Skene’s Gland: What Patients Need to Know

Skene's gland refers to two small glands located near the urethral opening. Most people never notice them, but if a gland becomes blocked, infected, or forms a cyst, it can lead to discomfort, swelling, pain during sex, or urinary symptoms that should be assessed by a doctor.

Overview: what the skene's gland is

The skene’s gland is a pair of small glands located on either side of the urethral opening in people assigned female at birth. These glands are also called paraurethral glands. They sit close to the lower urinary tract and release fluid through tiny ducts near the urethra.

In everyday life, the skene’s glands usually cause no symptoms and do not require any special care. Many people are unaware of them unless a doctor points them out during an examination. Problems can develop, however, if one of the ducts becomes blocked or if infection or inflammation occurs.

When that happens, a person may notice a small lump near the urethra, tenderness, pain with urination, pressure, or discomfort during sex. Less commonly, the gland may develop a cyst or abscess. These issues are usually manageable, but they should be evaluated because symptoms can overlap with other conditions involving the urinary tract, vulva, or vagina.

What the skene's gland does

The exact function of the skene’s glands is still being studied, but they are believed to help moisten the area around the urethra. Their structure has similarities to the prostate, which is why they are sometimes described as the female homolog of the prostate. This comparison is anatomical rather than a sign of disease.

For patients, the most helpful point is practical: these glands are a normal part of anatomy. Their presence does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will never have symptoms related to them. Concern generally arises only if there is swelling, repeated irritation, or signs of infection.

Because the glands sit so close to the urethra, symptoms may feel urinary even when the gland itself is the source of the problem. This can make a doctor’s examination important, especially if urinary tract infection treatment has not helped or if a lump is present near the urethral opening.

Symptoms and signs of skene's gland problems

Skene’s gland problems can vary from mild to more noticeable. Some cysts are small and painless and are found only during a pelvic exam. Others can cause pressure, tenderness, or pain, especially if the area becomes inflamed or infected.

Common symptoms may include a visible or palpable lump near the urethral opening, burning or discomfort with urination, pain during sexual activity, pelvic discomfort, or a feeling of fullness in the area. If an abscess forms, the area may become more swollen, red, and tender. Some people also report difficulty starting urination or a changed urinary stream because of pressure near the urethra.

These symptoms are not unique to the skene’s glands. Similar complaints can happen with a urinary tract infection, a urethral diverticulum, a vulvar cyst, irritation from skin conditions, or other gynecologic or urologic problems. For that reason, persistent symptoms should not be self-diagnosed.

• Tender lump near the urethra
• Pain or burning with urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Swelling, redness, or warmth
• Pressure, fullness, or discomfort in the vulvar area
• Possible discharge if infected

Causes, cysts, infection, and risk factors

The most common reason for skene’s gland symptoms is blockage of a duct. When fluid cannot drain normally, a skene’s gland cyst may form. If bacteria enter the blocked gland, infection can develop and may progress to an abscess, which is a localized collection of pus.

Doctors may also consider irritation from friction, inflammation of nearby tissues, or recurrent urinary or genital infections. In some cases, the exact trigger is not clear. The issue is usually localized and benign, but the area can be sensitive, which is why symptoms often feel more troublesome than the size of the gland might suggest.

Risk factors are not always well defined, but a history of repeated infections, local trauma, or prior gland blockage may increase the chance of symptoms. Because the anatomy is close to the urinary tract and vaginal opening, doctors may also consider whether another nearby condition is contributing, such as urinary tract infection or inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

Rarely, a persistent mass near the urethra may need closer evaluation to rule out other diagnoses. This does not mean cancer is likely, but it is one reason why ongoing swelling, recurrent infection, or bleeding should be assessed by an experienced clinician.

How doctors diagnose skene's gland conditions

Diagnosis usually begins with a medical history and pelvic examination. A doctor will ask about the timing of symptoms, pain, urinary changes, discharge, sexual discomfort, fever, and any history of recurrent urinary or gynecologic infections. During the exam, they may identify a tender swelling or cyst-like area near the urethral opening.

If infection is suspected, urine testing or a sample of discharge may be recommended. This helps distinguish a skene’s gland problem from a bladder infection or other cause of urinary symptoms. If the diagnosis is uncertain, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be considered to look more closely at the paraurethral area.

In some patients, doctors need to distinguish a skene’s gland cyst from a urethral diverticulum, Bartholin gland cyst, or other vulvovaginal lump. If symptoms are persistent or the anatomy is complex, referral to specialists in gynecology, urology, or pelvic floor care may be helpful for a more complete evaluation.

Treatment options and what recovery may involve

Treatment depends on the cause, the size of the gland problem, and the severity of symptoms. Small, symptom-free cysts may only need observation. If there is mild irritation without clear infection, a doctor may advise monitoring, supportive care, and follow-up to confirm that the area settles.

If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. When an abscess has formed, drainage may be needed because antibiotics alone may not fully resolve a walled-off collection. Some cysts or recurrent problems can be treated with a minor procedure to drain or remove the cyst wall, helping reduce the chance of the gland filling again.

When urinary symptoms are significant or the diagnosis is unclear, a specialist may recommend further tests or procedure-based treatment. Depending on the findings, this may be coordinated with gynecology or obstetrics and gynecology services. Recovery is often straightforward, though the care plan differs from person to person.

Patients should avoid squeezing or trying to drain the area at home. This can worsen pain, spread infection, or make the diagnosis harder to confirm. A qualified clinician can decide whether watchful waiting, medication, or a minor intervention is the most appropriate next step.

Self-care, prevention, and when to seek medical care

There is no guaranteed way to prevent all skene’s gland problems, but gentle vulvar care may help reduce irritation. This includes avoiding harsh soaps, fragranced products, or aggressive cleansing around the urethral opening. Wearing breathable underwear and changing out of damp clothing promptly may also support comfort in the area.

If symptoms are mild, temporary measures such as warm compresses or a warm sitz bath may provide relief while waiting for medical advice. It is still important not to apply over-the-counter products inside or around the urethral area unless a doctor recommends them. Persistent urinary symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be a simple infection.

When to seek medical care: a person should arrange medical assessment if they notice a new lump near the urethra, pain with urination that does not improve, recurrent symptoms, pain during sex, discharge, or increasing swelling. Prompt care is especially important if there is fever, severe pain, rapid enlargement, or difficulty passing urine.

Near the end of the diagnostic pathway, some patients may benefit from multidisciplinary care if symptoms overlap urinary, gynecologic, or pelvic floor conditions. Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary specialists and JCI-accredited hospitals evaluate and treat these conditions for international patients when specialist assessment is needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is the skene's gland a normal part of the body?

Yes. The skene's glands are a normal anatomical structure located near the urethral opening. Most people never notice them unless they become blocked, irritated, or infected.

Can a skene's gland cyst go away on its own?

Some small, symptom-free cysts may remain stable or cause little trouble over time. However, any persistent lump near the urethra should be examined so the diagnosis can be confirmed and other causes can be ruled out.

What does a skene's gland infection feel like?

It may cause tenderness, swelling, pressure, burning with urination, or pain during sex. If an abscess forms, the area can become more painful, red, and swollen, and some people may feel generally unwell.

Is a skene's gland problem the same as a urinary tract infection?

No. A skene's gland problem can mimic a urinary tract infection because it is close to the urethra, but it is a separate condition. A doctor may use an exam and urine tests to tell the difference.

Do skene's gland problems always need surgery?

No. Treatment depends on the size of the cyst, the presence of infection, and the severity of symptoms. Some cases only need observation, while others may require antibiotics, drainage, or a minor procedure.

Should a patient try to drain a skene's gland cyst at home?

No. Squeezing or attempting to drain the area at home can increase irritation, worsen infection, and delay proper diagnosis. Medical evaluation is the safer approach.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.