Skene's glands (paraurethral glands)

The Skene's glands, also known as the paraurethral glands, are small glandular structures located on the anterior vaginal wall, near the urethral opening. They are sometimes referred to as the "female prostate" due to their functional and embryological similarities to the male prostate.

Anatomy and Function

• Location: Embedded in the urethrovaginal septum, with ducts opening near the urethral meatus.
• Secretions: Produce a milky ultrafiltrate of blood plasma containing prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostatic acid phosphatase, glucose, and fructose. These secretions may contribute to female ejaculation. See sexuality/ejaculation.md.
• Role in Sexual Response: The glands are thought to play a role in the sensations attributed to the G-spot, as they are stimulated during anterior vaginal wall pressure. See sexuality/g-spot.md.

Clinical Significance

• Disorders: Conditions such as skenitis (inflammation), Skene's duct cysts, and infections can affect these glands.
• Female Ejaculation: The Skene's glands are a primary source of the fluid expelled during female ejaculation, distinct from bladder-derived fluid involved in squirting.

Writing Tips

• Emphasize the glands' dual role in lubrication and sexual response.
• Use anatomical accuracy to describe their location and function.

Related Pages

• sexuality/g-spot.md
• anatomy/vagina/urethral_sponge.md
• sexuality/ejaculation.md