A periclitoral mass as a cause of persistent genital arousal disorder.

INTRODUCTION

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is an intrusive and unremitting disorder for which several possible etiologies and treatments have been suggested.

AIM: To describe a woman who developed PGAD in association with a periclitoral mass, a potential physical cause of the disorder that has not been previously described in the medical literature.

METHODS

A postmenopausal woman presented with 6 months of persistent, unrelenting genital arousal and clitoral pain that was unrelated to sexual stimuli. Careful examination revealed a tender, firm, mobile, left-sided mass that appeared to compress the dorsal nerve of the clitoris.

RESULTS

Complete excision of the mass resulted in full resolution of her symptoms over several weeks.

CONCLUSION

Localized causes of persistent genital arousal, though rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis PGAD as detection and treatment can lead to a complete recovery.