Skene’s Glands

Skene’s glands are two glands on either side of the pee hole (urethral opening) in females. Skene’s glands aren’t a well-known organ. But they play a role in your sexual and urinary health.

These glands develop from the same cells that become the prostate in males. They’re named after Alexander Johnston Chalmers Skene, a physician who studied them. Other names for Skene’s glands include:

• Skene’s ducts
• Lesser vestibular glands
• Paraurethral glands
• Periurethral glands

What is their purpose?

Your Skene’s glands help with urinary and sexual health. Researchers believe these glands release fluid to moisten (lubricate) the opening to your urethra when you pee. This fluid also helps stop the spread of bacteria to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

During sexual arousal, your Skene’s glands swell in response to blood flow to the area. They release fluid, which helps reduce friction during sex.

Where are they located?

Your Skene’s glands sit on either side of your urethra (where pee exits your body) in the vestibule of your vulva. The vestibule is the area you see when you spread the inner lips of your vagina (labia minora).

Once you locate your urethra, you may see the general location of your Skene’s glands. But you can’t “see” them in the sense that they’re noticeable.

The gland is within the tissue of your vaginal opening. In other words, your Skene’s glands don’t bulge or stick out from the surrounding tissue unless they’re inflamed. It’s very hard to see their tiny openings with the naked eye.

What are the common conditions that affect Skene’s glands?

It’s rare, but possible, to have a problem with your Skene’s glands. Issues with them may affect your urethra. And issues with your urethra can affect your Skene’s glands.

Conditions that affect your Skene’s gland include:

• Infections (skenitis): Bacteria that cause STIs, like gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, can infect your Skene’s glands. Antibiotics can treat it. But long-term infections can cause abscesses, which may need surgical removal.
• Skene’s gland cysts: Cysts are sacs of tissue that contain fluid. Overall, these are rare. They’re more likely to affect newborns.
• Cancer: Cancer in your Skene’s glands is extremely rare. Only about 20 cases have been reported.

Signs that something isn’t working right

The following symptoms may point to an issue with your Skene’s glands:

• Swollen and tender Skene’s glands
• An urge to pee
• Pain with peeing
• Bloody or cloudy pee
• Foul-smelling pee or vaginal discharge
• Vaginal or pelvic pain
• Painful sex

See a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms. They can do an exam and run tests to find the underlying cause.