Persistent genital arousal disorder: successful treatment with duloxetine and pregabalin in two cases

J Sex Med. 2012 Jan;9(1):213-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02518.x. Epub 2011 Oct 24.

Abstract

Introduction: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a rare condition in women that causes a lot of suffering. The pathophysiology is not well understood and an approach promising effective treatment has not been established so far.

Aim: This study aims to make colleagues aware of two treatment options, which proved to be successful in one case each and which might be worth further investigation.

Main outcome measures: Subjective distress from unwanted sexual arousal, unwanted orgasms, and pain in the genital area.

Methods: Treatment of two women--36 and 41 years old--suffering from PGAD with duloxetine and pregabalin, respectively.

Results: In both women, the treatment proved to be very successful over a long period of time. One of them experienced full remission (duloxetine) and the other one experienced substantial improvement (pregabalin), over a period now lasting for more than a year.

Conclusion: Pregabalin and duloxetine, in particular, should be further investigated as possible medication for the treatment of PGAD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Duloxetine Hydrochloride
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregabalin
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / drug therapy*
  • Thiophenes / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Duloxetine Hydrochloride
  • Pregabalin
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  • Thiophenes
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid