showering.’
