Women do not possess the same organ as the male prostate gland. However, women do have a structure that is anatomically, embryologically, and biochemically equivalent to the male prostate. This gland, often called the female prostate, represents a fascinating example of shared human anatomy and function between the sexes. Understanding this homologous structure clarifies a common misconception.
Anatomical Homology: The Paraurethral Glands
The structure homologous to the male prostate is officially known as the paraurethral glands, or sometimes as Skene’s glands. These glands are located in the wall of the distal female urethra, extending along its length in the periurethral region. The paraurethral glands are composed of tubuloalveolar glandular structures, a tissue arrangement similar to that found in the male prostate. Unlike the male prostate, which is a single, walnut-sized organ, the female paraurethral glands are typically smaller and more diffuse. Each gland drains into the urethra through a small duct system, with ducts opening near the external urethral opening.
The embryological origin provides the strongest evidence for this anatomical equivalence. Both the male prostate and the female paraurethral glands develop from the same embryonic tissue, the urogenital sinus. The difference in size and organization is a result of divergent development influenced by sex hormones.
Shared Biochemical Function
The most compelling scientific evidence for the homology between these structures lies in the substances they secrete. The paraurethral glands contain secretory cells that produce several proteins traditionally associated only with the male prostate. These markers include Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). PSA is a protein widely known as a marker for the male prostate. Immunohistochemical studies have confirmed that the glandular cells express and secrete PSA and PAP, demonstrating a functional similarity at a molecular level.
While the full function is still being researched, these secretions are thought to play a role in female sexual response and potentially offer protection. The fluid expelled from the paraurethral glands during arousal or orgasm is known to contain these prostatic markers. Some evidence suggests the secretions may possess antibacterial properties, offering a protective function for the urinary tract.
Why the Confusion Persists
The ongoing confusion over whether women have a prostate stems from both a historical debate and terminological inconsistency. The glands were first described in detail in 1880 by Alexander Skene, which led to the common name of Skene’s glands. For decades, the glands were often dismissed as rudimentary or vestigial, meaning they were considered non-functional anatomical remnants.
The discovery that these glands produce the same proteins as the male prostate, particularly PSA, revived the scientific debate in the mid-to-late 20th century. This biochemical evidence strongly supports the concept of a functional equivalent, leading many researchers to advocate for the term “female prostate.” The Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology briefly proposed renaming Skene’s glands to the “female prostate” in 2002.
Despite the functional and embryological equivalence, the term “paraurethral glands” remains the most widely accepted anatomical term in modern medical texts. The reluctance to universally adopt “female prostate” is partly due to a preference for precise anatomical nomenclature and a desire to avoid mapping female anatomy onto male structures.