The question of whether women possess a prostate gland is common, and the answer involves a deep look into human anatomy and embryology. While women do not have the organ traditionally recognized as the male prostate, they do possess a structure that is biologically and functionally similar. This structure is known by the scientific term paraurethral glands, which are also frequently referred to as Skene’s glands. They represent the female version of the prostate, a homologous organ that shares a common developmental origin with the male gland. The presence of these glands explains the physiological similarities in certain secretions between the sexes.
The Paraurethral Glands
These structures are a pair of small glands located in the tissue surrounding the lower end of the urethra in women. The glands are embedded within the anterior wall of the vagina, often near the urethral opening, also known as the meatus. The paraurethral glands are not a single, large mass like the male prostate, but rather a network of ducts and secretory tissue. They are drained by two main ducts, known as Skene’s ducts, which typically open on either side of the urethral opening.
The Role of Paraurethral Glands in Secretion
The primary function of the paraurethral glands is the production and secretion of a fluid that is released through the ducts near the urethral meatus. This fluid is described as a mucus-like substance or a milk-like ultrafiltrate of blood plasma. The secretions lubricate the urethral opening and the surrounding area, assisting in both urinary and sexual function.
The most compelling evidence for the paraurethral gland’s similarity to the male prostate lies in the chemical composition of its fluid. Analysis has revealed the presence of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in the secretions. These two compounds are the same protein markers produced in high concentrations by the male prostate gland. The presence of these specific substances supports a shared function and biological identity.
The secretions also contribute to maintaining urinary tract health by containing antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the paraurethral glands are the anatomical source of fluid released during female ejaculation.
Embryological Connection to the Male Prostate
The reason the paraurethral glands are often called the “female prostate” is based on their shared origin during fetal development. Both the male prostate and the paraurethral glands develop from the same precursor tissue, the urogenital sinus. This shared developmental pathway is the basis for their classification as homologous structures.
Homology means that two different structures arose from the same tissue in the embryo. During fetal development, the epithelium of the urogenital sinus penetrates the surrounding mesenchyme to form the prostate in males and the paraurethral glands in females. This common ancestry explains the structural and functional similarities.
Common Conditions Affecting Paraurethral Glands
The paraurethral glands are susceptible to various medical conditions. One of the most common issues is infection and inflammation, often called skenitis or paraurethritis. This condition can be caused by the same bacteria responsible for sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea.
Symptoms of skenitis include pain during urination (dysuria), swelling or soreness in the area, and an abnormal discharge from the ducts. Another common issue involves the obstruction of the ducts, which can lead to the formation of a Skene’s duct cyst. These cysts are usually benign but can cause discomfort, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), or difficulty with urination if they become large enough. Rarely, the glands can also be the site of abscess formation or malignant tumors.