This morning I learned a very sad tale about a woman with a rare condition, Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, who committed suicide because she just couldn't live with the burden of her problem any longer. The story of Gretchen Molannen appeared in the New York Daily News on November 30, 2012; on December 1, she committed suicide. The newspaper has a video of the interview online as well; it is heartwrenching to watch.
Ms. Molannen describes experiencing all the symptoms associated with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, also known as PGAD, which are persistent sensations of genital arousal, even though there is no sexual or emotional stimulation. The arousal is uncomfortable and unwanted and causes the woman emotional distress. The causes of PGAD are complex, but can include neurologic, vascular, psychological, and pharmacological factors. The treatment varies according to what is determined by a thorough exam, preferably by a specialist in sexual medicine.
The article and video interview of Ms. Molannen describe how PGAD frightened her at first, as she had never heard of this condition. It made her anxious and depressed. She also came to feel isolated, as she did not want to participate in any sexual activity. Knowing what I do about women with sexual pain disorders, she probably experienced great stigma and lack of understanding, with people around her whom she told perhaps thinking or saying that it was "all in her head." In the video she states that she has often been suicidal, but that she "would never do it." Clearly, the stigma was so great that the interview created another layer of stress. It was just too sad to me to think that someone took her life as a way to draw attention to a disorder.
In a recent article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, "Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: Characterization, Etiology, and Management" (Nov. 15, 2012), authors Facelle, Sadeghi-Nejad, and Goldmeier specifically recommend "All patients should be considered for cognitive therapy including mindfullness meditation and acceptance therapy." Psychologists trained as sex therapists have the skills to help someone like Ms. Molannen learn how to better cope with a horrific condition. Although the condition may not be completely resolved by medicine at this time, women with PGAD can learn techniques that can help them relax and "dial back" the pain a bit to hopefully make it more tolerable. Accepting the condition and learning phrases to help cope. By coping better, depression and anxiety can be relieved, which can change perception of the pain and make it easier to live with.
I am so sorry that this happened, but I would not want this woman's life to be in vain, so I wanted to bring this post to my blog. If you or someone you love is experiencing PGAD or any other sexual pain disorder, there is help. You can contact the National Vulvodnia Association, the International Pelvic Pain Society, the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, and either the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists or the Society for Sex Therapy and Research for help.