Catalyst: Apr 12

This week there is a special Catalyst report into the complex world of those for whom having an orgasm is an unrelenting nightmare.

Orgasm is arguably the most intense and pleasurable experience. But what if your desire for orgasm turned into an insatiable need? Or what if having an orgasm makes you sick?

Dr Maryanne Demasi travels to Europe to meet women suffering from a bizarre condition which has them constantly on the brink of an orgasm. It’s known as Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD). The problem is that ‘relieving’ this urge doesn’t fix the problem. And it isn’t all women, some men also appear to suffer from the condition.

We also meet an Australian man who may be allergic to his own semen – a growing number of men are fronting up to the doctor with another embarrassing condition called Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome. The men become sick after orgasm; muscle aches, fatigue, brain fog are just a few of the symptoms and they can last a week!

Maryanne explores the current treatments being offered in Europe and Australia to help these patients restore their lives.

8pm Thursday ABC1.