Definition & Pronunciation
The glands may release fluid that helps moisten the urethral and vulvar area. In some people, they may also contribute to fluid released during sexual arousal or orgasm. Their size and activity vary naturally, and they may be difficult to identify during an ordinary examination.
Sexopedia Quick Reference
Skene’s Glands
Also Known As:paraurethral glands, lesser vestibular glands, female prostate [informal medical comparison]
Easy Explanation
They may:
- release a small amount of fluid;
- help moisten tissue around the urethra;
- respond during sexual arousal;
- contribute to fluid released by some people during orgasm;
- occasionally become blocked, swollen, or infected.
Simple examples include:
- Skene’s glands lie close to the urethral opening.
- Their ducts open into the vulvar vestibule.
- The glands may release fluid during sexual arousal.
- A blocked duct may form a Skene’s gland cyst.
- Persistent pain near the urethra should be medically assessed.
Grammatical Formation and Usage
Common expressions include:
- Skene’s gland ducts;
- Skene’s gland cyst;
- Skene’s gland infection;
- paraurethral gland fluid;
- paraurethral tissue.
The form Skene glands, without an apostrophe, also appears in medical writing.
Anatomy and Location
Their ducts usually open:
- near the external urethral opening;
- within the vulvar vestibule;
- below the clitoris;
- above the vaginal opening.
They should not be confused with the Bartholin’s glands, which lie lower and farther back near the sides of the vaginal entrance.
Because Skene’s glands are small and internal, healthy glands are usually neither visible nor noticeable.
Function
Their secretions may help:
- moisten the urethral opening;
- lubricate nearby vulvar tissue;
- protect the urinary passage;
- support the local genital environment;
- contribute to sexual fluid release in some individuals.
The glands can produce substances also associated with prostate tissue, which is why they are sometimes compared with the prostate.
However, gland size, secretion, and sexual response differ greatly among individuals.
Sexual Arousal and Female Ejaculation
Female ejaculation should be distinguished from squirting, which commonly involves a larger amount of fluid and may contain diluted urine from the bladder.
These experiences vary naturally:
- some people release noticeable fluid;
- some release only a small amount;
- others release none;
- the amount may differ from one sexual experience to another.
Fluid release is not required for orgasm and does not measure sexual pleasure, health, or performance.
Skene’s Gland Cyst
Possible symptoms include:
- a small lump near the urethral opening;
- tenderness or swelling;
- discomfort during urination;
- pain during sexual activity;
- repeated urinary symptoms;
- difficulty directing the urine stream.
Small cysts may cause no symptoms. Larger or painful cysts may require medical evaluation and treatment.
A lump should not be squeezed, pierced, or drained at home.
Infection and Other Health Concerns
Possible symptoms include:
- pain near the urethra;
- burning during urination;
- swelling;
- tenderness;
- unusual discharge;
- recurring urinary discomfort;
- pain during penetration.
These symptoms may resemble a urinary tract infection, urethritis, or another vulvar condition. A clinician may need to examine the area and perform urine, fluid, or infection testing.
Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage, or another procedure depending on the cause.
Hygiene and Care
Gentle care includes:
- washing the external vulva with water;
- avoiding scented sprays and harsh cleansers;
- not inserting cleaning products into the urethra;
- using clean hands and sex toys;
- using barriers when appropriate;
- seeking care for persistent urinary or vulvar symptoms.
Trying to press or empty the glands may cause irritation or injury.
Common Misunderstandings
They are separate glands in different locations.
Everyone releases fluid from these glands during orgasm.
Fluid release varies and may not occur at all.
Female ejaculation is always urine.
Skene’s gland secretions may contribute, although released fluid can vary in composition.
The glands are easy to see.
They are usually small and located beneath surrounding tissue.
A painful lump should be drained at home.
Home drainage may cause injury or infection.
Sample Sentences
- Skene’s glands are located near the urethral opening.
- Their small ducts open into the vulvar vestibule.
- Skene’s glands may release fluid during sexual arousal.
- They are also called paraurethral glands.
- A blocked duct may produce a Skene’s gland cyst.
- The glands are different from the Bartholin’s glands.
- Fluid release is not necessary for orgasm.
- Persistent swelling near the urethra should be medically evaluated.
Connection to Sexuality
Their activity differs greatly among individuals. Producing fluid—or not producing it—is a normal variation and does not indicate the quality of an orgasm or sexual experience.
Understanding Skene’s glands supports accurate vulvar anatomy, realistic expectations about sexual fluid release, and clearer communication about urinary pain, swelling, cysts, or other health concerns.