The Skene’s glands, also known as paraurethral glands, are a pair of structures within the female genital tract. These glands are a functional part of a complex system, playing a role in both urinary and sexual health. Understanding the Skene’s glands requires examining their precise physical placement and the biological purpose of the fluid they produce.
Precise Anatomical Location
The Skene’s glands are situated in the vestibule of the vulva, the area surrounding the external opening of the urethra and the vagina. Specifically, they are embedded within the tissue of the anterior wall of the vagina, surrounding the lower portion of the urethra. These glands are sometimes described as being located at the 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock positions relative to the urethral opening, a placement that makes them periurethral structures.
Each gland connects to the surface via a small conduit called a Skene’s duct, which typically opens near the external urethral meatus, the exit point for urine. These ducts are tiny, and their openings are often described as pinprick-sized, making them virtually invisible during a casual examination. The glands themselves are small, approximately the size of a blueberry, though their exact dimensions vary significantly from person to person.
The tissue surrounding these glands is highly responsive to stimulation, swelling with increased blood flow during sexual arousal. Their anatomical proximity to the urethra and the vagina means the glands contribute to both the urinary and reproductive tracts. Their placement allows them to release secretions directly onto the mucosal surface.
Primary Function and Secretions
The primary physiological role of the Skene’s glands is to produce and secrete a fluid that aids in lubrication and protection. The fluid is generally described as a clear, mucus-like substance that is secreted into the urethra and onto the external urethral opening. This secretion is thought to help lubricate the urethral opening, which can be beneficial during urination or sexual activity.
Beyond lubrication, the fluid is also believed to possess anti-microbial properties, containing substances that may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). When the glands become stimulated, the fluid they excrete is chemically similar to prostatic fluid in males. This composition includes proteins and enzymes, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PSAP).
These glands are strongly associated with the phenomenon of female ejaculation, which is the expulsion of fluid during sexual arousal or orgasm. Scientific consensus suggests that the fluid expelled in small amounts during ejaculation originates from these glands. This ejaculate is distinct from the larger, watery expulsion sometimes referred to as “squirting,” which is primarily urine.
Clinical Significance
Despite their small size, the Skene’s glands are susceptible to certain medical conditions, most of which involve infection or obstruction. The most common disorder is Skenitis, which refers to the inflammation and infection of the Skene’s glands. Skenitis often causes symptoms like pain during urination (dysuria), a frequent urge to urinate, and discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
Because these symptoms overlap with those of a urinary tract infection, Skenitis is sometimes misdiagnosed. The infection is commonly caused by the same bacteria responsible for gonorrhea. If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to the formation of an abscess requiring surgical drainage.
Another issue is the formation of Skene’s duct cysts or diverticula, which occur when the duct becomes blocked, causing fluid to accumulate. A cyst appears as a small, movable lump near the urethral opening and may cause pain or difficulty urinating if it grows large enough. While rare, the Skene’s glands can also be the site of a tumor, including adenocarcinoma, a cancer of the glandular tissue.
The Concept of Female Prostate
The Skene’s glands are often referred to as the “female prostate” due to a biological phenomenon known as homology. Homology means that the Skene’s glands and the male prostate gland develop from the same embryonic tissue in the fetus. This shared developmental origin explains the structural and biochemical similarities between the two organs.
A significant piece of evidence supporting this comparison is the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PSAP) in the secretions of the Skene’s glands. PSA is a protein traditionally used as a marker for the male prostate, but it is also produced by the glandular cells within the female paraurethral tissue. This biochemical overlap suggests a functional parallel between the two organs, leading some researchers to advocate for the use of the term “female prostate” as a more accurate descriptor.
The female prostate is the principal source of PSA in women, similar to the male prostate. The existence of a female prostate was first described in the 17th century, predating Dr. Skene’s later work. This context helps shift the perception of the glands from a vestigial structure to a recognized, active component of female anatomy.