A 21-year-old woman from Rhode Island, Scarlet Kaitlin Wallen, shares her journey battling Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), a rare medical condition causing perpetual arousal. Since the age of six, Wallen has battled with persistent sensations similar to "burning bugs under skin" in her genitals, giving a clear description of her painful experience.
PGAD, a rare condition affecting approximately one percent of the population, appears differently in each individual. For Wallen, it was expressed as constant pain and discomfort, hindering her ability to engage in typical activities such as work or full-time study. Despite brief intervals of relief during her teenage years, the pain from PGAD never stopped, leaving Wallen feeling as though her genitals were engulfed in flames.
I'd been experiencing pain for as long as I remember. My vulva was constantly burning - it was like I was naturally aroused but I didn't want it. There's nerve pain, it's not wanted, and there's no pleasureScarlet Kaitlin Wallen
Her search ended in a diagnosis at the age of 18, where she found comfort in medical intervention. A thorough examination revealed not only PGAD but also other sexual dysfunctions, including congenital neuroproliferative vestibulodynia, a condition that makes the pelvic nerve more sensitive. In an attempt to find comfort, Wallen visited doctors at the San Diego Sexual Medicine Clinic, where she had operations to alleviate her problems.
Wallen's treatment approach was complicated by the finding of a duplicate vaginal structure, which required surgery before Wallen's PGAD could be treated. In February 2023, Wallen underwent a significant surgical intervention to remove the divided vaginal wall, creating a structure for PGAD-focused treatments to follow.
Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Wallen remains hopeful for a future free from the chains of PGAD. With ongoing advancements in medical research and treatment modalities, she holds on to the hope that she will be able to get her life back to somewhat normal.
PGAD, often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, offers an immense number of difficulties for people that are affected. Beyond the physical pain, individuals like Wallen endure psychological and social consequences, exploring an area filled with assumptions and misunderstandings. Through her candid account, Wallen sheds light on the destructive nature of PGAD, urging greater awareness and understanding within society.
As medical professionals attempt to understand the complexity of PGAD, Wallen's determination acts as an example of inspiration for people suffering from similar diseases. Each step forward in research and treatment brings the prospect of a life free of PGAD closer, providing comfort to those like Wallen who are looking for a break and normality.
Scarlet Kaitlin Wallen's persistent improvement in the face of disaster inspires a call to action, encouraging us to address the problems of PGAD with empathy, understanding, and a determined search for answers.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)