Women do not have a prostate gland in the same way men do. But they do have small structures called Skene’s glands, also known as the female prostate, that share some characteristics with the male prostate. These glands sit near the lower end of the urethra and can produce fluid similar to male prostatic fluid. They are much smaller than the male prostate and are not considered essential organs.
Understanding this distinction matters because it clears up confusion about female anatomy and helps explain certain urinary and sexual health issues women experience. The term “female prostate” is used in medical literature, but these glands function very differently from what most people picture when they hear the word prostate.
What Are Skene’s Glands?
Skene’s glands are two small glands located on either side of the female urethra, just inside the vaginal opening. They are named after Alexander Skene, the gynecologist who described them in detail in the late 1800s. These glands are made of tissue that is embryologically similar to the male prostate, which is why some researchers call them the female prostate.
The glands produce a fluid that may be released during sexual arousal or orgasm. This fluid contains some of the same compounds found in male prostatic fluid, including prostate-specific antigen or PSA. The amount of fluid varies widely between women, and many women are not aware these glands exist. Unlike the male prostate, which grows throughout a man’s life and commonly causes urinary problems, Skene’s glands typically remain small and cause few issues.
The glands have ducts that open into the urethra or near the urethral opening. In rare cases, these ducts can become blocked or infected, leading to cysts or abscesses. Most women will never have a problem with their Skene’s glands, but when issues do occur they can cause pain, swelling, or discomfort during urination or sex.
Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
Cancer of the Skene’s glands is extremely rare but has been documented in medical literature. When it does occur, it is sometimes referred to as female prostate cancer or Skene’s gland carcinoma. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported worldwide as of 2026, making it one of the rarest gynecological cancers.
Symptoms can include a palpable mass near the urethra, blood in the urine, pain during urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Diagnosis is challenging because the condition is so uncommon that many doctors do not consider it initially. Biopsy and imaging are typically needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Because the tissue is similar to male prostate tissue, tumors of the Skene’s glands can produce PSA. This means elevated PSA levels in women, while uncommon, are not always a lab error. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the glands and surrounding tissue, sometimes with radiation or chemotherapy depending on the stage and type of cancer.
Do Women Get Prostatitis?
Women can develop inflammation or infection of the Skene’s glands, a condition sometimes compared to prostatitis in men. This is not common, but when it happens the symptoms can mimic a urinary tract infection. Women may experience burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, pelvic pain, or discomfort during intercourse.
The condition is often misdiagnosed because doctors are not trained to routinely examine the Skene’s glands. Standard urine tests may come back negative for bacteria, which can lead to frustration when symptoms persist. Physical examination can sometimes detect swelling or tenderness near the urethra, and ultrasound or MRI may show inflammation or cysts.
Treatment depends on the cause. If bacteria are present, antibiotics are used. If the ducts are blocked, warm sitz baths and gentle massage may help. In some cases, a minor surgical procedure is needed to drain a cyst or abscess. Most cases resolve with appropriate treatment, though some women experience recurring symptoms.
How Do Skene’s Glands Compare to the Male Prostate?
The table below outlines the key differences between Skene’s glands in women and the prostate in men.
| Feature | Male Prostate | Female Skene’s Glands |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Walnut-sized, grows with age | Very small, pea-sized or smaller |
| Location | Below bladder, surrounds urethra | Near urethral opening, inside vagina |
| Function | Produces seminal fluid for sperm transport | Produces small amount of fluid during arousal |
| Common problems | Enlargement, infection, cancer | Rarely causes symptoms; cysts or infection possible |
| PSA production | High levels produced routinely | Trace amounts in some women |
Both structures develop from the same embryonic tissue, which is why they share some cellular features. However, hormonal differences between men and women lead to vastly different development and function. Testosterone in men causes the prostate to grow large and play a central role in reproduction. In women, lower levels of androgens result in much smaller glands with minimal physiological impact.
What Symptoms Should Women Watch For?
Most women will never experience problems related to their Skene’s glands. When issues do arise, the symptoms are usually related to the urinary tract or sexual function. Recognizing these signs can help women seek appropriate care rather than assuming all urinary symptoms are simple bladder infections.
Key symptoms that may indicate a problem with the Skene’s glands include:
- Persistent urinary discomfort that does not improve with standard UTI treatment
- A small lump or swelling felt near the opening of the urethra
- Pain during intercourse, especially with pressure near the urethra
- Recurring pelvic pain without an identifiable bladder or gynecological cause
- Blood in the urine when other causes have been ruled out
If symptoms persist despite treatment for a urinary tract infection, it is worth asking a healthcare provider to examine the area around the urethra. Not all providers routinely check the Skene’s glands, so being specific about symptoms and concerns can help guide the examination. Imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI can detect cysts, abscesses, or other abnormalities that might otherwise be missed.
What Does Research Say About Female Ejaculation?
The Skene’s glands have been studied in connection with female ejaculation, a phenomenon that remains somewhat controversial in medical literature. Some studies suggest the fluid released by some women during orgasm originates from the Skene’s glands. Analysis of this fluid has shown it contains PSA and other markers similar to male prostatic fluid, supporting the theory that these glands function as a female prostate.
Research indicates that not all women experience ejaculation, and the amount of fluid varies considerably. Some women release a few drops while others report larger volumes. The fluid is distinct from urine and from vaginal lubrication based on biochemical analysis. A 2023 study using ultrasound imaging confirmed that the bladder does not fill immediately before ejaculation, further supporting the role of the Skene’s glands.
The topic has been clouded by cultural taboos and lack of research funding. Many women are unaware that ejaculation is possible or normal, and some feel embarrassed discussing it with healthcare providers. As of 2026, more researchers are examining the anatomy and function of these glands, which should lead to better understanding and fewer misconceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women Get Prostate
Can elevated PSA levels occur in women?
Yes, women can have detectable PSA levels because the Skene’s glands produce small amounts of this protein. Elevated PSA in women is rare and may indicate inflammation, infection, or very rarely a tumor of the Skene’s glands.
Are Skene’s glands the same as Bartholin’s glands?
No, they are different structures. Skene’s glands are located near the urethra and are considered similar to the prostate, while Bartholin’s glands sit on either side of the vaginal opening and produce lubrication.
Do all women have Skene’s glands?
Most women have Skene’s glands, but the size and function vary widely. In some women they are barely detectable, while in others they are more prominent and active.
What causes a Skene’s gland cyst?
Cysts form when the ducts of the glands become blocked, trapping fluid inside. This can happen due to infection, trauma, or buildup of secretions and may require drainage if painful or infected.
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