Oxytocin Could Relieve Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

A study released last week found that persistent genital arousal disorder can cause a variety of other psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is also known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome (PSAS). The PGAD moniker is newer and preferred, because it reflects the latest thinking that this is a problem of genital functioning, rather than of sexual desire. The study's lead author is Sandra Leiblum, Ph.D., former President of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. (I'll write more about her research in the future.)

You wouldn't think they'd need to do a research study to figure out that symptoms such as intense sexual desire that intrudes at inappropriate times, lasts for days and can't be relieved would cause distress.

In our  sexist and hyper-sexual society, this malady isn't taken seriously by  many in the medical establishment, according to Jennifer Berman, an MD and director of the Berman Women’s Wellness Center.  According to this article, 

She argues that the medical establishment—particularly, the Food and Drug Administration—has traditionally not taken female sexual complaints very seriously. Says Dr. Berman, “Their attitude is, ‘Women can’t have orgasms? Who cares? It’s not important!’ But it’s going to be important; it’s a quality of life issue.”

Randall Craig, an endocrinologist in Phoenix, says he's successfully treated two patients with PGAD-like symptoms. He hypothesizes that there are four different types of this disorder, one being "endocrine associated PSAS." According to an undated letter he posted on the PSAS Support Group, it's

characterized by minimal or absent refractory phase after orgasm or by chronically elevated sexual arousal due to a hormone related disorder.  Women in this category would have PSAS beginning at the time of menopause, or would have increased PSAS symptoms during a specific phase of the menstrual cycle (usually for a few days before the onset of the menstrual period).  The three hormones which may play a role in PSAS are progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin.

He suggests that an insufficient oxytocin release after orgasm could be responsible for the lack of relief and the persistent arousal.

According to Dr. Craig's paper,

It is conceivable that an absent or diminished surge of oxytocin would minimize or prevent resolution of pelvic congestion, or the subjective feeling of relief.  Women with oxytocin deficiency may experience very short refractory periods after each orgasm followed by a rapid return of intense sexual arousal requiring another orgasm for relief.  Hundreds of orgasms may be needed to eventually release enough oxytocin to diminish the state of prolonged sexual arousal.

In such cases, Craig says, inhaling oxytocin could alleviate the symptoms of persistent genital arousal. I've sent Dr. Craig an email requesting more information; hopefully, he'll respond.

See also The Amazing Vagus Nerve

Comments

[Debbie]

I can't believe I found a name for this problem I have had since I was a teen. I am 47 years old and I have suffered with this for as long as I can remember. It keeps me awake at night and it is just an ache that won't go away. I have talked to doctors, psychologists, preachers, therapists, and all I get are strange looks and awkwardness. I don't want my sex drive to go away, I just don't want to feel this way 24/7. Please help.

[Susan Kuchinskas]

That's terrible that no doctor has even been sympathetic, let alone helpful. I would try a clinic that specializes in hormones and mood. I know there is one in San Francisco at UCSF. I don't know where you're based, but check with teaching hospitals.

You also could try acupuncture. Ask the acupuncturist to stimulate the "points forbidden in pregnancy."

I hope you can find an informed physician. It is a physical problem, not an emotional one.

[annon]

I've just gone through 5 months with this problem - persistent "intense sensitivity" is how I described it to doctors, but it was all the symptoms of PSAS. My OB/GYN and her team, bright people, had no solutions. Put me through course after course of antibiotics, thinking it might be bactierial vaginosis (which I tested positive for, but so would a lot of women - it is often asymptomatic). These did nothing but cause a yeast infection (more treatment). At the end of it, my PSAS-like symptoms were no better and my doctor just shrugged and said, maybe they'll go away over time.
After two more months of waiting, I asked for a specialist referral and she sent me to Monica Peacocke in NYC, who after listening to symptoms and doing an exam diagnosed it as DIV (desquamative inflammatory vaginitis) which she believes can be brought on my a vitamin D deficiency/parathyroid hormone surplus. She did blood work and, sure enough, my D is low (e.g., below 50 which she believes is a likely cut off for normal membrane functioning). I am starting mega-supplements - prescription level - and hopeful I'll see an improvement. I'm posting this as food for thought...Dr thinks my deficiency may have come on after 3 consecutive pregnancies/breastfeeding. Seems likely to me...

[Susan Kuchinskas]

Vitamin D? That's interesting, thanks for posting the information. I hope this treatment works for you!