The straightforward answer to whether girls receive prostate exams is no, because biological females do not possess a prostate gland. This small, walnut-sized gland is a component of the male reproductive system, making a prostate exam irrelevant for female health screening. The need for its examination is directly linked to male-specific health concerns, such as cancer and benign enlargement.
The Prostate Gland: Anatomy and Function
The prostate gland is located in the male pelvis, positioned just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, which carries urine and semen out of the body, runs directly through the center of this muscular and glandular organ. The prostate is considered an accessory part of the male reproductive system.
The primary function of the prostate is producing a fluid that makes up a significant portion of semen. This fluid contains enzymes, zinc, and citric acid, which help nourish and protect sperm cells. Its slightly alkaline nature helps neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina, prolonging the lifespan of sperm. Muscles within the prostate contract during ejaculation, helping to push the semen through the urethra.
Prostate Exams: Who Needs Them and Why
A prostate exam is a screening method used to look for signs of conditions like prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Screening typically involves the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. The DRE involves a doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to manually feel the prostate surface for any lumps, hardness, or abnormal size.
The PSA test is a blood analysis that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can indicate a problem with the prostate, though not necessarily cancer, as factors like infection or enlargement can also raise the reading. Guidelines recommend that biological males begin discussing this screening with a healthcare provider around age 50, or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer or other high-risk factors.
Female Reproductive Anatomy and Equivalent Structures
Biological females have a different set of organs in the pelvic region that are routinely screened for health issues. These screenings include pelvic exams, which involve a visual and physical assessment of the external genitalia, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. A common procedure during this exam is the Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer and changes in cervical cells.
While a prostate gland is absent, females possess structures called the paraurethral glands, also known as Skene’s glands. These glands are located near the lower end of the urethra. They are considered the anatomical equivalent to the male prostate because they develop from the same embryonic tissue. Skene’s glands play a role in sexual and urinary health by producing fluid that aids in lubrication and may help prevent urinary tract infections.
These glands also produce prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a characteristic shared with the male prostate. However, Skene’s glands are not screened via a routine “prostate exam.” Though they can be subject to conditions like cysts or infections, these issues are addressed during a standard gynecological check-up or when symptoms arise.