Skene’s Glands: | shyfamag

“Understanding Skene’s Glands: What They Do, Where They Are, and When They Cause Problems”

What are Skene’s glands?

Skene’s glands, also known as the paraurethral glands, are small glands located on the anterior (front) wall of the vagina, around the lower end of the urethra. They're considered the female equivalent of the male prostate due to similarities in structure and function.

Here are some key points:

● Location: 

Just inside the vaginal opening, around the urethra.

● Function: 

They secrete fluid, which may help lubricate the urethral opening. Some researchers believe they may contribute to the fluid released during female ejaculation.

● Clinical relevance: 

These glands can sometimes become blocked or infected, leading to conditions like Skene's gland cysts or Skene’s gland abscess.

What is the purpose of the Skene’s gland?

The primary purpose of Skene’s glands is believed to be:

1. Lubrication of the urethral opening: 

They secrete a small amount of fluid that may help protect and lubricate the urethra, especially during sexual activity.

2. Potential contribution to female ejaculation: 

Some research suggests these glands may release fluid during orgasm, similar to the male prostate's role in ejaculation. This fluid can contain prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), substances also found in semen.

3. Antimicrobial protection:

 The secretions may have mild antibacterial properties, which could help protect the urinary tract from infection.

While not all functions are fully understood, ongoing research continues to explore their role in sexual function and urogenital health.

Does everyone have Skene’s glands?

Not everyone has Skene’s glands — but most people assigned female at birth (AFAB) do.

To clarify:

■ People assigned female at birth (AFAB): 

Most have Skene’s glands, as they are part of typical female anatomy.

■ People assigned male at birth (AMAB): 

Do not have Skene’s glands, but instead have a prostate, which is considered a homologous structure (developed from the same embryonic tissue).

In rare intersex conditions or differences in sexual development (DSDs), variations can occur where Skene’s glands may be underdeveloped, absent, or atypical.

Where are the Skene’s glands?

The Skene’s glands are located on the anterior wall of the vagina, near the lower end of the urethra — specifically:

● On either side of the urethral opening, within the vaginal tissue.

● Their ducts open into the urethra or just beside the urethral opening, so their secretions can exit through or around it.

An easy way to visualize it:

● Imagine looking at the vaginal opening from the front.

● The urethra sits above the vaginal opening.

● The Skene’s glands are tucked to the left and right of the urethral opening, just under the surface.

Are Skene’s glands visible?

No, Skene’s glands are not normally visible to the naked eye. They are small (usually just a few millimeters in size) and located beneath the surface of the anterior vaginal wall, flanking the urethra. Because of their size and position, they typically cannot be seen without specialized medical tools or procedures.

However, they may become noticeable in certain situations:

■ Infection or blockage: 

If a Skene’s gland becomes inflamed, infected, or develops a cyst, it can swell and create a visible or palpable lump near the urethral opening.

■ During a medical examination: 

A healthcare provider may identify them during a pelvic exam, particularly if there's a concern about swelling, tenderness, or discharge.

What are the common disorders that affect the Skene’s glands?

Several disorders can affect the Skene’s glands, though they are relatively uncommon. Here are the most common ones:

1. Skene’s Duct Cyst

● Cause:

 Blockage of the gland’s duct, leading to fluid buildup.

● Symptoms:

     • Small lump or swelling near the urethral opening

     • Discomfort or pressure

     • Possible difficulty urinating if the cyst is large

● Treatment: 

Often drained or surgically removed if symptomatic.

2. Skene’s Gland Abscess

● Cause: 

Infection of the gland, often after blockage.

● Symptoms:

     • Painful swelling

     • Redness and warmth

     • Fever or signs of systemic infection (in severe cases)

● Treatment: 

Requires antibiotics and sometimes incision and drainage.

3. Skene’s Gland Adenitis

● Cause: 

Inflammation of the gland, often due to bacterial infection (sometimes associated with STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia).

Symptoms:

     • Pain

     • Swelling

     • Irritation near the urethral opening

● Treatment: 

Antibiotics targeting the underlying infection.

4. Paraurethral Gland Hyperplasia or Neoplasia

● Rare: 

Can involve benign enlargement or, very rarely, Skene’s gland carcinoma (a type of cancer).

● Symptoms:

 Persistent mass, bleeding, or urinary symptoms.

● Treatment: 

Depends on diagnosis — may include biopsy, surgical excision, or oncology care.

Skenitis

Skenitis is the inflammation of the Skene’s glands — also referred to as Skene’s gland adenitis or paraurethral gland inflammation. It’s a relatively rare condition but can cause significant discomfort.

Causes of Skenitis

■ Bacterial infection (commonly E. coli, gonorrhea, or chlamydia)

■ Blocked Skene’s duct, leading to fluid buildup and secondary infection

■ Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

■ Poor hygiene or trauma (e.g., from catheterization or rough intercourse)

Symptoms of Skenitis

■ Pain or tenderness around the urethral opening

■ Swelling or a lump on one or both sides of the urethra

■ Burning with urination (dysuria)

■ Vaginal or urethral discharge (sometimes purulent)

■ Fever (if the infection becomes systemic)

■ Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)

Diagnosis

■ Pelvic exam to assess swelling or discharge

■ Urine tests to rule out urinary tract infections

■ Culture or swab of discharge for bacteria or STIs

■ Imaging (like ultrasound) in complex or recurrent cases

Treatment

■ Antibiotics (targeting likely pathogens, sometimes based on culture results)

■ Warm compresses to ease discomfort

■ Pain relievers (NSAIDs)

■ Incision and drainage if an abscess develops

■ Surgical removal of the gland (rare, for chronic or recurrent infections)

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should see your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate an issue with the Skene’s glands (like skenitis, cyst, or abscess) or another urogenital condition:

When to Seek Medical Attention:

● Pain, swelling, or a lump near the urethral or vaginal opening

● Burning or pain during urination that doesn’t go away

● Unusual vaginal or urethral discharge, especially if it’s thick, smelly, or pus-like

● Discomfort or pain during sex (dyspareunia)

● Difficulty urinating or feeling of incomplete emptying

● Fever or chills, which could indicate a spreading infection

● Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) without a clear cause

Prompt evaluation is important because early treatment can prevent complications, especially if the issue is due to an infection that could form an abscess or spread.

Your Skene’s glands are tiny ducts that produce fluid to help with urinary and sexual health.

Yes, that's a good summary! To clarify and expand just a bit:

Skene’s glands are small glands located on either side of the urethra, and their ducts open near the urethral opening. They produce fluid that may:

■ "Help lubricate the urethral area during sexual activity"

■ "Potentially contribute to female ejaculation"

■ "Play a role in protecting the urinary tract from infection due to possible antimicrobial properties"

They're sometimes called the female prostate because of their similarity in function and structure to the male prostate.