A WOMAN living with a rare condition that causes constant sexual arousal says it’s a daily battle of pain, not pleasure.
Emily McMahon suffers from persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), a condition that leaves her feeling like she’s on the verge of intense orgasms all the time.
Emily McMahon is permanently aroused and on the brink of orgasm[/caption]
She was diagnosed with persistent genital arousal disorder, which affects around 1 per cent of the population, nine years ago[/caption]
But for the 36-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, the sensation is anything but pleasurable.
Researchers estimated it may affect one per cent of the population, although not everyone’s symptoms are very severe.
“It’s 24/7 arousal – but it’s uncomfortable,” she said.
“I get a sharp pain in my groin and it’s constantly burning.”
The condition hit Emily “out of nowhere” nine years ago, and she said it’s a sharp, throbbing sensation that is unbearable at times.
“People think I’m just constantly turned on, but that’s not the case,” she explained.
“My vagina gets very wet, and people wrongly assume I’m having an orgasm, but I’m not.”
Profound impact on life
The constant arousal means Emily experiences uncontrollable, painful orgasms up to five times a day, making life in public difficult.
And while doctors initially thought it might be a cyst, they later discovered a damaged nerve was to blame.
There’s no cure, but medication helps dull the sensations, though the impact on her life is profound.
Emily is in a long-distance relationship with Andrew, 38, but their connection is complicated by her condition.
“Just being on public transport can bring on an attack because of the vibration,” she said.
“People were looking and judging as I tried to deal with the physical effects.”
She’s also faced misconceptions from family members, who suggested she should enjoy the sensation.
“They didn’t understand,” she said.
“They told me to masturbate, saying I should be happy to feel like this 24/7.”
There’s no cure, but medication helps dull the sensations, though the impact on her life is profound[/caption]
Sex remains physically painful, but Emily’s partner is supportive, despite the challenges.
She also made the decision not to have children, worried the condition might be hereditary.
‘No one deserves to suffer like this’
In sharing her story, Emily hopes to raise awareness and counter the jokes often made about her condition.
“When people laugh or say that it’s not real, they have no idea how it affects me,” she said.
“I’m not trying to get myself off – this is a medical condition.
“I want nothing more than a cure and for the bullying and judgement to stop.”
A surgical option exists, but it’s only available in the US, and Emily fears she’ll never be able to afford it.
“Doctors need to do more research to understand the condition and help people,” she said.
“No one deserves to suffer like this.”
She also made the decision not to have children, worried the condition might be hereditary[/caption]
What is persistent genital arousal disorder? And what are the symptoms?
PERSISTENT genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is spontaneous, persistent and unwanted genital arousal without any sexual desire or satisfaction.
Multiple orgasms over hours, days or weeks can be agonising for sufferers, offering no relief.
Scientists do not know what causes the condition but suspect neurological, vascular, pharmacological or psychological causes may play a role.
Symptoms can persist for long periods of time and include:
- Pressure
- Pain
- Clitoral throbbing
- Tingling
- Vaginal congestion
- Vaginal contractions
- Spontaneous orgasms
The signs and symptoms can affect the vagina, labia, perineum and anus.
The condition can impact a sufferer’s work and home life, leaving many feeling embarrassed and avoiding sexual relationships.
