Do Women Have Prostates? The Misconception Decoded

The short answer is no, women do not have a prostate gland. But the longer, more useful answer is more interesting than a simple no.

Many people believe women have a prostate because of something called the Skene’s glands. These glands are sometimes called the “female prostate” because they share similar tissue origins and functions with the male prostate. The confusion is understandable.

The Skene’s glands sit near the urethra in women, just like the prostate does in men. They even produce a similar fluid. But calling them a prostate is not medically accurate. It is a helpful comparison, not a biological fact. This article will explain what the Skene’s glands are, what they do, and why the confusion matters for your health.

What Are Skene’s Glands and Why Are They Called the Female Prostate?

Skene’s glands are two small glands located on the front wall of the vagina, near the lower end of the urethra. They were first described by a doctor named Alexander Skene in the 1880s. For most of medical history, these glands were largely ignored.

Researchers did not study them much. That changed when scientists realized these glands develop from the same embryonic tissue as the male prostate. In male embryos, that tissue becomes the prostate. In female embryos, it becomes the Skene’s glands. This shared origin is the main reason people call them the “female prostate.”

Some researchers argue that this term is useful because it highlights the similarity. Others say it creates confusion by suggesting women have a prostate when they do not.

As of 2026, most medical textbooks still use the term Skene’s glands. The term “female prostate” appears more often in research on female sexual health and urinary function.

Research shows these glands produce a fluid that is chemically similar to prostate fluid. Both contain high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This is the same protein doctors measure in men to screen for prostate cancer. Women also produce PSA, but at much lower levels. The Skene’s glands release this fluid during sexual arousal and orgasm in some women.

This fluid is sometimes associated with female ejaculation. Not all women experience this, and the amount varies widely. Some studies suggest the Skene’s glands can also help lubricate the urethra and protect against urinary tract infections.

But evidence for these functions is limited. Most of what we know comes from small studies or case reports. Large-scale research on Skene’s glands is still rare.

Do Skene’s Glands Have Any Health Risks?

Yes, Skene’s glands can develop infections, cysts, and very rarely, cancer. These conditions are uncommon, but they happen. A Skene’s gland cyst feels like a small, firm lump near the vaginal opening. It can cause pain during sex or urination. Infection of the gland is called skenitis. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and sometimes discharge.

These infections are usually treated with antibiotics. If a cyst becomes large or infected, a doctor may need to drain it surgically. Cancer of the Skene’s glands is extremely rare. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported in medical literature.

When it does occur, it is often treated similarly to prostate cancer because the tissues are so similar. Some doctors call this “female prostate cancer” in research papers. Again, this is a descriptive term, not a diagnostic category. The official diagnosis is adenocarcinoma of the Skene’s glands.

Most women with Skene’s gland issues never know they have them. Symptoms can be mistaken for other problems like Bartholin’s gland cysts or urinary tract infections. If you notice a persistent lump or pain in that area, see a gynecologist.

They can examine the area and rule out more common causes. Imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, can help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is usually straightforward and effective. The key is not to ignore the symptom.

Many women assume any lump near the vagina is normal or will go away on its own. Most lumps are benign, but getting them checked is the safest approach.

How Does the Female Prostate Confusion Affect Medical Care?

The confusion around the term “female prostate” has real consequences for how doctors diagnose and treat women. One example is PSA testing. Doctors rarely check PSA levels in women because the normal range is very low.

But Skene’s glands can produce enough PSA to be detected in urine or blood tests. If a woman’s PSA level is elevated, it could signal inflammation, infection, or very rarely, cancer of the Skene’s glands. Most doctors do not think to check for this.

They might assume the PSA is a lab error or ignore it entirely. This can delay diagnosis. Some researchers argue that PSA testing should be considered in women with unexplained pelvic pain or lumps. But there are no standard guidelines for this as of 2026. It remains an area where more research is needed.

Another example is how doctors treat recurrent urinary tract infections. The Skene’s glands sit right next to the urethra. If they are infected, they can mimic or trigger UTI symptoms. A woman might be treated for a UTI multiple times without success, when the real problem is skenitis. A doctor who knows about Skene’s glands can examine the area more carefully and prescribe the right antibiotic. This is not a common scenario, but it happens.

The takeaway is that knowing your anatomy can help you advocate for better care. If you have symptoms that do not fit the usual pattern, mention the possibility of Skene’s gland involvement to your doctor. Not all doctors will know about it, but a good one will look into it.

What Does Research Say About the Female Prostate and Sexual Function?

Research on the Skene’s glands and sexual function is limited but growing. Some studies suggest these glands play a role in female orgasm and the sensation of the G-spot. The G-spot is not a distinct anatomical structure. It is an area of sensitivity on the front wall of the vagina, roughly where the Skene’s glands are located.

Stimulation of this area can lead to pleasurable sensations and, in some women, the release of fluid from the Skene’s glands. This fluid is sometimes called female ejaculate. Chemical analysis shows it contains PSA, glucose, and other components similar to prostate fluid. It is not urine, though it is sometimes confused with it.

Not all women experience female ejaculation. Estimates vary widely because studies use different definitions. Some research suggests 10 to 54 percent of women have experienced it at least once. The wide range shows how little we know. The amount of fluid also varies. Some women release a few drops. Others release several milliliters.

The function of this fluid is unclear. It may have a role in lubrication, or it may simply be a byproduct of sexual arousal. There is no evidence that the ability to ejaculate is linked to sexual satisfaction or health. It is a normal variation, not a sign of anything wrong. If you do not experience it, that does not mean your body is broken.

Common Misconceptions About the Female Prostate

There are several myths about the female prostate that spread online. One is that all women have a prostate. This is false. Women have Skene’s glands, which are similar but not the same. Calling them a prostate is a shorthand, not a biological fact.

Another myth is that Skene’s glands are the G-spot. They are related but not identical. The G-spot is a sensitive area, not a gland. The Skene’s glands sit beneath that area, and their stimulation may contribute to pleasure. But the two are not the same thing.

A third myth is that female ejaculation is always urine. This is not true. Research has confirmed that the fluid contains PSA and other prostate-like proteins. It is chemically distinct from urine. However, some women may also release urine during sexual activity. The two can be confused. If you are concerned about leakage during sex, talk to a doctor. They can help you distinguish between normal fluid release and urinary incontinence. There is no need to be embarrassed. These are common concerns.

• Women do not have a prostate. They have Skene’s glands.
• Skene’s glands develop from the same tissue as the male prostate.
• These glands produce PSA and can be involved in female ejaculation.
• Skene’s gland infections and cysts are rare but treatable.
• Cancer of the Skene’s glands is extremely rare.
• Knowing about Skene’s glands can help you get better medical care.