Skene’s glands, also known as the paraurethral glands, are a small component of the female anatomy. They have drawn attention due to their unique biological structure and suggested involvement in sexual health. Historically, they have been a subject of debate, with their function and relevance being clarified slowly through modern scientific investigation. This article details the precise location of the glands, their established physiological role, their connection to female sexual response, and the medical issues that can arise in this area.
Anatomical Placement and Nomenclature
The Skene’s glands are situated in the anterior portion of the vaginal wall, surrounding the lower end of the urethra. They are typically paired structures, with ducts leading to openings near the urethral opening, also known as the meatus. The glands are embedded within the tissue of the anterior vaginal wall, sometimes called the urethral sponge.
These glands are considered the biological homologue to the male prostate gland, developing from the same embryonic tissue. For this reason, the Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology officially accepted the term “female prostate” as a secondary name for the Skene’s glands. They are also sometimes referred to as the lesser vestibular glands. Their structure is described as tubuloalveolar formations on long ductal structures, microscopically resembling the male prostate.
Confirmed Biological Role
The primary role of the paraurethral glands is the production and secretion of a fluid. This fluid is often clear or mucus-like and is released through ducts near the urethral opening. The secretion helps to lubricate the urethral opening, which may facilitate the passage of urine.
The fluid contains specific proteins that suggest an immune-protective function within the urinary tract. The secretion has been found to contain Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), markers also present in male prostatic fluid. These components provide antimicrobial properties, helping to protect the urinary tract from ascending infections. The tissues surrounding the glands also become engorged with blood during sexual arousal, indicating a role in the female sexual response.
The Connection to Female Ejaculation
The Skene’s glands are central to the hypothesis surrounding female ejaculation, defined as the expulsion of fluid during sexual arousal or orgasm. Scientific analysis shows that the small volume of fluid released during ejaculation contains high concentrations of the prostatic markers PSA and PAP, strongly suggesting a glandular origin. This finding supports the theory that the paraurethral glands are the source of this specific fluid.
The Gräfenberg Spot, or G-spot, is an area of heightened sensitivity on the anterior wall of the vagina, which some research links to the Skene’s glands. Stimulation of this area may activate the glands and surrounding erectile tissue, potentially leading to fluid expulsion. The highly variable anatomy of the glands among women may account for why not all women experience this phenomenon.
It is important to differentiate between female ejaculation and the larger volume phenomenon colloquially termed “squirting.” Research suggests that “squirting” is a massive, sudden transurethral expulsion of liquid that is mostly diluted urine originating from the bladder. In contrast, true female ejaculation is thought to be the small-volume, thick, milky secretion from the paraurethral glands. Both phenomena can occur simultaneously, which has contributed to confusion in the scientific literature.
Clinical Issues and Pathology
Despite their small size, the paraurethral glands are susceptible to specific medical conditions, mostly related to inflammation or obstruction. An infection of the glands is termed Skene’s glanditis or skenitis, often caused by bacteria associated with sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea. Symptoms can mimic a urinary tract infection, including painful urination, a frequent urge to urinate, or pain during sexual intercourse.
If the ducts become blocked, the fluid produced can accumulate, leading to the formation of a Skene’s duct cyst. Most cysts are small (less than one centimeter) and asymptomatic. Larger cysts, however, can cause discomfort, a palpable mass near the urethral opening, or difficulty with urination due to obstruction.
If untreated, an infection or cyst may progress to form an abscess, which is a painful collection of pus. Treatment for skenitis typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. Symptomatic cysts or abscesses often require a minor surgical procedure.
Treatment Options
Procedures include drainage or marsupialization, where the cyst is cut open and its edges are stitched to create a permanent opening to prevent recurrence.