Do Women Have a Prostate? Powerful Insightful 2025

Do women have a prostate? Discover the truth about female anatomy, the “female prostate,” and why it matters for urinary and sexual health.

Women do not have a traditional prostate like men, but they do have paired small glands called the Skene’s glands — sometimes called the “female prostate” because they share developmental and functional similarities with the male prostate gland.

Table of Contents

Do Women Have a Prostate?

Have you ever wondered if women have the same prostate gland that men do? Let’s clear this up straight away: no, women do not have the prostate gland that men have, but they do have structures that are closely related. It’s a fascinating topic and one that pops up more often than you might think.

Here’s the quick answer: in women, there are small paired glands called Skene’s glands (or para-urethral glands) which originate from the same embryonic tissue as the male prostate and in some medical literature are even referred to as the female prostate. These glands serve specific roles in urinary and sexual anatomy, so understanding them helps us appreciate how different—and yet similar—male and female anatomy can be.

What Is The Prostate Gland In Men

To understand what women don’t have, we first need to know what the male prostate is. The male prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

It plays two main roles:

It produces fluid that becomes part of semen—this fluid helps sperm move and survive.
It surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen out) and helps with ejaculation and urinary flow.

Knowing this helps set up the comparison with the female equivalent.

Why The Question “Do Women Have A Prostate?” Comes Up

This question arises because:

People hear about the “female prostate” in pop culture or simplified sources.
Women can have issues in the pelvic or urethral region that mimic prostate problems in men.
Medical research shows that the embryonic tissues that form the male prostate also give rise to certain female structures.

Since the function and origin are somewhat shared, the confusion makes sense—but the anatomy is distinct.

The Female Equivalent: Skene’s Glands

In women, the closest equivalent to the male prostate are the Skene’s glands (also called para-urethral glands). These are two small ducts located on either side of the lower end of the urethra.

Here’s what we know about them:

They develop from the same embryonic tissue that becomes the prostate in males.
They produce a fluid that may help lubricate the urethral opening and protect against urinary tract infections.
Because of their similarity in origin and some shared features (for example, presence of prostate-specific antigen, PSA), they are sometimes dubbed the female prostate.

So, while women don’t have a prostate in the exact sense men do, they have a functionally similar structure.

Location And Structure Of Skene’s Glands

To visualize it: the Skene’s glands sit on the front wall of the vagina, near the urethral opening.

Here’s a mini-table of comparison:

Feature	Male Prostate	Female Skene’s Glands
Location	Below bladder, around urethra	Front vaginal wall, around urethral opening
Size	Walnut-sized (in adult male)	Small, pea-to-bean sized ducts
Development	From urogenital sinus, androgen-dependent	Same embryonic origin, but different hormonally
Commonly referenced as	Prostate gland	Paraurethral or female prostate gland

Having this comparison helps clarify the difference.

What Functions Do These Glands Serve?

Though smaller and less studied in women, the Skene’s glands are believed to contribute to:

Lubrication of the urethral opening and perhaps the vaginal area.
A role in female ejaculation (some research points to their involvement).
Possible antimicrobial fluid secretion that helps protect the urinary tract from infections.

In short: yes, they serve meaningful roles—but it’s not exactly the same job as the male prostate.

Can Women Get Prostate Cancer Or Prostate Problems?

Since women don’t have a classic prostate, the idea of “prostate cancer in women” sounds odd. However, given the existence of Skene’s glands and their similarities, there are rare conditions.

Here’s a breakdown:

Skene’s gland cancer (sometimes called “female prostate cancer”) is extremely rare.
Women cannot have benign prostate enlargement (BPH) in the male sense.
But infections, cysts, or abscesses around the para-urethral glands do happen.

So the risk exists for problems, though they differ in nature and frequency compared to men.

Signs & Symptoms To Watch For

What might indicate something is off with the Skene’s glands or para-urethral region? Look out for:

Pain or burning when urinating.
Recurrent urinary tract infections that don’t clear easily.
A lump or swelling near the urethral opening or front vaginal wall.
Unusual discharge or discomfort during sexual activity.
Rarely: blood in urine, difficulty urinating, pressure behind the pubic bone.

If you experience some of these, it’s wise to talk to a healthcare provider rather than assuming it’s a standard UTI.

How Is It Diagnosed And Treated?

Diagnosis involves gynecological and urological evaluation. Physicians may use imaging, physical exam, and sometimes lab markers like PSA (though standard PSA use in women is not routine).

Treatment depends on the condition:

Infection or gland inflammation — antibiotics and supportive care.
Cysts or abscesses — may require drainage or minor surgery.
Rare cancers — surgical removal, radiation, or chemotherapy may be used.

Being proactive and seeing a specialist when symptoms persist is key.

Why This Matters For Women’s Health

Understanding that women don’t have a male prostate—but do have analogous glands—matters for several reasons:

Accurate diagnosis: Symptoms similar to prostate problems in men might be misattributed if the para-urethral glands are ignored.
Awareness: Many women (and even some clinicians) may not know about Skene’s glands and their potential issues.
Prevention & treatment: Knowing the anatomy helps in early detection of infections or rare tumors.
Empowerment: Women who understand their bodies can speak up and ask better questions in healthcare settings.

In short, this is about better health outcomes and reducing confusion.

Common Myths And Misconceptions

Let’s bust a few myths:

Myth: “Women have a prostate just like men.” → Fact: Women do not have the male prostate gland.
Myth: “Prostate cancer is only a men’s problem.” → Fact: While extremely rare, the para-urethral glands in women can develop cancer-like changes.
Myth: “If a woman has urinary symptoms, it must be a UTI.” → Fact: It could be an issue with Skene’s glands or other nearby anatomy.
Myth: “Female ejaculation isn’t real.” → Fact: Some research links the Skene’s glands and para-urethral fluid to female ejaculation.

It’s always good to check the facts rather than rely on assumptions.

Embryology And Origins: The Shared Tissue Story

You’ll find this part a bit science-y, but bear with me because it’s important. The male prostate and the female Skene’s glands come from the same embryonic tissues (the urogenital sinus and para-urethral tissues).

In developmental biology:

Both male and female versions have homologous structures—meaning they derive from the same origin.
Differences in hormones (androgen vs estrogen dominance) cause them to develop into distinct glands with separate roles.

Understanding this link helps explain why the term “female prostate” crops up.

How To Talk With Your Doctor About These Glands

If you experience symptoms in the urinary or sexual realm and you’re unsure what’s going on, consider asking your doctor:

“Can you check the para-urethral (Skene’s) glands?”
“Could this lump or swelling near my urethra relate to those glands?”
“Are there images or scans we should do to evaluate that region?”
“Given the similarity with prostate tissue, what markers (like PSA) might we consider?”

Being informed helps you take charge of your health and feel confident in those conversations.

Lifestyle Tips To Support Urinary & Gland Health

While you can’t prevent all kinds of glandular issues, there are habits that support healthy urinary and pelvic function:

Stay well-hydrated—good urine flow helps flush bacteria and reduces stagnation.
Practice good hygiene around the vulvar and urethral area.
Avoid holding urine for long periods—regularly emptying the bladder helps.
Consider pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels) which support the pelvic region.
If you experience frequent UTIs or pain, seek evaluation rather than dismissing it.

Small changes can make a difference in comfort and health.

Quick Reference Table

Question	Short Answer
Do women have a prostate?	No, not the male prostate gland.
What is the female equivalent?	The Skene’s (para-urethral) glands.
Can problems occur here?	Yes—cysts, infections, rare tumors.
Should I worry?	Not usually, but persistent symptoms warrant a check-up.
How to support health?	Hydration, hygiene, prompt attention to symptoms.

Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways

Let’s sum up the most important points you should walk away with:

Women do not have the prostate gland that men do.
They do have the Skene’s glands (para-urethral glands) which are the closest equivalent—sometimes called the “female prostate.”
These glands have important roles in urinary and sexual health and can be subject to certain conditions—though serious ones are rare.
Being aware of these glands helps you interpret symptoms better, communicate with healthcare providers more effectively, and avoid catching issues late.
Lifestyle supports and informed questions make a difference.

Your body is unique and worth understanding. Knowing what is and what isn’t in your anatomy gives you power—and peace of mind.

FAQs

Can women develop prostate cancer like men?
No, women don’t have a true prostate gland, so traditional prostate cancer (as seen in men) doesn’t occur. However, cancer of the Skene’s glands (sometimes referred to as “female prostate cancer”) is extremely rare.
What exactly are Skene’s glands and where are they?
Skene’s glands (para-urethral glands) are tiny ducts located on the front vaginal wall, near the lower end of the urethra. They develop from the same embryonic tissue as the male prostate.
What symptoms might indicate an issue with the female prostate (Skene’s glands)?
Symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, frequent UTIs, a lump near the urethral area, or discomfort during sex. These may signal infection, cysts, or, rarely, tumor changes.
Is female ejaculation linked to the female prostate?
Some medical research suggests that the fluid from female ejaculation may originate from the Skene’s glands, highlighting a functional link to the male prostate.
How can I support urinary and urethral health as a woman?
Stay well-hydrated, practice good hygiene around the urethra and vulvar area, empty your bladder regularly, and consult a doctor if you experience repeated urinary or pelvic symptoms.