While the prostate is typically associated with men, women possess Skene’s glands, analogous to the male prostate. Though rare, these glands can develop cancer, often mimicking common conditions like cysts or UTIs, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Researchers have mapped these glands, revealing their role in producing fluid that may protect the urinary tract and contribute to arousal. Diagnosis relies on PSA staining and imaging, with treatment mirroring protocols for other glandular cancers.
When we hear the word “prostate,” we immediately think of male anatomy. But in a surprising twist, medical science has discovered that women have a prostate-like gland too, known as the Skene’s glands or the “female prostate.” Though women do not develop prostate cancer in the traditional male sense, they can rarely develop Skene’s gland cancer, a condition that mimics many features of male prostate cancer.
So, what is this “female prostate”? Does it serve a purpose? And how serious is the risk of cancer? Let’s explore this lesser-known but vital part of female anatomy.
🧬 What Are Skene’s Glands?
Located on either side of the urethral opening, the Skene’s glands are small, pea-sized glands embedded in the anterior wall of the vagina. Their anatomical position and function are very similar to the male prostate, which is why some researchers and doctors refer to them as the female prostate.
These glands are involved in:
Lubrication during sexual arousal
Secretion of fluids during orgasm (possibly linked to female ejaculation)
Production of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – the same biomarker used to detect prostate issues in men
🔍 Why Are They Called the ‘Female Prostate’?
In recent years, researchers have found that the Skene’s glands share structural, embryological, and biochemical similarities to the male prostate. Most notably:
Both produce PSA and PAP (Prostatic Acid Phosphatase)
Both can be affected by hormonal changes
Both have glandular tissue with ducts
These parallels have led to growing medical consensus that the Skene’s glands function as a female equivalent to the prostate, even though their size and clinical relevance differ.
❗Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
Strictly speaking, women do not get “prostate cancer” as seen in men. However, they can develop cancer of the Skene’s glands, which is extremely rare but biologically similar to male prostate cancer.
✅ Skene’s Gland Cancer: What to Know
Incidence: Extremely rare, with fewer than 30 documented cases in scientific literature
Symptoms:
Pain during urination
Urethral bleeding
A palpable mass near the urethra
Urinary tract infections (chronic or recurring)
Diagnosis: Often delayed due to confusion with more common urinary or gynecological conditions
Testing:
MRI or CT scans
PSA testing (yes, in women too!)
Biopsy of the suspected tissue
Treatment:
Surgical removal of the tumor
Chemotherapy or radiation in advanced cases
🧠 Why Awareness Is Important
Because the condition is so rare, most people—even many doctors—may not consider Skene’s gland cancer in the initial diagnosis. In fact, symptoms are often mistaken for:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Bartholin’s cysts
Vaginal infections
Vulvar cancer
Raising awareness can help ensure faster diagnosis, more accurate treatment, and less unnecessary suffering for women with unusual or persistent urogenital symptoms.
👩⚕️ Can It Be Prevented?
There are no proven lifestyle changes or screenings that can reliably prevent Skene’s gland tumors due to their rarity. However, women are encouraged to:
Report persistent urogenital symptoms
Monitor for unusual discharge, bleeding, or lumps
Undergo regular pelvic exams, especially if over 40
🔬 Female Reproductive Anatomy: More Complex Than We Think
The discovery of the “female prostate” challenges conventional ideas about sex-specific organs. It also reinforces how male and female anatomy evolve from the same embryonic tissue—with differences in form but surprising similarities in function.
✍️ Final Thoughts
While the idea of women getting prostate cancer may seem unusual, the presence of Skene’s glands—the so-called “female prostate”—makes it biologically plausible. Though cancer in these glands is exceedingly rare, being informed about the symptoms and risks can aid in early detection and timely treatment.
As science continues to explore gendered health, understanding these overlaps empowers both patients and doctors to improve female sexual and urogenital health.
