The periurethral glands are a component of human anatomy integrated with the urinary and reproductive systems. These small structures are located at the intersection of pathways for excretion and sexual response. Their function goes beyond simple lubrication, playing a role in maintaining health and contributing to aspects of sexual physiology. Understanding these glands offers a clearer picture of the female genitourinary tract.
Defining the Periurethral Glands (Structure and Location)
The periurethral glands are a pair of small, branching glandular structures situated around the distal end of the urethra. They are embedded in the tissue of the anterior vaginal wall, near the urethral opening. These glands are also known as Skene’s glands or paraurethral glands, named after the physician Alexander Skene.
Each gland is connected to the urethral opening by a small channel called a Skene’s duct. These ducts typically open on either side of the urethral meatus, the opening where urine exits the body. Anatomically, the periurethral glands are considered homologous to the male prostate gland, meaning they develop from the same embryonic tissue. This shared origin highlights their potential for similar secretory functions.
Essential Functions in the Urogenital System
The primary function of the periurethral glands is to produce and secrete a fluid into the urethra and the surrounding area. This secretory action is a routine physiological process, independent of sexual stimulation. The fluid serves as a natural lubricant for the urethra, assisting in the passage of urine and helping to maintain the health of the urethral lining.
The composition of this fluid is chemically distinct from other bodily secretions. It contains substances like prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein found in high concentrations in the male prostate gland. The presence of PSA and other prostatic markers has led some researchers to refer to the glands as the “female prostate.”
The fluid is also theorized to contain antimicrobial properties. By secreting these protective substances, the glands may help guard the delicate urethral tissue against ascending bacterial infections, which are a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This defensive mechanism suggests their role in the local immune defense system for the lower urinary tract.
Common Clinical Issues (Infection and Cysts)
Like any glandular structure with ducts, the periurethral glands are susceptible to blockage and infection. The most common issue is the formation of a Skene’s duct cyst, which occurs when a duct becomes obstructed and fluid accumulates. These cysts are typically benign and often remain asymptomatic.
If a cyst grows larger, it can cause local swelling near the urethral opening or discomfort during sexual activity. Large cysts can also exert pressure on the urethra, potentially leading to symptoms like difficulty or pain during urination, a hesitant urinary stream, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
An infected cyst or gland is known as skenitis, which can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria associated with sexually transmitted infections. Infection can lead to the formation of an abscess, a painful collection of pus requiring medical attention. Symptoms of an abscess include swelling, tenderness, and pain, often accompanied by the need for frequent urination.
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. An active infection or abscess requires a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. For symptomatic cysts or abscesses, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary, such as incision and drainage or marsupialization to create a permanent opening for fluid to escape.
The Role of the Glands in Female Ejaculation
The periurethral glands are central to the scientific understanding of female ejaculation, a phenomenon characterized by the expulsion of fluid during orgasm in some individuals. Modern research provides substantial evidence linking the periurethral glands to the origin of the ejaculate fluid.
The fluid expelled during true female ejaculation is chemically distinguishable from urine and general vaginal lubrication. Biochemical analysis of this small-volume ejaculate shows high concentrations of prostatic markers, including PSA and prostatic acid phosphatase, indicating its origin is the periurethral glands. The fluid also contains glucose and fructose, similar to the seminal fluid produced in the male prostate.
It is important to differentiate true female ejaculation from a larger-volume fluid expulsion often termed “squirting,” which contains significant levels of creatinine and urea, consistent with diluted urine. The fluid originating from the glands is generally a small amount, often described as milk-like or watery. The mechanism of expulsion is thought to involve muscular contractions around the urethra during intense orgasm.
The location of the periurethral glands also intersects with the G-spot, or Gräfenberg spot, a sensitive area on the anterior vaginal wall. Stimulation of this area directly engages the tissue surrounding the distal urethra, the precise anatomical location of the periurethral glands. This anatomical overlap suggests that the pleasure and fluid expulsion reported during stimulation of this area are directly linked to the activation of the glandular complex.