Paraurethral Glands: Anatomy, Function, and Ejaculation

They may:

• produce a small amount of fluid;
• help moisten tissues near the urethra;
• respond during sexualarousal;
• contribute to female ejaculation;
• occasionally become blocked, swollen, or infected.

The glands are usually small and cannot easily be seen or felt.

Common expressions include:

• paraurethral gland tissue;
• paraurethral gland secretion;
• paraurethral gland cyst;
• paraurethral duct;
• infection of the paraurethral glands.

The prefix para- means “beside” or “near,” while urethral means relating to the urethra. Therefore, paraurethral means “located beside or around the urethra.”

Their ducts usually open:

• near the external urethral opening;
• within the vulvar vestibule;
• below the clitoris;
• above or beside the vaginal opening.

Their size, number, and arrangement vary naturally between individuals.

They should not be confused with the Bartholin’s glands, which are located farther back near the lower sides of the vaginal opening and mainly provide lubrication around the vaginal entrance.

Their secretions may contain substances also found in prostatic tissue, including:

• prostate-specific antigen;
• prostatic acid phosphatase;
• mucus-like glandular fluid.

These similarities are why the glands are sometimes described as homologous to the prostate.

However, paraurethral glands are much smaller and do not have the same overall structure as the prostate gland found in typical penile anatomy.

Some people release a small amount of fluid through or near the urethra during stimulation or orgasm. This response is commonly called female ejaculation.

Female ejaculation may involve fluid produced by paraurethral tissue. It is often described as:

• relatively small in amount;
• clear, cloudy, or milky;
• released during intense arousal or orgasm.

It is sometimes distinguished from squirting, which may involve a larger amount of fluid released through the urethra and often includes diluted urine from the bladder.

The two responses may overlap. Neither female ejaculation nor squirting is necessary for orgasm, sexual pleasure, or health.

Pressure through the front vaginal wall may indirectly stimulate several nearby structures, including:

• paraurethral tissue;
• urethral tissue;
• internal parts of the clitoris;
• pelvic-floor muscles;
• nerves and blood vessels.

This may produce pleasure, urinary pressure, orgasm, or fluid release in some people. Others may experience little or no special sensitivity in the area.

Possible conditions include:

• paraurethral cyst;
• Skene’s gland cyst;
• infection;
• abscess;
• duct blockage;
• tenderness or swelling near the urethra.

Possible symptoms include:

• a lump beside the urethral opening;
• pain during urination;
• discomfort during penetration;
• tenderness near the vulvar vestibule;
• unusual discharge;
• repeated urinary symptoms.

These symptoms may resemble a urinary tract infection or urethritis. Persistent pain, swelling, discharge, or urinary difficulty should be medically evaluated.

A cyst or swollen gland should not be squeezed, pierced, or drained at home.

Every person with vulvar anatomy has identical glands.
Their size and development vary naturally.

Paraurethral glands always produce visible ejaculation.
Many people do not notice any fluid release.

Female ejaculation is required for orgasm.
Orgasm may occur with or without ejaculation.

The term female prostate means the glands are identical to a prostate.
They share some characteristics but differ greatly in size and structure.

1. The paraurethral glands are located near the lower urethra.
2. They are commonly known as Skene’s glands.
3. Paraurethral glands may produce fluid during sexual arousal.
4. Their secretions may contribute to female ejaculation.
5. The glands differ from the Bartholin’s glands.
6. A blocked paraurethral duct may form a cyst.
7. Swelling near the urethral opening should be medically assessed.
8. Not everyone experiences noticeable paraurethral fluid release.

Their activity varies widely. Some people notice fluid release or sensitivity near the urethra, while others do not. Neither response indicates greater sexual health or ability.

Understanding paraurethral glands supports accurate discussion of vulvar anatomy, ejaculation, G-spot-related sensations, urinary symptoms, and the natural diversity of sexual response.