A 22-year-old woman living with a rare and often misunderstood medical condition is drawing attention to the daily reality of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), a disorder experts say remains widely underreported despite affecting thousands.
Amanda Gryce says she has spent more than a decade battling the condition, which causes continuous, involuntary physical arousal without sexual desire.
“It’s like I’m literally possessed by this thing,” she said in a recent news report, describing the condition’s relentless impact on her life.
According to recent reporting, Gryce experiences dozens—sometimes more than 100—episodes of involuntary arousal in a single day. She says even minor triggers, such as vibrations from a mobile phone or movement during a car ride, can set off symptoms.
Medical experts define PGAD as a rare condition characterized by persistent genital arousal that occurs independently of sexual thoughts or stimulation. Unlike normal arousal, the sensations are unwanted and can be distressing, painful, and disruptive to daily functioning.
Though most documented cases involve women, specialists note that men can also be affected. The exact cause remains unclear, but researchers have linked PGAD to a range of potential factors, including nerve damage, pelvic floor dysfunction, vascular issues, medication side effects, and psychological stress.
For patients like Gryce, the condition goes beyond physical symptoms, often taking a significant emotional and psychological toll.
“It’s like a constant pain that never goes away,” she said, adding that the unpredictability of episodes makes it difficult to relax or function normally in public settings.
Health professionals say treatment options vary widely depending on the underlying cause. Common approaches include pelvic floor therapy, mental health counseling, and adjustments to medications that may be contributing to symptoms.
Despite growing awareness, PGAD remains poorly understood, and many cases are believed to go unreported due to stigma and embarrassment. Advocates say increased public education and medical research are critical to improving diagnosis and treatment.
Gryce’s decision to speak publicly is now helping to shed light on a condition that many suffer from in silence—highlighting the need for greater awareness, empathy, and medical support.
