Skene's gland
A Skene's gland, also known as the paraurethral gland, is one of the many glands present in females that contribute to the sexual and reproductive functions.[1] It is named after Dr. Alexander Skene, who first described these glands in the late 19th century.
Anatomy and Function[edit | edit source]
Located on the anterior wall of the vagina, around the lower end of the urethra, Skene's glands are paired ducts that drain into the urethra. The glands are homologous to the prostate in males, and they produce a fluid that helps lubricate the urethral opening and potentially contribute to female ejaculation.[2]
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Skene's glands can be implicated in various health conditions. For instance, they can become infected or blocked, leading to a condition known as Skene's duct cyst.[3] Furthermore, some studies suggest a possible association between Skene's glands and female G-spot, a controversial area of increased sexual sensitivity in some women.[4]
Research and Controversies[edit | edit source]
The existence and role of Skene's glands have been a matter of debate. Despite historical accounts and anatomical evidence, there remains controversy surrounding their exact role in female sexuality, specifically related to the phenomena of female ejaculation and the G-spot.[5]
Medical Applications[edit | edit source]
In the realm of medicine, Skene's glands are an essential consideration in understanding female urological and sexual health. Medical professionals must be aware of potential complications arising from these glands, such as infections, cysts, or cancers, and the appropriate treatments.[6]
Additionally, it's crucial for physicians to be knowledgeable about the ongoing research and debates surrounding the glands' involvement in female ejaculation and the existence of the G-spot. This knowledge assists them in providing comprehensive sexual health education and care to their patients.[7]
Historical Aspect[edit | edit source]
The eponymous nomenclature of the Skene's glands pays tribute to Dr. Alexander Skene, who, in 1880, first described these glands in his work on the diseases of the bladder and urethra in women.[8]
Further Reading[edit | edit source]
- Zaviacic, M. (2002). The human female prostate: From vestigial Skene's paraurethral glands and ducts to woman's functional prostate. Slovak Academic Press.
- Jannini, E. A., Buisson, O., & Rubio-Casillas, A. (2014). Beyond the G-spot: clitourethrovaginal complex anatomy in female orgasm. Nature Reviews Urology, 11(3), 110.
See also[edit | edit source]
- Gynecology
- Sexual health
- Clitoris
- G-spot
- Bartholin's gland
- Female reproductive system
- Human female endocrine system
External Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Skene's gland Resources | |
---|---|
|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD