While women do not have the exact same prostate as men, they are born with analogous structures that share developmental origins and some functional similarities. These structures, often less discussed, play a part in female reproductive and urinary health. Understanding these features clarifies common questions about their existence and function.
The Female Paraurethral Glands
Women have specific structures known as paraurethral glands, also called Skene’s glands. These glands are situated around the urethra, near its opening, and are found within the anterior vaginal wall. Typically, these glands measure approximately 1 to 2 centimeters in length. A network of blood vessels and nerve endings surrounds them, contributing to their sensitivity.
The paraurethral glands consist of a complex ductal system that opens directly into the urethra, secreting fluids. Each gland is drained by a single paraurethral duct, leading to openings near the urethral meatus. These glands are considered homologous to the male prostate gland, developing from the same embryonic tissues, the urogenital sinus. This shared development underscores their anatomical and functional parallels.
Function and Role of These Glands
The paraurethral glands primarily produce and secrete fluid. This fluid is expelled, particularly during sexual arousal or orgasm, sometimes associated with female ejaculation. They also contribute to urethral lubrication, aiding urinary and sexual health. Surrounding tissues swell with blood during arousal, stimulating fluid release.
The fluid contains components also found in male ejaculate, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase. It may also contain high concentrations of glucose and fructose. This composition and shared embryonic origin are why some refer to these as the “female prostate.” While exact physiological roles are still under research, their contribution to lubrication and fluid expulsion during sexual activity is recognized.
Understanding Common Misconceptions
The common question of whether women have a prostate gland stems from historical contexts and past misunderstandings of female anatomy. These structures were first described in 1672 by Reinier de Graaf, but they were later named after Scottish gynecologist Alexander Skene, who documented them in 1880. For many years, medical understanding was often male-centric, leading to less focus on female-specific organs that did not have direct male counterparts.
The term “female prostate” was officially added as a secondary term for the paraurethral gland in anatomical terminology by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology in 2002. This reflects their morphological and immunological similarities to the male prostate. The confusion also stems from the paraurethral glands being linked to the G-spot, an area of heightened sensitivity on the anterior vaginal wall, intertwining their identity with sexual response.
Clinical Considerations
While generally healthy, female paraurethral glands can be affected by medical conditions. Common issues include infections, known as skenitis, or the formation of cysts. Infections can lead to swelling and pain around the urethra. Their close proximity to the urethra makes them susceptible to bacterial colonization, especially by urinary tract infection organisms.
Cysts, known as Skene’s duct cysts, can develop if the ducts of the glands become obstructed by inflammation or thickened mucus. They are typically located lateral to the urinary opening. Treatment for infections often involves antibiotics, while cysts may require surgical excision or marsupialization, a procedure to create a permanent opening for drainage. Although rare, cancers are possible, underscoring the importance of medical evaluation for persistent symptoms.