Skene’s Gland Cyst: A Complete Medical Overview

A skene's gland cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that forms near the urethral opening when a Skene's gland or its duct becomes blocked. Many are small and cause few symptoms, but larger or infected cysts can lead to discomfort, pain during sex, or urinary problems and may need medical treatment.

Overview: what a skene's gland cyst is

A skene’s gland cyst is a small sac filled with fluid that forms near the opening of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The Skene’s glands, sometimes called paraurethral glands, sit on either side of the urethra and help produce fluid. If one of their ducts becomes blocked, fluid can collect and form a cyst.

These cysts are usually benign, meaning they are not cancer. Some are found by chance during a routine pelvic exam because they are small and do not cause symptoms. Others grow large enough to be felt as a tender lump or to create pressure in the area around the urethra and vaginal opening.

A skene’s gland cyst can occur at different ages, including adulthood and, less commonly, in newborns or children. In adults, symptoms often depend on the cyst’s size and whether it has become infected. When infection develops, the cyst may turn into an abscess, which typically causes more pain and swelling.

How it may feel: symptoms and possible signs

Many skene’s gland cysts do not cause noticeable problems, especially when they are small. When symptoms do occur, they often relate to the location of the cyst close to the urethral opening. A person may feel a small lump, fullness, tenderness, or irritation in the front part of the vaginal area.

Common symptoms can include pain during sex, discomfort while sitting, burning with urination, or a feeling that the bladder is not emptying fully. If the cyst presses on the urethra, it may lead to a weak urine stream, hesitancy, or difficulty starting urination. Some people also notice recurrent urinary discomfort that may seem similar to a urinary tract infection.

If infection is present, symptoms may become more intense. The area can look red, feel warm, and become increasingly painful. Fever, drainage of pus, and significant swelling suggest an abscess rather than a simple cyst and usually need prompt medical care.

• Small lump near the urethral opening
• Tenderness or pressure in the vulvar area
• Pain during intercourse
• Burning or discomfort with urination
• Difficulty passing urine or weak urinary stream
• Redness, fever, or pus if infected

Why it happens: causes and risk factors

The most common reason a skene’s gland cyst forms is blockage of a gland duct. When normal drainage is interrupted, secretions can build up and stretch the duct into a cyst. In some cases, this blockage may follow inflammation or infection in the surrounding tissues.

Bacterial infection can involve the gland itself and may lead to swelling first, with a cyst or abscess developing afterward. Irritation, repeated local inflammation, or prior trauma to the area may also contribute. Sometimes no clear cause is found, which is common in many benign cystic conditions.

A skene’s gland cyst can resemble other conditions that affect the vaginal opening or urethral area. These include a urethral diverticulum, vaginal wall cyst, or another localized swelling. Because the symptoms can overlap with urinary tract infection or other pelvic conditions, proper evaluation matters when symptoms persist or keep returning.

How doctors diagnose a skene's gland cyst

Diagnosis usually begins with a medical history and a pelvic examination. A doctor asks about the presence of a lump, pain, urinary symptoms, sexual discomfort, fever, and how long the symptoms have been present. During the exam, the doctor looks at the area around the urethral opening and gently checks the size, location, and tenderness of the swelling.

In many cases, the exam is enough to strongly suggest a skene’s gland cyst. If the diagnosis is uncertain, or if symptoms suggest another condition, extra tests may be advised. These may include a urine test to check for infection, a culture if there is drainage, or imaging such as ultrasound or MRI to better define the cyst and distinguish it from a urethral diverticulum or other paraurethral mass.

When urinary symptoms are prominent, the doctor may consider related bladder or pelvic causes as well. Depending on the clinical picture, a patient may be referred for urology evaluation or gynecologic assessment. The goal is not only to confirm the cyst but also to rule out conditions that need different treatment.

Treatment options and what recovery usually involves

Treatment depends on whether the cyst is small, painful, infected, or causing urinary problems. A small cyst that causes no symptoms may not need immediate treatment and can simply be monitored. If symptoms are mild, doctors may recommend comfort measures, watching for changes, and follow-up if the lump grows or becomes painful.

If infection is suspected, treatment may include antibiotics, especially when there is redness, drainage, or signs of an abscess. When a cyst is large, recurrent, or very painful, a doctor may recommend a minor procedure to drain it or surgically open or remove the affected tissue. Procedures vary by the cyst’s size and location, and the choice is individualized.

In some situations, management is coordinated with gynecology care or women's health services to address symptoms, exclude other causes, and plan aftercare. Recovery after a minor procedure is often straightforward, though temporary soreness can occur. Patients are usually advised to keep the area clean, avoid irritants, and follow the doctor’s instructions about bathing, sexual activity, and follow-up visits.

Self-care, prevention, and daily comfort

There is no guaranteed way to prevent every skene’s gland cyst, because duct blockage can happen without a clear reason. Still, good genital hygiene, prompt treatment of suspected infections, and avoiding products that irritate the vulvar area may help reduce local inflammation. Gentle care is generally better than aggressive cleansing.

Warm sitz baths may provide comfort for some people with mild tenderness, but they are not a substitute for professional evaluation if symptoms are worsening. It is best not to squeeze, puncture, or attempt to drain a cyst at home, as this can increase pain, introduce infection, and make later treatment more difficult.

If urinary burning, pelvic discomfort, or recurrent irritation is present, it helps to keep track of symptoms and whether they are linked to sex, menstrual cycles, or repeated infections. When symptoms continue despite simple measures, a doctor can assess whether the cause is a skene’s gland cyst or another issue such as a Bartholin cyst or a structural urinary problem.

When to seek medical care

Medical advice is important if a lump near the urethral opening is new, enlarging, or painful. A person should also seek care if there is pain during urination, trouble emptying the bladder, pain during sex, or repeated urinary symptoms that do not improve. These problems can come from a skene’s gland cyst, but they can also overlap with other conditions that need a different approach.

Urgent evaluation is appropriate if there is fever, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, pus-like drainage, or inability to pass urine. These signs can suggest infection or abscess formation and should not be ignored. Early treatment may relieve symptoms faster and reduce the chance of complications.

Near the end of the care pathway, some patients may benefit from specialist review, especially when symptoms recur or the diagnosis is uncertain. Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary specialists in JCI-accredited hospitals diagnose and treat conditions such as skene’s gland cyst for international patients, using coordinated gynecologic and urologic assessment when needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is a skene's gland cyst dangerous?

Usually not. Most skene's gland cysts are benign and may remain small or cause only mild symptoms. They become more concerning when they are painful, infected, or interfere with urination, which is why persistent symptoms should be assessed by a doctor.

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

Some small cysts may stay stable or become less noticeable over time, especially if they are not infected. However, a cyst that is enlarging, painful, or repeatedly inflamed is less likely to settle without treatment. Medical review helps determine whether observation is enough.

How is a skene's gland cyst different from a Bartholin cyst?

The main difference is location. A skene's gland cyst forms near the urethral opening at the front of the vaginal opening, while a Bartholin cyst usually forms lower and toward the back of the vaginal opening. Because they occur in different glands, the examination findings and treatment approach may differ.

Can a skene's gland cyst cause urinary symptoms?

Yes. Because the cyst sits close to the urethra, it can sometimes cause burning, discomfort, a weak stream, difficulty starting urination, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. These symptoms can overlap with a urinary tract infection, so a doctor may recommend urine testing or further evaluation.

Will I always need surgery for a skene's gland cyst?

No. Small, painless cysts may only need monitoring. Surgery or a minor drainage procedure is generally considered when the cyst is large, recurrent, infected, or causing significant discomfort or urinary blockage.

Can a skene's gland cyst come back after treatment?

It can recur in some cases, especially if the underlying duct remains prone to blockage. Follow-up care is useful if symptoms return or a new lump is noticed. A doctor can advise whether repeat treatment or a different procedure is appropriate.

References

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Merck Manual Professional Edition
• MedlinePlus
• Cleveland Clinic

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.