The question of whether women possess a prostate gland is a common source of confusion stemming from the shared biological origins of male and female anatomy. During gestation, reproductive and urinary systems develop from similar tissues. In the absence of specific hormonal signals, these tissues differentiate along a female path, resulting in structures biologically comparable to, but distinct from, the male prostate. Understanding this relationship requires exploring the corresponding female structures.
Clarifying the Terminology: The Female Prostate
Women do not have the large, singular gland known as the male prostate. They do, however, possess glandular tissue biologically homologous to it. This tissue is officially known as the paraurethral glands, or commonly referred to as Skene’s glands, named after the physician who described them in 1880. The scientific community acknowledges this structural equivalence.
In 2002, the term “female prostate” was formally added as a secondary term for the paraurethral glands in the official anatomical nomenclature, Terminologia Histologica. This recognition is based on shared embryological development from the urogenital sinus. The paraurethral glands are classified under the ICD-10 code N36.1 for urethral and paraurethral gland disorders.
Anatomical Location and Structure
The paraurethral glands are not a single, cohesive organ like the male prostate, but rather a system of glands and ducts. These glands are situated in the wall of the distal urethra, positioned near the urethral opening. They lie within the tissue anterior to the vagina, often near the area associated with the G-spot.
The system consists of two primary glands that drain their secretions through a network of small paraurethral ducts. These ducts open into the vestibule of the vulva, located on either side of the urethral meatus. Microscopically, this tissue is composed of tubuloalveolar adenomers, which are glandular sacs lined with cuboidal or columnar epithelium. These components are surrounded by connective tissue and smooth muscle fibers.
Physiological Role and Secretions
The paraurethral glands function primarily through secretion, contributing to both urinary tract health and sexual response. They produce a milk-like, ultrafiltrate fluid that lubricates the urethra and its opening. This secretion possesses antimicrobial properties, which may protect the lower urinary tract from infection.
Chemically, the fluid contains compounds nearly identical to those found in male seminal fluid. This includes high concentrations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). PSA is a protein marker confirming the biological homology with the male prostate.
During sexual arousal and orgasm, the surrounding tissue swells due to increased blood flow, and the glands secrete fluid. The paraurethral glands are the source of female ejaculation, typically a small volume of thick, milky fluid. This fluid is chemically distinct from urine, containing elevated levels of PSA and glucose, but lower levels of creatinine.
Clinical Conditions Affecting the Glands
The paraurethral glands are susceptible to specific health issues, primarily due to their location near the urethra. The most common disorder is skenitis, which is inflammation or infection of the glands. Skenitis often presents with symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection, such as painful or frequent urination. Gonorrhea is a frequent bacterial cause of skenitis, which is treated with antibiotics.
Obstruction of the paraurethral ducts, often due to inflammation, can lead to the formation of a Skene’s gland cyst. These benign cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may be asymptomatic. If large, they can cause a palpable lump, pain during intercourse, or difficulty with urination. Treatment for symptomatic cysts may involve surgical excision or a procedure called marsupialization to drain the fluid.
Adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer, can rarely originate in the paraurethral glands. Skene’s gland cancer is exceptionally rare, with only a small number of cases reported in medical literature. Similar to the male prostate, these tumors often stain positive for PSA, providing a diagnostic marker and confirming the glandular origin.