Question:
Greetings,
I am a virgin, unmarried female Christian with a unique and embarrassing problem called PGAD (Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder). In summary, something about my body’s anatomy causes me to have too much genital blood flow, up to the point that tight-fitting undergarments, vibration from vehicles, etc., can cause physical (not mental) arousal to the point of intense physical discomfort. Because of this, I have often reached the point of the female equivalent of “blue balls,” in which the excess blood flow causes intense physical discomfort. My situation with the problem is not as dire as most with PGAD, as the unwanted blood flow can often be relieved by orgasm. To this end, I masturbate sometimes to relieve myself of this physical pain, and with my body in that state, I can easily achieve that relief without pornography or any specific lustful thoughts. However, I sometimes still feel doubtful because everyone tells me that’s not possible and, therefore, I must be sinning.
I also frequently have highly sexual dreams, resulting in unwelcome orgasms that awaken me. I have seen several of your very well-reasoned articles on the possibility of male masturbation not being necessarily sinful. Still, these same articles concluded that female masturbation is always for pleasure and not for any similar physical relief and is, therefore, sinful. I do not wish to insinuate that I have never failed in the area of sexual satisfaction for lust, but often, for me, physical relief is the sole object of the act. I pray often for guidance, but I am still very confused because my understanding of the nature of lust and sexual sin does not condemn me, but everyone else seems to believe I am sinning.
I understand I may be something of a specific and strange case. Does the Grace of God allow me to continue this for my physical well-being? Please advise me. Many thanks.
Answer:
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder is an extremely rare condition. Those with it experience “unpredictable, uncontrollable physical sensations associated with sexual arousal — but in the absence of desire. Sexual arousal is usually associated with pleasure, but this isn’t the case with PGAD. With PGAD, you experience arousal as unwanted physical sensations in your genitals. You can’t control when these changes begin, and orgasm doesn’t relieve them.” [“Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder,” Cleveland Clinic, 15 August 2022]. What you describe is a bit different since you do get relief through orgasm.
The cause is unknown, so there isn’t a set way to treat the problem, though there are several things to try that might give relief.
You aren’t masturbating for pleasure. You are trying to deal with the symptoms of your problem. It would not be considered a sin because lust is not involved. This doesn’t fall under what was being discussed before.