September 22, 2010 at 9:22 am
I am a 54 year old woman who was diagnosed with persistent genital arousal disorder otherwise referred to as “PGAD” My problem started out as being in a constant state of arousal associated with severe clitoral pain. Not only did I endure the physical discomforts but also the mental strain of misdiagnoses and perceptions that it was “all in your head” Such analysis from trained specialists can certainly bring one to a state of depression. After months of searching for answers it was recommended that I seek help from a physician at UCLA medical center where, after an extensive pelvic exam, I was able to put a name to this dreadful condition, “PGAD”. I was then referred to another physician who put me through a series of epidural blocks, which seems to be one of the only cures for this dreadful condition. At first, it seemed to help, but then the “monster inside me” started to rear its ugly face again and I was back where I started. I was at the lowest point of my life by now. I knew what I had but I didnt know there were other options available for my problem. By luck (and I mean luck), I was on the computer one nite, and for whatever reason I fell into the website of Dr. Goldstein., and the sexual medicine clinic in San Diego. Long story short, I made an appointment, and I am now happy to report that I am under the care of Dr. Goldstein and his associates. He believes the PGAD was related to my spinning.
I really enjoyed my bicycle spinning classes. He said that the finding of pudendal nerve tendeness at the ischio-pubic rami can be a manifestation of perineal trauma from spinning. I am now receiving pudendal nerve blocks that take my pgad levels from 10 to 3 to sometimes 0. Right now the injections are lasting for about 2 months. In the past I was getting both nerves blocked and now I only seem to need one nerve block. The relief is beyond fabulous, and only someone who has been thru this nitemare can understand. I will keep getting the injections as needed, with the hope of longer intervals of relief. I am forever grateful.
