Do Women Have a Prostate?

People sometimes ask if women have a prostate gland. The short answer is no, they do not. The prostate is not part of the female anatomy. However, women have a set of glands similar in function to the prostate.

This article provides more information on the prostate and its rough equivalent in women.

WHAT IS THE PROSTATE GLAND AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It’s a gland approximately the size of a ping-pong ball that sits between the base of the penis and the rectum. (Incidentally, that location is why healthcare providers can assess the health of the prostate with a digital rectal examination.)

The prostate produces part of the seminal fluid (semen) that mixes with sperm from the testes. Semen supports sperm and helps them travel toward an egg.

One of the reasons for interest in the prostate is that, like most body tissues and structures, it can develop cancer. In fact, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the U.S.

SKENE’S GLANDS: THE “FEMALE PROSTATE”

Women don’t have a prostate, but they do have glands with some of the same properties. The Skene’s glands (also called paraurethral glands) are a series of glands and ducts at the front of the vagina. Because of similarities in their function, such as producing prostate-specific antigen or PSA, they’re sometimes called the female prostate.

Like the prostate, the Skene’s glands release a fluid that lubricates the urethral opening. Researchers believe the fluid has antimicrobial properties that protect the urinary tract from bacterial infections.

One significant difference between the prostate and its female equivalent is that cancer is extremely rare in the Skene’s glands.

OTHER ISSUES AFFECTING THE SKENE’S GLANDS

While cancer very rarely develops in the Skene’s glands, they can have other problems. For example, they can be involved in an infection of the urethra that health care providers sometimes refer to as female prostatitis. Some research suggests that the infection is actually in the glands rather than the urethra.

The Skene’s glands can also develop cysts or abscesses if their ducts become blocked by inflammation. This rare condition can cause difficulty urinating, unusual vaginal discharge, a noticeable mass and pain during sex or when urinating.

Adenofibromas can also form in the Skene’s glands. These noncancerous growths affect glandular and fibrous tissue. In addition, the glands can be affected by polycystic ovary syndrome. People with PCOS tend to have larger Skene’s glands.

TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER ABOUT PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE SKENE’S GLANDS

While women don’t have a prostate, they do have Skene’s glands that perform similar functions. If you have questions about these glands or any of the conditions that can affect them, talk with your healthcare provider. They can provide information on the Skene’s glands, diagnose problems affecting them and prescribe treatment if needed.

You can use our online directory to find a Baptist Health provider if you don’t have one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

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