Prevalence of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder in 2 North American Samples

Abstract

Background: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a highly distressing, understudied condition characterized by persistent genital arousal (eg, genital sensations, sensitivity) in the absence of sexual desire. Currently, there is limited information about the prevalence of PGAD based on its proposed diagnostic criteria (“PGAD criteria”). Aim: This study sought to assess the prevalence of PGAD criteria in 2 North American samples: a large, non-clinical sample of Canadian undergraduate students (Study 1), and a nationally representative sample from the U.S. (Study 2). Methods: The incoming class of undergraduate students (N = 1,634) enrolled in the Introduction to Psychology course at a Canadian university and a nationally representative sample of U.S. participants (N = 1,026) responded to questions about each PGAD criterion, and distress associated with these experiences. Outcomes: 5 self-report questions were developed based on each of the Leiblum and Nathan 2001 PGAD criteria, and a measure of associated distress was included. The U.S. sample (Study 2) also responded to questions about medical comorbidities and their knowledge of the term “PGAD.” Results: 1.1% (n = 4; Study 1) to 4.3% (n = 22; Study 2) of men and 0.6% (n = 7; Study 1) to 2.7% (n = 14; Study 2) of women reported experiencing all 5 PGAD criteria at a moderate to high frequency. Even greater proportions of participants reported experiencing all 5 criteria at any frequency (6.8–18.8%). Although ratings of associated distress varied, participants who were distressed by these symptoms most frequently endorsed the first PGAD criterion: physiological genital arousal in the absence of sexual excitement or desire. These results are similar to previously reported rates of PGAD. Clinical Implications: A non-trivial number of individuals may experience PGAD, and it should be screened for by healthcare practitioners. Strengths & Limitations: This study is the first to use 2 large, non-clinical samples to assess the prevalence of PGAD symptoms. However, barriers to reporting symptoms, such as shame or embarrassment, may have resulted in underestimates of prevalence in the present sample. Conclusion: The prevalence of the 5 PGAD criteria in 2 large non-clinical samples ranged from similar to higher than rates reported in previous research. However, distress ratings associated with each of the 5 criteria varied, with most respondents describing them primarily as neutral or non-distressing.