Skene ‘s glands are a part of the female body that remained ignored for many years. They tend to even go unnoticed in a person’s life, even today, except for presenting an infection or some obstruction in the area.
In the following article we will talk about what Skene’s glands are, what their main functions are and the alterations that can occur in them.
What are Skene’s glands?
Skene’s glands are also known as paraurethral glands due to their location. They are located on the anterior wall of the vagina , opening at the urethral meatus.
Note: They constitute a smooth muscle discovered in the 19th century between the years 1870 and 1890 by Alexander Skene . (1)
In this sense, Skene’s glands produce secretions that are composed of substances such as fructose, glucose, creatinine and prostate specific antigen (PSA), a characteristic that allows for the creation of notable differences and relationships between female and male ejaculation .
What are the functions of Skene’s glands?
There are several functions of the female body that develop from the Skene gland, so they will be mentioned and described below for recognition and identification.
1. They are involved in sexual stimulation
Skene’s glands are involved in the process of sexual stimulation due to their location. They are very close to the urethra and as they are stimulated with the friction produced by the sexual act, the liquid is concentrated and later expelled.
Note: In the interaction of female pleasure, there are studies that recognize Skene’s glands as the G point of the body and others as the U point. In any case, they are the secret of female ejaculation.
2. They are responsible for lubricating the distal urethra
Due to their location, Skene’s glands are in charge of draining at the extreme edge of the urethra and are therefore responsible for the lubrication of the distal urethra.
To highlight: They have been determined through scientific studies, the equivalent in the female body of the male prostate glands. (two)
3. They facilitate fertilization
It happens that the mucous secretion produced by Skene’s glands favors sperm nutrition , which facilitates its mobilization and benefits fertilization.
In addition, Skene’s glands are hormone dependent (that is, they depend on the activity of certain hormones for their stimulation), so they are stimulated during the fertile period and are hypertrophied during pregnancy.
4. They contribute to sperm nutrition
As we previously mentioned, the benefit that Skene’s glands present in the reproductive process is the nutrition of spermatozoa from the mucous secretion that they present.
What changes occur in Skene’s glands?
There is a risk of obstruction in the Skene glands , which is due to the presence of cysts. Their appearance is usually influenced by an infection and therefore this type of formation can occur. Below we will delve into these cases, their symptoms and respective treatment.
cysts
Skene’s cysts can be acquired and congenital , so you are not exempt at any age. They are considered rare and in many cases go unnoticed as their morphology gradually increases. (3)
Note: The reported cases are usually found in the age group between 25 and 34 years, which is usually derived from an infection and for this reason causes obstruction of the ducts.
Symptoms
The symptoms that frequently occur in these cases are described as a manifestation of pain, dyspareunia (pain during sexual penetration), symptoms of irritation, and irregular presence of a tumor on the anterior wall of the vagina.
Treatment
Treatments are only derived in the event that the obstruction is significant and noticeable, which usually causes displacement of the urethra and requires immediate medical assistance, especially from a urologist.
The pertinent physical examinations are then carried out and later an intervention, to dissect the cyst and produce its extraction and resumption of the duct.
Note: The rest of this intervention usually lasts 24 hours, being discharged under regular follow-up controls.
Key Findings
- Skene’s glands are elements of the female body that are unknown in many cases, unless some alteration occurs and medical assistance is needed.
- These glands are in charge of concentrating and producing female ejaculation from their stimulation.
- They also facilitate fertilization by nourishing the sperm with the mucus they produce during sexual intercourse and the woman’s fertile period.
- It is important that in the event of obstructions or irritations in this area, a medical examination is sought to prevent complications.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.