His and Her Health

Hello,

I'm new here, 23 years old, had "fibromyalgia" since I was 21. I've been having symptoms of VVS for several months now and have never been able to have intercourse because of the pain. I've been seeing a vulvar specialist who put me on Neurontin -- I'd been taking 300mg a day, was prescribed more but couldn't handle that much due to feeling tired and loopy. It went OK for about 6 weeks or so (though VVS didn't improve at all), then suddenly last Saturday (1 day into my period if it matters) my clitoris started to hurt, and feel very sensitive.

It got worse over the next couple of days, it's hard to describe what it feels like -- oscillates between SUPER sensitive and flat-out pain, feels like I have to urinate when I don't. The feeling is fairly constant. I had a urine test done and there is no UTI or anything. When I can bear to touch it, I can tell the clitoris is "erect" and has been this way for 5 days now. I don't know what to do -- this is keeping me up at night, I can't focus on work, pain/sensitivity is driving me CRAZY. I saw the vulvar specialist yesterday and she told me it may be Persistent Genital Arounsal Disorder and that it can be the result of medication, and basically uncurable. Does anyone know anything about this? Could it possibly be related to the neurontin even though I had been on it for a few weeks with no problems? If it is medication, will it eventually go away? How do I keep my job and my sanity with this?? Please help!

Here is a link to our website with an article about Persistant Sexual Arousal Syndrome.
http://www.bermansexualhealth.com/arousal-disorder/persistent-sexual-arousal-syndrome.html

Pantaleon, Sorry you are dealing with these tough symptoms. PGAD is not fully understood in regards to onset and treatment. There are links to its onset after use of SSRIs though.
Have you been referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist for the VVS? This may be something you want to pursue. It is not a cure for PGAD, but if pelvic muscle tension exists it will help! Additionally, pay attention to things that may trigger or ease the symptoms.
Also, you may want to seek a support group or somehting similar. Many people, including the health professional world, don't even know about this disorder.
Hope this helps!