If you asked a biology teacher twenty years ago whether women have a prostate, they’d probably have said "no" without blinking. It was one of those absolute "facts" of human anatomy. Men have prostates; women have ovaries. Simple, right? Well, not exactly. Biology is messier than a middle school textbook suggests.
Strictly speaking, women do not have the male-specific walnut-sized organ that sits under the bladder. However, women do possess a functional equivalent called the Skene’s gland. In 2002, the Federal Committee on Anatomical Terminology officially renamed these the female prostate.
It’s a game-changer for how we think about female sexual health.
Understanding the "Female Prostate"
The Skene’s glands are a pair of small glands located on the front wall of the vagina, right near the opening of the urethra. They are named after Alexander Skene, a Scottish gynecologist who described them in the late 1800s. For a long time, doctors basically ignored them. They were seen as vestigial—like the appendix—or just some minor lubrication source.
But they aren't just "there." They are active.
These glands produce the same proteins as the male prostate. Specifically, they produce Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). If you’ve ever heard of a PSA test for screening prostate cancer in men, it’s the exact same stuff. When researchers started finding PSA in women’s blood and urine, it forced a massive rethink of what these tissues actually do.
They vary wildly in size. For some women, they are barely detectable. For others, they are much larger and more sensitive. This anatomical variation is one reason why sexual experiences and physical sensations differ so much from person to person.
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Why Do Women Have a Prostate-Like Gland Anyway?
Evolution is efficient. During the first few weeks of gestation, male and female embryos look pretty much identical. We all start with the same basic blueprints. Around the ninth week, hormones like testosterone kick in to steer development.
In males, these tissues become the prostate. In females, they become the Skene’s glands. They are homologous. They come from the same embryonic "building blocks."
Because they share an origin story, they share a similar structure. Both are made of glandular tissue and smooth muscle. Both drain into the urethra. Both are highly sensitive to hormonal changes, particularly the ebb and flow of estrogen and testosterone throughout a woman's life.
The Connection to Female Ejaculation
This is where things get controversial and, honestly, quite interesting. For decades, "female ejaculation" was dismissed as a myth or written off as accidental urinary incontinence. It was a taboo topic.
Current research suggests that when a woman ejaculates, the fluid often contains high concentrations of PSA and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), which are the hallmarks of prostate fluid. It isn’t urine. It’s a distinct secretion produced by the Skene’s glands during intense arousal.
The G-spot? It’s basically the area where you can feel the Skene’s glands through the vaginal wall. When people talk about G-spot stimulation, they are often indirectly stimulating the female prostate.
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When Things Go Wrong: Health Risks and Symptoms
Since these glands are functionally similar to the male version, they can suffer from similar issues. This is the part most doctors don't talk about. If you have "prostate" tissue, you can technically get "prostate" problems.
Skene’s Gland Cysts
Sometimes the ducts of these glands get blocked. This can lead to a Skene’s duct cyst. It usually feels like a small, firm lump near the urethral opening. They aren't usually cancerous, but they can be incredibly uncomfortable during exercise or sex.
Infections (Prostatitis)
Ever had a UTI that just wouldn't go away, even though the tests came back weird? It might not have been your bladder. It could have been an infection of the Skene’s glands—essentially, female prostatitis. Because the glands are tucked away, bacteria can hide there.
The Big C: Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
It is extremely rare. Like, "medical journal case study" rare. But it has happened. Because the Skene’s glands produce PSA, cancerous cells can develop in that tissue. In these cases, doctors often see elevated PSA levels in the blood, just as they would in a man with prostate cancer.
According to a study published in Nature Reviews Urology, recognizing this tissue as "prostate" is vital for correctly diagnosing these rare malignancies. If a doctor doesn't know the tissue exists, they won't look for the cancer.
Diagnosis is Still a Nightmare
Honestly, the biggest hurdle is medical gaslighting. Many healthcare providers still aren't trained to look at the Skene's glands. If a woman has chronic pelvic pain or pain during urination that isn't a standard UTI, the Skene's glands are rarely checked.
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Imaging is tricky too. A standard pelvic ultrasound might miss them. Doctors often need to use high-resolution MRI or specialized urethral exams to see what’s actually happening.
The Hormone Factor
These glands are very sensitive to androgens (male-type hormones like testosterone). Some research suggests that women with higher natural testosterone levels, or those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), might have more developed Skene’s glands.
Conversely, after menopause, when estrogen and testosterone levels drop, the Skene’s glands can atrophy. This can lead to dryness or a thinning of the urethral area, making older women more prone to irritation. It’s all connected.
Practical Steps for Health and Awareness
Understanding your own anatomy isn't just a fun fact; it’s about better self-care. If you’ve struggled with mysterious pelvic discomfort, it’s worth asking specific questions.
- Self-Examination: If you feel a lump or persistent tenderness near the urethral opening, don't ignore it. It’s not "just a weird UTI."
- Talk to an Urogynecologist: General GPs might not be up to date on the nuances of the Skene’s gland. An urogynecologist specializes in the intersection of the urinary and reproductive systems. They are the experts here.
- Ask About PSA: If there is a suspected growth near the urethra, ask if a PSA blood test is relevant. It’s an unconventional request for a woman, but it’s scientifically backed for identifying Skene's gland issues.
- Hydration and Hygiene: Since the glands drain into the urethra, staying hydrated helps keep the ducts clear and flush out bacteria that could cause "female prostatitis."
- Advocate for Yourself: If your symptoms are dismissed because "women don't have a prostate," feel free to mention the 2002 terminological update. You have the right to an accurate diagnosis based on modern science, not 1950s textbooks.
Biology is a spectrum. The "male" and "female" labels we use for organs are often too rigid for the reality of our bodies. The Skene’s gland is a perfect example of how much we still have to learn about female physiology. It’s not a "male organ" in a female body; it’s a vital, functional part of being a woman that deserves just as much medical attention as any other part of the anatomy.