“Do women have a prostate?” is a common question, and the answer is nuanced. While women do not possess the exact same organ as men, they do have a structure considered anatomically and functionally similar. This relates to homologous structures in biology: organs in different species that are similar in origin but may serve different functions. In human anatomy, this means certain male and female structures develop from the same embryonic tissues, leading to comparable adult forms.
Understanding the Male Prostate
The male prostate gland is a walnut-shaped organ located in the pelvis, below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is a key component of the male reproductive system. Its primary function involves producing a significant portion of seminal fluid, a whitish-gray fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. This fluid contains enzymes, zinc, and citric acid, which nourish sperm cells and support their motility. The prostate’s muscles also contract during ejaculation, helping to propel semen through the urethra and out of the body.
The Female Paraurethral Glands
Women possess structures known as the paraurethral glands, often referred to as Skene’s glands. These glands are located along both sides of the urethra, in the front part of the vaginal wall, with openings near the urethral meatus. They are homologous to the male prostate, meaning they develop from the same embryonic tissues. This shared embryonic origin highlights a biological connection, even though the adult structures appear different. The term “female prostate” was officially added to anatomical terminology in 2002, acknowledging these similarities.
Historically, these glands were described in 1672 but later named after Scottish gynecologist Alexander Skene in 1880. Despite some debate, “Skene’s glands” remains widely used alongside paraurethral or periurethral glands. These glands are typically small, approximately the size of a kernel of corn.
Physiological Role and Secretions
The paraurethral glands contribute to urinary and sexual health through the fluid they produce. They secrete a milk-like fluid into the urethra, which lubricates the urethral opening and may contain antimicrobial substances to help prevent urinary tract infections. This fluid’s composition shows notable similarities to prostatic fluid in men.
The fluid from Skene’s glands contains prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), both found in male seminal fluid. It also contains high concentrations of glucose and fructose, components found in semen.
These glands are also connected to female ejaculation. The fluid expelled during female ejaculation often originates from the paraurethral glands. While research continues, it is understood that during sexual arousal, the tissues surrounding these glands swell with blood, stimulating them to release fluid. Not all women experience a noticeable expulsion of fluid, and the volume can vary. Female ejaculation is distinct from “squirting,” which involves the release of fluid primarily from the bladder.
Clinical Significance
While often unnoticed, the female paraurethral glands can be subject to various health implications. Common issues include infections, which can lead to skenitis, characterized by inflammation and tenderness. If the ducts become blocked, fluid can accumulate, forming cysts. These cysts are typically small and often asymptomatic, but larger ones can cause discomfort, pain during intercourse, or urinary symptoms. Untreated cysts can sometimes develop into painful abscesses, collections of pus that may require antibiotics and surgical drainage.
In rare instances, adenocarcinomas, a type of cancer, can arise from these glands. These cancers are histologically similar to prostate cancer in men and can produce elevated PSA levels in women. This similarity means diagnostic and treatment approaches used for male prostate cancer, such as PSA monitoring and imaging, can sometimes be applied. However, their rarity and small size pose diagnostic challenges. Symptoms like chronic urethral pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, or unexplained dyspareunia might prompt further evaluation, including imaging, to accurately diagnose issues related to these glands.