A 21-year-old woman from the United States has shared her harrowing experience of living with a rare medical condition that leaves her in a constant state of arousal.
Scarlet Kaitlin Wallen has persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), a condition characterized by uncontrollable arousal. She first began experiencing symptoms at the age of six, describing severe and constant “pins-and-needles” sensations in her genitals. Since then, she has endured years of excruciating pain, with only occasional relief.
According to the New York Post, PGAD affects around one percent of the population, but the severity of symptoms varies widely. For Scarlet, the last fifteen years have been marked by persistent agony. She has undergone surgeries to remove some of her genital nerves in an attempt to alleviate the pain.
“I’d been experiencing pain for as long as I remember. My vulva was constantly burning – it was like I was naturally aroused but I didn’t want it. There’s nerve pain, it’s not wanted – and there’s no pleasure. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to have a painless sexual relationship in my lifetime,” she expressed.
Scarlet revealed that the onset of PGAD at the age of six prevented her from enjoying activities with friends. She likened the pain to “burning bugs under my skin” and described it as feeling like her genitals were on fire.
Despite experiencing some relief during her teenage years, Scarlet’s symptoms always returned. To cope, she resorted to using vapor rub on her genitals to distract from the constant arousal, despite the severe thrush it caused.
After seeing a doctor just before graduating high school, Scarlet received a diagnosis of PGAD alongside congenital neuroproliferative vestibulodynia, a condition where pelvic nerves are hypersensitive to touch, which she has had since birth. She underwent surgery to remove parts of the painful tissue, aiming to reduce her symptoms and eventually lead a more normal life.
With ongoing advancements in treatments and surgeries, Scarlet remains hopeful for a future without PGAD.
