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International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Review of Epidemiology and Pathophysiology, and a Consensus Nomenclature and Process of Care for the Management of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD)
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Review of Epidemiology and Pathophysiology, and a Consensus Nomenclature and Process of Care for the Management of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD)

Irwin Goldstein, Barry R. Komisaruk, Caroline F. Pukall, Noel N. Kim, Andrew T. Goldstein, Sue W. Goldstein, Rose Hartzell-Cushanick, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, Choll W. Kim, Robyn A. Jackowich, …
Journal of sexual medicine, v 18(4), pp 665-697
Apr 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.01.172
PMID: 33612417
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.01.172View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open CC BY-NC-ND V4.0

Abstract

Cauda Equina Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Overactive/Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Paracentral Lobule Suicidality Tarlov Cyst
Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), a condition of unwanted, unremitting sensations of genital arousal, is associated with a significant, negative psychosocial impact that may include emotional lability, catastrophization, and suicidal ideation. Despite being first reported in 2001, PGAD remains poorly understood. To characterize this complex condition more accurately, review the epidemiology and pathophysiology, and provide new nomenclature and guidance for evidence-based management. A panel of experts reviewed pertinent literature, discussed research and clinical experience, and used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus concerning nomenclature, etiology, and associated factors. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendation were assigned for diagnosis and treatment. The nomenclature of PGAD was broadened to include genito-pelvic dysesthesia (GPD), and a new biopsychosocial diagnostic and treatment algorithm for PGAD/GPD was developed. The panel recognized that the term PGAD does not fully characterize the constellation of GPD symptoms experienced by patients. Therefore, the more inclusive term PGAD/GPD was adopted, which maintains the primacy of the distressing arousal symptoms and acknowledges associated bothersome GPD. While there are diverse biopsychosocial contributors, there is a common underlying neurologic basis attributable to spontaneous intense activity of the genito-pelvic region represented in the somatosensory cortex and its projections. A process of care diagnostic and treatment strategy was developed to guide the clinician, whenever possible, by localizing the symptoms as originating in any of five regions: (i) end organ, (ii) pelvis/perineum, (iii) cauda equina, (iv) spinal cord, and (v) brain. Psychological treatment strategies were considered critical and should be performed in conjunction with medical strategies. Pharmaceutical interventions may be used based on their site and mechanism of action to reduce patients’ symptoms and the associated bother and distress. The process of care for PGAD/GPD uses a personalized, biopsychosocial approach for diagnosis and treatment. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths include characterization of the condition by consensus, analysis, and recommendation of a new nomenclature and a rational basis for diagnosis and treatment. Future investigations into etiology and treatment outcomes are recommended. The main limitations are the dearth of knowledge concerning this condition and that the current literature consists primarily of case reports and expert opinion. We provide, for the first time, an expert consensus review of the epidemiology and pathophysiology and the development of a new nomenclature and rational algorithm for management of this extremely distressing sexual health condition that may be more prevalent than previously recognized. Goldstein I, Komisaruk BR, Pukall CF, et al. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Review of Epidemiology and Pathophysiology, and a Consensus Nomenclature and Process of Care for the Management of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD). J Sex Med 2021;18:665–697.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#5 Gender Equality

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Web of Science research areas
Urology & Nephrology
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