The prostate gland is a term universally associated with men’s health, often linked to conditions like prostate cancer and enlarged prostate (BPH). This leads to a common question: Do women have a prostate?
While the definitive answer is No, women do not have the same walnut-sized organ found in males, the anatomical reality is far more interesting and medically relevant. The female body possesses structures that are the functional and developmental equivalents, sometimes referred to as the ‘Female Prostate’. This guide explains the structure, function, and its importance.
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Do Women Have a Prostate?
Does female has Prostate? To be precise, a person assigned female at birth does not have the classic male prostate gland.
Women possess a pair of glands known as the Skene’s glands (or paraurethral glands), which are universally recognised by anatomists and urologists as the homologous structure—meaning they arise from the same embryonic tissue as the male prostate.
For this reason, the term ‘female prostate’ is often used in medical literature. Understand What the Female Reproductive System is.
Where are the Skene’s Glands Located?
Unlike the male prostate which sits deep in the pelvis below the bladder, the Skene’s glands are situated on the anterior (front) wall of the vagina. They are found on either side of the lower end of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
What does the ‘Female Prostate’ do?
Research into the Skene’s glands is ongoing, but their function shows remarkable similarities to the male prostate, providing strong evidence for their homologous classification:
| Male Prostate Function | Female Prostate Function |
|---|---|
| Produces fluid to nourish and carry sperm. | Secretes a fluid that helps to lubricate the urethral opening. |
| Produces high levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). | Produce PSA, the protein used as a marker in men for prostate health. |
| Thought to help protect the urinary tract. | Believed to contain antimicrobial properties to protect against Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). |
| Involved in ejaculation and sexual sensation. | Believed to be involved in female ejaculation and is often associated with G-spot area. |
Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
This is where the distinction becomes medically critical. While women cannot get the traditional prostate cancer that affects men, they can develop an extremely rare cancer in the homologous tissue:
- Skene’s Gland Carcinoma: Cancer of the Skene’s glands is a type of female urethral adenocarcinoma (FUA).
- Rarity: This condition is exceptionally rare, accounting for a tiny fraction of cancers affecting the female genital-urinary tract.
When it does occur, the symptoms can mirror those of an enlarged prostate in men, including difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or the presence of a lump or mass in the vaginal area. Check here Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
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Other Conditions affecting the Skene’s Glands
Like their male counterpart, the Skene’s glands can suffer from non-cancerous conditions:
- Skenitis: This is the inflammation or infection of the glands, which can often be mistaken for a urinary tract infection due to symptoms like painful urination. It is often treated with antibiotics.
- Cysts and Abscesses: Blockages in the ducts can lead to the formation of fluid-filled cysts (often benign) or pus-filled abscesses (due to infection), which may require drainage or minor surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question, do women have a prostate is a gateway to understanding the complexity of human anatomy. While the definitive, classic prostate is male-specific, the presence of the Skene’s glands highlights that both sexes develop homologous tissue.
For women, awareness of the ‘female prostate’ is vital for correctly identifying and treating rare conditions, chronic infections, and other issues often overlooked in general gynaecological or urological health checks.
Are you experiencing unexplained urinary issues or pelvic discomfort, always consult the best healthcare professional for complete diagnosis.
FAQs
1. What is the female prostate called?
The structure in females homologous to the male prostate is called the Skene’s glands (or paraurethral glands). The term ‘female prostate’ is often used in medical context due to the shared development and similar secretions (like PSA).
2. What is the prostate issue in females?
Females cannot get the common male conditions like BPH or typical prostate cancer. The main issues affecting the Skene’s glands are Skenitis (infection/inflammation) and, extremely rarely, Skene’s Gland Carcinoma (a form of adenocarcinoma, sometimes called ‘female prostate cancer’).
3. Who has a prostate gland, male or female?
The distinct, walnut-sized prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Females do not have this gland; instead, they have the anatomically and functionally related Skene’s glands.
4. What does the female prostate do?
The Skene’s glands (female prostate) secrete fluid that lubricates the urethra and helps protect the urinary tract from infection. They are also involved in sexual function and female ejaculation.
5. What does the prostate do?
The prostate gland (male) produces a fluid that nourishes, protects, and transports sperm, forming a major component of semen (ejaculate).
6. Where is the prostate located left or right?
The prostate is a single, centrally located organ situated below the bladder. It is not located on the left or the right side, but surrounds the urethra.
