EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01HRS GMT FRIDAY 24 MARCH 2006
Persistent genital arousal in women, doctors uncover new syndrome
Doctors have identified a new sexual condition affecting women.
Tentatively labelled Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome, its primary symptom is relatively constant, unrelieved feelings of genital arousal in the absence of genuine sexual interest or desire.
Writing in the International Journal of STD & AIDS [published by the Royal Society of Medicine], David Goldmeier and Sandra Leiblum said PSAS in women had been unrecognised until now.
“Persistent sexual arousal syndrome occurs when a woman becomes involuntarily aroused for extended periods of time in the absence of sexual desire,”said Dr Goldmeier.
“This genital arousal is highly distressing as it is unprovoked and unrelieved by orgasm,”he said.
The study said it was unclear what the causes of PSAS were although a link to antidepressants has not been ruled out. Clinical observations of the condition have found evidence of engorgement and oedema of the labia, vulva and clitoris.
“Due to the reluctance of women to come forward we are unsure how common the problem is,”said Dr Goldmeier.
“Many women feel embarrassed to talk about the symptoms and those that have come forward have reported a high degree of distress and even sometimes, suicidal thoughts,”he said.
A recent internet survey by Dr Leiblum suggests women with PSAS come from a range of backgrounds and age groups.
“Much remains to be elucidated in regard to PSAS including its prevalence, aetiology and management,”they write.
“It deserves continued research not only since it is such a distressing and perplexing condition, but also because understanding its aetiology and treatment may lead to greater understanding of other aspects of female sexual response.”
Although there is no specific therapy to treat PSAS, Dr Goldmeier has been working with affected women in the UK.
“It is critical that we raise awareness of persistent sexual arousal syndrome amongst clinicians and the general population,”said Dr Goldmeier.
“Women should not feel marginalised by this condition and I urge them to seek assistance,”he said.
Dr Goldmeier can be contacted, confidentially, at david.goldmeier@st-marys.nhs.uk
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Persistent genital arousal in women - a new syndrome entity [PDF 45k]
‘Persistent genital arousal in women - a new syndrome entity’ by D Goldmeier and S Leiblum is published in the April issue (Vol. 17) of the International Journal of STD and AIDS.
IJSA is published monthly by the Royal Society of Medicine. Its Editor is Professor Wallace Dinsmore.