The use of tirzepatide to successfully treat persistent genital arousal disorder/genitopelvic dysesthesia: a case report

Abstract

Introduction Persistent genital arousal disorder/genitopelvic dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is associated with poor quality of life. Due to social stigma and its heterogeneous nature, many patients suffer without treatment. Aims This case presents the first example of the successful use of a glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist (GLP1/GIP RA) medication for the treatment of PGAD/GPD. Methods The patient was identified by the Sexual Medicine Research Team, retained as a patient at a sexual medicine clinic, and interviewed for the purposes of this case report. Results This case presents a 44-year-old woman with a lifelong history of PGAD/GPD symptoms that caused extreme distress and depression who experienced 95% resolution of her symptoms within 2 days of starting tirzepatide, a GLP1/GIPRA medication, for weight loss. Conclusion Increasing benefits of GLP1/GIPRAs are being uncovered, and further studies must investigate the potential for these medications to be used in patients with PGAD/GPD. This study also provides a potential mechanism for decreased arousal resulting from GLP1/GIP receptor activation in attention/reward pathways in the brain.