Many people wonder whether women possess a prostate gland similar to men. The concept of a “female prostate” often causes confusion, highlighting differing understandings of anatomy across sexes.
Understanding the “Female Prostate”
Women do not have a prostate gland identical to that found in males; however, they possess homologous structures known as the paraurethral glands, also referred to as Skene’s glands. These glands are often called the “female prostate” due to their shared embryological origin with the male prostate. The term “female prostate” was officially added to anatomical terminology in 2002, acknowledging the morphological and immunological similarities to the male prostate.
Function and Location of Paraurethral Glands
Paraurethral glands are located around the female urethra, specifically towards its lower end, just inside the vaginal opening. These glands produce a fluid that contributes to lubrication, particularly during sexual arousal. The secreted fluid contains components similar to those found in male seminal fluid, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostatic acid phosphatase, glucose, and fructose. This fluid helps lubricate the urethral opening and possesses antimicrobial properties, protecting the urinary tract from bacterial infections.
The secretion from these glands is also linked to the phenomenon of female ejaculation. While female ejaculation is distinct from urine, it involves the expulsion of a small amount of milky fluid from the paraurethral glands, often during orgasm. This is different from “squirting,” which is typically a larger volume of fluid that research suggests is primarily diluted urine from the bladder. Evidence supports the paraurethral glands as the source of female ejaculation.
Key Differences from the Male Prostate
Significant distinctions exist between the female paraurethral glands and the male prostate gland. The male prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder, whereas the paraurethral glands are much smaller and are found on either side of the female urethra. The male prostate’s primary role involves producing fluid that combines with sperm to form semen, supporting sperm transport and nourishment. In contrast, the female glands contribute to lubrication and antimicrobial action.
Common health concerns also differ; men frequently experience issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, which do not occur in women’s paraurethral glands. Women can experience conditions specific to their glands, such as skenitis (infection) or cysts, though cancer of the paraurethral glands is exceedingly rare. Hormonal influences also vary, with the male prostate largely influenced by androgens, while the female prostate’s development and function can be affected by estrogens and progesterone.