When arousal hurts: Women suffering rare pelvic disorder often go undiagnosed

Up to 4% of women may be affected by a condition that can cause intense genital pain, burning, buzzing and tingling and other distressing sensations.
Mandy Funk, 37, remembers when her body began to betray her.
As a college junior, she began to have episodes in which her body would act as if it were aroused for no reason. Sometimes, she says, it felt like hot sauce had been slathered over her genital area. She had to give up tight-fitting clothes and horseback riding, her lifelong love. Often the pain was so intense that she couldn't sit down.
Funk struggled for years to find a doctor who understood her symptoms.
She eventually learned she had developed a condition called persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), which led to treatment. Funk, who, with her husband, owns an electrical contracting company in Goessel, Kansas, did eventually get her life, at least partly, back on track. She’s especially happy she can ride horses again with her children, although she still sometimes experiences flare-ups.
Funk is fortunate to have gotten a diagnosis and help, experts say. Many doctors are unaware of the disorder, although there is some growing research.
Rating: 5