Do Women Have a Prostate? What Research Shows

Women do not have a prostate gland in the traditional sense, but they do possess a structure that shares remarkable similarities with the male prostate. Called the Skene’s glands, or paraurethral glands, these small glands sit near the lower end of the urethra and produce fluid that may play a role in sexual function. While much smaller than the male prostate, Skene’s glands share embryonic origins and even produce some of the same biochemical markers. Understanding this anatomy helps explain certain urinary and sexual health experiences that women may encounter.

What Are Skene’s Glands and How Do They Compare to the Prostate?

Skene’s glands are two small structures located on either side of the urethra in women, typically at the lower end near the vaginal opening. They drain into the urethra through tiny ducts. Research has shown these glands contain similar tissue to the male prostate and produce prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the same protein marker used to screen for prostate cancer in men.

During fetal development, both male and female reproductive anatomy originate from the same embryonic tissue. In males, this tissue develops into the prostate gland. In females, it becomes Skene’s glands. The glands remain significantly smaller in women, but the cellular structure shows clear parallels. Some anatomists refer to Skene’s glands as the female prostate for this reason.

The size difference matters. The male prostate typically grows to about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra. Skene’s glands remain much smaller and sit alongside the urethra rather than encircling it. This anatomical distinction explains why women rarely experience the same urinary obstruction issues that affect men with enlarged prostates.

What Function Do Skene’s Glands Serve?

Skene’s glands produce and secrete a fluid that contributes to vaginal lubrication during sexual arousal. Some research suggests this fluid may also have antimicrobial properties that help protect the urinary tract from infection. The glands contain erectile tissue and may become engorged during arousal, similar to other structures in the female reproductive system.

The connection between Skene’s glands and female ejaculation has been studied for decades. Some women report releasing fluid during orgasm that differs from urine or typical vaginal lubrication. Studies have found this fluid contains PSA and other compounds secreted by Skene’s glands. The volume and experience vary widely between individuals, and many women never experience this phenomenon.

Beyond sexual function, Skene’s glands may play a minor role in urinary health. Their position near the urethral opening means they interact with the urinary system, though their exact contribution remains less understood than male prostate function. What we do know is that inflammation or infection of these glands can cause symptoms similar to urinary tract infections.

Can Skene’s Glands Develop Medical Problems?

Skene’s glands can become infected or inflamed, a condition called skenitis. Women with this condition may experience pain during urination, discomfort during intercourse, or tenderness around the urethral opening. The symptoms often mimic a urinary tract infection, which can lead to initial misdiagnosis.

Cysts can also form in Skene’s glands when the ducts become blocked. These cysts typically appear as small bumps near the urethral opening and may cause no symptoms at all. If they grow large or become infected, they may require drainage or surgical removal. Most cases resolve without intervention.

In rare cases, cancer can develop in Skene’s glands. Skene’s gland carcinoma accounts for a tiny fraction of all cancers affecting the female reproductive system. Because these glands produce PSA, some doctors have explored whether PSA testing might help detect this cancer, but as of 2026 there is no established screening protocol for women. The cancer is so uncommon that routine screening would not be practical or beneficial.

Why Is PSA Sometimes Detectable in Women?

Prostate-specific antigen shows up in blood tests for some women because Skene’s glands produce this protein. The levels in women are typically much lower than in men, usually below 0.5 ng/mL. Doctors sometimes measure PSA in women when investigating certain gynecological cancers or unexplained symptoms.

Finding detectable PSA in a woman does not indicate disease by itself. It simply reflects the normal activity of Skene’s glands. However, unusually elevated PSA levels might warrant further investigation, particularly if a woman has symptoms suggesting a problem with these glands or nearby structures.

The parallel to male health is interesting but limited. Men undergo PSA screening to detect prostate cancer because the prostate is large and prostate cancer is common. Women do not need routine PSA screening because Skene’s glands are small and cancers arising from them are exceedingly rare. The biology is shared, but the clinical implications differ significantly.

Do Skene’s Glands Change With Age or Hormones?

Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can affect Skene’s glands, though not to the dramatic extent that hormones affect the male prostate. Estrogen appears to influence the health and function of these glands. Some women notice changes in vaginal lubrication and sexual response after menopause, which may relate partly to changes in Skene’s gland function.

Unlike the male prostate, which commonly enlarges with age and causes urinary symptoms in older men, Skene’s glands do not typically grow larger or create obstruction. This anatomical advantage means women avoid one of the most common urological problems that affect men over 50. The smaller size and different positioning make a significant difference in how aging affects urinary function.

What Should Women Know About This Anatomy?

Understanding that Skene’s glands exist and function as an anatomical counterpart to the male prostate can help women interpret certain health experiences. Pain near the urethra that does not respond to typical UTI treatment might involve these glands. Sexual function that includes fluid release during orgasm has an anatomical basis. These are normal variations in female anatomy, not medical problems.

If symptoms occur such as persistent urethral pain, visible lumps near the urethral opening, or recurring infections in that area, medical evaluation makes sense. A gynecologist or urologist can examine Skene’s glands and determine whether inflammation, cysts, or other issues require treatment. Most problems with these glands respond well to straightforward interventions.

The terminology matters less than the understanding. Whether called Skene’s glands, paraurethral glands, or the female prostate, these structures represent a normal part of female anatomy with specific functions. They do not require special screening or routine monitoring. Awareness of them simply adds to a complete picture of how the female urinary and reproductive systems work together.