New Research Reveals: Chronic Pelvic and Sexual Symptoms Point to Tarlov Cysts

Jul 1
2 min read

Publication Spotlight: Chronic Pelvic and Sexual Symptoms Point to Diagnosis of a Tarlov Cyst: A Case Report of Effective Surgical Treatment

Published in Cureus on June 14, 2025 📄 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85982

Tarlov Cysts are often dismissed as incidental findings—yet this new peer-reviewed case report proves just how deeply life-altering these cysts can be when they’re symptomatic.

In a compelling new publication, Dr. Abdelali Yahia details the case of a 38-year-old woman who endured years of bladder dysfunction, perineal numbness, and sexual impairment. Despite repeated medical visits and treatment for urinary infections, the true source of her suffering remained undiagnosed—until an MRI revealed a Tarlov cyst compressing her right S2 nerve root.

After undergoing surgical decompression and nerve root repair, this patient experienced a dramatic transformation. She regained perineal sensation, sexual function, and control over her bladder. At six months post-op, her MRI confirmed complete resolution of the cyst, and her symptoms had significantly improved.

MRI Images of Tarlov Cysts — Tarlov Cyst Images from Original Article

Why This Case Matters

This case challenges the assumption that Tarlov Cysts are always benign. It highlights what many in our community know all too well:

When Tarlov Cysts are symptomatic, they can profoundly impair quality of life—especially when Tarlov Cysts affect pelvic nerves.

Bladder incontinence, chronic UTIs, sexual dysfunction, and sensory loss in the perineal area are often misattributed to urological conditions. But as this report shows, a spinal origin—specifically a Tarlov Cyst—can be the underlying cause.

Key Takeaways from the Case Report:

Symptoms like urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction may be neurological—not just urological.
MRI of the lumbosacral spine is essential in patients with unexplained pelvic or genitourinary symptoms.
Surgical treatment can be life-changing in well-selected cases with strong clinico-radiological correlation.
Post-op outcomes included restored sensation, improved intimacy, and regained bladder function.

A Call for Awareness

This case adds to the growing body of evidence that supports what patients have been saying for years: Tarlov Cysts can and do cause disabling symptoms—and treating them can restore quality of life.

We encourage medical professionals to include spinal imaging in the diagnostic workup for patients with unexplained chronic pelvic symptoms, and we urge patients to advocate for themselves when their symptoms are being dismissed or potentially misdiagnosed.

Help Us Share the Science

We’ve added this publication to our growing library of peer-reviewed evidence. Visit our Research & Articles section to access it, and consider sharing this article with your medical providers.