PGAD - persistent genital arousal disorder
Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 11:00 am
This is not an unusual symptom for people with PN, but it is not much discussed - I think this is because it is embarrassing. We need to get past this, I think! There is some confusion about what to call it, as well. Hyperarousal technically means something else entirely. What I am talking about is an uncomfortable feeling of sexual arousal, without any sexual desire. It can be very difficult to deal with.
I have found that tramadol seems to suppress it - at least, I have only had this symptom when I've not been taking tramadol, and every time I've had an episode of this symptom, it has subsided about 20 - 30 minutes after I take tramadol. The other thing that helps is using a lidocaine patch, but I can't wear that all the time - it is 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
I've been wondering what I can do about this symptom. I don't want to be taking more meds than I need. The GP whom I saw this morning is going to ask about it at the next practice meeting - he has the idea that I could try one of the antidepressants that has the side effect of preventing sexual arousal. I suggested trying to find the lowest dose of slow release tramadol that suppressed the symptom, and he says yes, that's another alternative. So they are going to discuss the various possibilities, and decide what to do next. I am fine with this - although with regard to preventing sexual arousal, I certainly don't want to go from one extreme to the other!
However - I also thought that I would do some asking, myself, because there is a considerable knowledge base here on this forum - lots of people who know lots about PN, and who know about this symptom.
So - what have you found helpful for this symptom? Ideas? Suggestions? Comments? How many of us have this symptom?
I have found that tramadol seems to suppress it - at least, I have only had this symptom when I've not been taking tramadol, and every time I've had an episode of this symptom, it has subsided about 20 - 30 minutes after I take tramadol. The other thing that helps is using a lidocaine patch, but I can't wear that all the time - it is 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
I've been wondering what I can do about this symptom. I don't want to be taking more meds than I need. The GP whom I saw this morning is going to ask about it at the next practice meeting - he has the idea that I could try one of the antidepressants that has the side effect of preventing sexual arousal. I suggested trying to find the lowest dose of slow release tramadol that suppressed the symptom, and he says yes, that's another alternative. So they are going to discuss the various possibilities, and decide what to do next. I am fine with this - although with regard to preventing sexual arousal, I certainly don't want to go from one extreme to the other!
However - I also thought that I would do some asking, myself, because there is a considerable knowledge base here on this forum - lots of people who know lots about PN, and who know about this symptom.
So - what have you found helpful for this symptom? Ideas? Suggestions? Comments? How many of us have this symptom?