David Goldmeier of St. Mary's Hospital in London and Sandra Leiblum of theRobert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey have identified a physical disorder, "Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome".It is different from the psychological disorder "hypersexuality", alias nymphomania.

The labia, vulva and clitoris become engorged with blood, causing arousal.The causes for the syndrome remain unclear.Anecdotal evidence points to the entrapment of local nerves or a disorder in blood circulation around the genitals.Another suspected culprit is a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Some women who have discontinued with these drugs have reported symptoms that last a few days to a few weeks but which sometimes can last for more than 18 months.

Sometimes embarrassing and often humiliating, the condition is unwanted because it occurs in the absence of genuine sexual interest.These women report a high degree of psychological distress and even suicidal thoughts. Some have even been driven to electroshock therapy.

Source: International Journal of Sexually-Transmitted Diseases and Aids.