Skenes glands are located near the opening of the female urethra, and are involved in female sexual response. The spelling of "Skenes" is pronounced as /skēnz/ with a long "e" sound and a silent "s," as in "skeen." This is because the word is named after Alexander Skene, a Scottish American gynecologist who first described the glands in 1880. Interestingly, the correct spelling of the word varies, with some sources using "Skene's" with an apostrophe and some using "Skenes" without one.
Skenes glands, also known as the female prostate glands or paraurethral glands, are a pair of small, pea-sized glands located on the front wall of the vagina near the opening of the urethra. These glands are named after Alexander Skene, the physician who first identified them in the late 19th century.
The primary function of Skene's glands is the production and secretion of a fluid typically referred to as female ejaculate or female prostatic fluid. This secretion is believed to have several roles, including lubrication of the urethral opening during sexual arousal and participation in sexual pleasure.
Similar to the male prostate gland, Skene's glands are composed of tiny ducts that open into the lower portion of the urethra. These ducts can sometimes become blocked, which may lead to discomfort or infection. Conditions such as Skene's duct cysts or Skene's gland abscesses may occur, requiring medical attention.
Despite the potential controversy surrounding their role in female ejaculation, the presence and function of Skene's glands have been acknowledged and studied by many experts in the field of gynecology and sexual health. However, it is important to note that there may be significant individual variation in the size and function of these glands among women.
Overall, Skene's glands play a crucial yet somewhat debated role in the female reproductive system, and further research is still needed to fully understand their anatomy and physiological significance.
The word "Skenes glands" derived from the name of the anatomist Alexander Skene, who first described the glands in the late 19th century. The glands were previously known as the "female prostate" due to their physiological similarities to the male prostate gland. However, in 2002, the International Union of Urology concluded that the term "female prostate" was not accurate and recommended using "Skenes glands" instead.