Women do not have the same prostate gland as men, but they do possess a distinct structure with comparable functions and shared developmental origins. This structure is sometimes referred to as the “female prostate” due to these similarities, although its proper scientific name is Skene’s glands.
Understanding the Female Prostate Gland
Women possess a pair of glands known as Skene’s glands, also called paraurethral glands, which are considered homologous to the male prostate. These small ducts are situated near the front wall of the vagina, on either side of the lower end of the urethra. They are adjacent to the urethral opening.
Skene’s glands are typically small, comparable in size to a blueberry or a kernel of corn. They develop from the same embryonic cells that form the prostate in males, highlighting their shared biological lineage. These glands are also composed of tissues similar to those of the clitoris, and some research suggests they may be associated with the G-spot.
Function and Role of the Female Prostate
Skene’s glands play a role in both urinary and sexual health. Their primary function is secreting fluid, particularly during sexual arousal and orgasm. This fluid lubricates the urethral opening, which facilitates sexual intercourse.
The secreted fluid is a milk-like substance, an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma. It contains prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase, proteins also found in male seminal fluid, and high concentrations of glucose and fructose. This composition supports the glands’ role in lubrication and potentially in female ejaculation, a phenomenon where fluid is released from the urethra during orgasm. The fluid is also thought to contain antimicrobial properties, which may help protect against urinary tract infections.
Distinguishing from the Male Prostate Gland
While Skene’s glands and the male prostate share a common embryological origin, developing from the urogenital sinus, they exhibit distinct differences in adults. The male prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra, and is a component of the male reproductive system, contributing to semen production. In contrast, Skene’s glands are much smaller and are situated along the female urethra.
The primary function of the male prostate is to produce fluid that combines with sperm to form semen, supporting sperm motility and fertility. Skene’s glands, on the other hand, primarily provide lubrication and contribute to female ejaculation. A significant difference lies in health concerns: conditions like prostate cancer, common in men, do not affect Skene’s glands in the same way. While extremely rare, women can develop cancer in Skene’s glands, sometimes referred to as “female urethral adenocarcinoma” or “female prostate cancer,” but this is distinct from male prostate cancer.