What Is The Female Prostate

So What Is The Prostate Anyway

Lets cut to the chase. Technically speaking, biological females dont have prostates.

The prostate is, by definition, a walnut-sized gland between the bladder and penis. In biological males, this location places it just in front of the rectumhence all of the anal toys out promising prostate stimulation.

Now that THATs clarified, end of story, right? Not quite.

Know The Survival Rate

Prostate cancer is a disease that if caught early is highly treatable. The good news is that most men with prostate cancer have a better outlook than ever before. Early detection, improved treatments, and new medications have boosted prostate cancers survival rate to 98 percent. In other words, nearly all men will survive it and likely die of another cause.

However, if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, the survival rate decreases significantly which is why early detection is so important.

Skenes Gland Is Prostate In Women

Do women have prostate glands? yes but prostate glands are referred differently in the female body. Prostate glands in girls are called Skenes Paraurethral Glands or simply Skenes Glands.

According to the gynecologist Alexander Skene whom they were named after, in females, Skenes glands are located on the anterior wall of the vagina, around the lower end of the urethra.

In 1880, Alexander Skene pass on attention to this structure, particularly to two paraurethral ducts , and highlight their significance in infection of the female genitalia. Skenes paraurethral glands are homologous to the male prostate. Recent studies supporting this homology clearly verify the reality of female prostate.

Skenes Gland in Girls compared to Prostate Gland in Boys

The basis why medical experts believe that Skenes glands are the same as prostate glands is that they have the same function as the prostates in men. Skenes glands in girls have the similar structures as the Prostate glands in men. Even the Skenes gland in females produces the same specific antigen that prostate gland produce in males.

However, one notable difference between Skenes glands in girls and prostates glands in boys is that the Skenes glands are far smaller than the Prostate glands.

Women prostate also have a significant part in preventing infection of the urinary area through producing a liquid that has antimicrobial properties this fluid lubricates the opening of the urethral.

You May Like: Prostate Medical Definition

What Happens In The Prostate Cancer

You can call it either the prostate cancer or the Skenes glands cancer based upon if you consider that do women have prostate or not. This cancer can develop in such a way that small lesions are formed and the risk factor for these lesions is the progesterone hormone and moreover if the female has the history of pregnancy that has affected the progesterone hormone can be the reason for the development of cancer.

What Is The Prostate

The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra . It produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.

As a man ages, the prostate tends to increase in size. This can cause the urethra to narrow and decrease urine flow. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, and it is not the same as prostate cancer. Men may also have other prostate changes that are not cancer.external icon

Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination websites privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance on other federal or private website.

Recommended Reading: Is Cranberry Juice Good For Prostate Infection

Don’t Miss: What Is The Definition Of Prostate

History And Discovery Of The Skenes Glands

The female prostate was recognised by anatomist Regnier de Graaf way back in 1672. In 1880, Alexander Skene brought the attention back to these glands and ducts, which is why these glands are called Skenes glands and/or ducts.

There is a move now to refer to these glands as the female prostate since that is the more accurate term for them.

There Was Actually One More Study In 2009 That Denied Female Ejaculation It Suffered From Some Serious Flaws However Click Here To Read About It

Ahmed Shafik undertook an electrophysiological study of the female orgasm in 2009, investigating the hypothesis that female orgasm is not associated with ejaculation. After testing 38 married, middle-aged women with children via clitoral stimulation alone, he concluded that female ejaculation did not exist.

Now raise your hand if you see problems with this study. A small sample size with no selection for a history of ejaculation, non-varied demographics, and no G-spot stimulation despite evidence that that is the mechanism by which ejaculation is triggered. Its just bad science.

Don’t Miss: Prostate Massage Dangerous

Gene And Protein Expression

About 20,000 protein coding genes are expressed in human cells and almost 75% of these genes are expressed in the normal prostate. About 150 of these genes are more specifically expressed in the prostate with about 20 genes being highly prostate specific. The corresponding specific proteins are expressed in the glandular and secretory cells of the prostatic gland and have functions that are important for the characteristics of semen. Some of the prostate specific proteins, such as the prostate specific antigen , and the Prostatic acid phosphatase.

In the developing embryo, at the hind end lies an inpouching called the cloaca. This, over the fourth to the seventh week, divides into a urogenital sinus and the beginnings of the anal canal, with a wall forming between these two inpouchings called the urorectal septum. The urogenital sinus divides into three parts, with the middle part forming the urethra the upper part is largest and becomes the urinary bladder, and the lower part then changes depending on the biological sex of the embryo.

Wednesday 4 October 2017

Hey guys, we know that talking about your prostate can be a little uncomfortable. You might not know where or what it is, or you might have only heard about it in stories about older men having difficulty peeing or the doctor sticking their finger up you know where to check on it.

Below, weve got all the details about what your prostate is, where it is and what it does. Well also discuss how it might change as you age, and any changes or symptoms you should keep an eye on and tell your doctor about.

Read Also: Fiducial Marker Placement Prostate

Prostate Specific Antigen Test

A blood test called a prostate specific antigen test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate.

As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others.

PSA levels also can be affected by

• Certain medical procedures.

Recommended Reading: What Happens If Prostate Cancer Goes Untreated

Where To Find Your G

The G-spot can be found along the inner front wall of the vaginathe top wall if a woman is laying on her back. “It’s a few inches up, about a third of the way, although it varies from person to person,” says Dr. Berman.

“Every woman is built relatively the same,” she adds, “but our anatomies can be different depending on our age, how many babies we’ve had, and our genetics.” For some women, the G-spot is a bit higher, while for others it may be a closer to the vaginal opening.

Don’t Miss: Define Prostate

What Happens At An Urology Exam

The exam will focus on the abdomen and genitals. In men, inspection of the penis, palpation of the testicles, and a hernia check will occur. If indicated, the prostate is checked by a digital rectal exam. In women, there may be a pelvic exam if indicated. A urine sample may be taken and checked. Urine flow can be analyzed.

Genetic Testing For Some Men With Prostate Cancer

Some doctors now recommend that some men with prostate cancer be tested to look for certain inherited gene changes. This includes men in whom a family cancer syndrome is suspected, as well as men with prostate cancer that has certain high-risk features or that has spread to other parts of the body. Talk to your doctor about the possible pros, cons, and limitations of such testing.

You May Like: Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually

Read Also: Fiducials Prostate Cancer

Bigger Is Better When It Comes To The G Spot

Ill have what shes having: Meg Ryan in the famous scene from when Harry Met Sally

Columbia Pictures/Collection Christophel/Alamy Stock Photo

Drugs such as Viagra should work for some women especially if they have a big G spot. This spot, famed for producing spectacular orgasms, turns out to be awash with the enzymes that these drugs act on.

The term G spot, coined by Ernest Gräfenberg in 1950, refers to an area a few centimetres up inside the vagina on the side closest to a womans stomach . Buried in the flesh here are the Skenes glands, the female equivalent of the prostate gland.

In men, the prostate produces the watery component of semen. In women, Skenes glands are also thought to produce a watery substance that may explain female ejaculation. The tissue surrounding these glands, which includes the part of the clitoris that reaches up inside the vagina, swells with blood during sexual arousal. And theres some evidence that nerves in the area produce an orgasm different to one produced by clitoral stimulation.

Read more: Female ejaculation comes in two forms, scientists find

Researchers had seen evidence of nitric oxide activity in the clitoris before, but no one had actually looked for PDE5 enzymes or knew exactly where they might be. Its ridiculous but true that weve waited till now to really know the female anatomy, says Jannini.

Purpose Of The Prostate Gland

The male prostate gland aids in the production of semen and facilitates the expulsion of sperm during orgasm. The components of this fluid also protect sperm and keep them mobile to aid in fertilization of the female egg. Women do not have semen, of course, which makes the Skenes gland quite a bit different in purpose than a prostate.

This so-called female prostate does secrete fluid that cannot only lubricate the urethra but also contains antimicrobial properties that can help prevent urinary tract infections. Also, researchers believe that it may be the source of female ejaculate that can be emitted from some women during sexual relations and orgasm. Some also believe it is the location of what is termed the G-spot, though this is up for debate still. The positioning of each thing often varies considerably.

Both the male and female glands produce a compound known as prostate-specific antigen . Just like in men, this antigen can be an indicator of cancerous growth. In men, the cancer is usually directly in the prostate gland if the levels of PSA go up. In women, the levels can occasionally indicate cancer of the Skenes gland, but also others such as breast cancer.

Read Also: Seminal Vesicle Massage

Whats The Purpose Of The Female Prostate

In recent years, MRI has helped to clarify the appearance and function of the female prostate. More research is needed, but researchers are starting to get a better understanding of these glands.

In men, the prostate gland is suspected of being able to store infection in the body. That fact makes researchers wonder whether the Skenes glands serve a similar function. How that might work in men or women is important to know as doctors try to find how infection works in people who are HIV-positive, for example.

Researchers also are interested that the female prostate produces PSA. The presence of PSA is one of the indicators of prostate cancer in men. It also shows up in women who have certain types of breast cancer . It may be that the role of PSA in both men and women is more complicated than we understand.

Elevated PSA levels before treatment for cancer of the Skenes glands, and declining levels after, were found in cases where people received

Prostate Specific Antigen Testing

Prostate Specific Antigen is a protein made by the cells in your prostate. Your PSA levels can be measured using a blood test and give an indication of your prostate health.

A PSA test isnt a test for cancer. Higher levels of PSA might indicate prostate cancer, but a high reading could also be caused by other conditions. It is also possible to have low level readings and have prostate cancer. This means that a PSA test isnt enough to definitively diagnose or rule out prostate cancer. Your PSA levels can vary, so your doctor might run this test a few times to compare your results and help determine your risk of prostate cancer.

Read Also: How To Decalcify The Prostate

Is It Common To Have Prostate In Women

You might have heard few people talking about female prostate issues. But the real fact is that female body does not include prostate gland. The glands that women often talk about are actually small glands that can be observed at front portion of vagina whereas corresponding ducts to these glands are well recognised as Skenes Glands/Ducts.

The researchers have defined few specific terminologies related to this condition. It is observed that Phosphatase and Prostate Specific Antigen use to stay present in both Skenes glands as well as in male prostate.

But the fact is that it is still not clear during researches that whether female prostate glands turns into small ducts on every side of urethra or it is urethra itself. You must be aware about function of urethra, it use to carry urine out of body so it is definitely a functional part for genital of females and for the urinary system.

Female urinary system

Here is an important thing to know for all worried people that as prostate gland in females share same functionality as that of male prostate gland so we cannot say that it will always lead to a prostate cancer.

Know What Prostate Cancer Is

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate grows out of control. The cancer may remain confined to the prostate gland but it can also spread to other areas of the body such as lymph nodes, organs or to the bones. Remind men they need to be just as vigilant about prostate cancer as women are about breast cancer.

Read Also: Prostate Mayo Clinic

Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

In its early stages, prostate cancer doesnt necessarily cause symptoms. Men with prostate cancer might experience some of the following symptoms:

• needing to pee frequently or suddenly
• finding it difficult to pee, including trouble getting started or maintaining a strong or steady flow
• feeling like you havent completely emptied your bladder after going to the toilet
• pain, burning or discomfort when peeing
• blood in pee or semen
• or pain in the lower back, upper thighs, hips or chest
• feelings of weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• unexplained weightloss
• feeling tired, short of breath or dizzy
• a rapid heart beat
• pale skin.

Youll notice a lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of other conditions, including an enlarged prostate or prostatitis, which is why its important to always see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or changes.

Why Erectile Dysfunction May Result From Prostate Disease

In the past, it was thought that most cases of erectile dysfunction were psychological in origin, the result of such demons as performance anxiety or more generalized stress. While these factors can cause erectile dysfunction, doctors now think that 70% of the time the problem can be traced to a physical condition that restricts blood flow, hampers nerve functioning, or both. Such conditions include diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and alcoholism.

However, some types of prostate disease and treatments may also be responsible.

Also Check: Does Enlarged Prostate Affect Ejaculation

Don’t Miss: How Long Can You Take Lupron For Prostate Cancer

What Is A Prostate Exam

Your urologist office visit experience. The physician will perform a genital exam plus a digital rectal exam to assess the prostate. After the examination, the urologist will discuss a treatment plan for you to determine what is happening. This will usually involve additional tests, either during this visit or, more commonly, at a later visit.

Position Of The Prostate Gland

In men, this important gland sits inside the urethra. This is why it makes urination difficult when it becomes enlarged or diseased in some way. It forms a physical blockage. Its location is pretty much the same for all men. The prostate rests between the penis and the bladder in a position near the rectum inside the body.

The Skenes gland in women is positioned in much the same way as the male prostate gland if it is present at all in the body. Some women have one and some women dont. They can also be different sizes and found in slightly different positions within the urethra.

The structures of both glands, the male and female prostates, are very similar. All the tiny physical parts that make up the male version are also found in the female version. However, they are all much smaller.

Also Check: What Happens If You Have Prostate Cancer

Also Check: Does Cialis Shrink An Enlarged Prostate