Inclusive Anatomy
Structure:
The paraurethral glands are small glandular structures located adjacent to the female urethra. They consist of paired, branching tubular glands whose ducts open into the lower one-third of the urethral canal.[1] These glands are clustered along the lateral aspects of the urethra, with larger tubules typically situated more superiorly.[2] The ductal system extends upward along periurethral connective tissue, where the distribution of ducts, terminal tubules, and glandular tissue becomes more extensive.[2,3]
Histologically, the paraurethral glands resemble prostatic tissue and are embedded within erectile and connective tissues surrounding the urethra. Their close anatomical relationship with the urethra and surrounding vascular tissue supports their functional role during sexual arousal.[3]
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Function:
The paraurethral glands contribute to sexual function by secreting a clear, odorless, milk-like fluid during sexual arousal. Increased blood flow to the surrounding erectile tissue causes swelling and compression of the glands, facilitating the release of their secretions into the urethra and vestibule.[3] This fluid contains high concentrations of glucose and fructose and is thought to assist in lubrication, thereby reducing friction and discomfort during sexual activity.[3]
The paraurethral glands are considered homologous to the prostate gland in individuals assigned male at birth, based on similarities in embryologic origin, histological structure, and secretory function.[4]
References:
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Moore K. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 7th ed, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health, 2014.
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Huffman JW. The detailed anatomy of the paraurethral ducts in the adult human female. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1948;55(1):86-101. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(48)90157-4
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Tomalty D, Giovannetti O, Hannan J, Komisaruk B, Goldstein S, Goldstein I, Adams M. Should we call it a prostate? A review of the female periurethral glandular tissue morphology, histochemistry, nomenclature, and role in iatrogenic sexual dysfunction. Sex Med Rev. 2022;10(2):183-194. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.09.002
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Pastor Z, Chmel R. Differential diagnostics of female “sexual” fluids: A narrative review. Int Urogynecol J. 2017;29(5):621-629. doi:10.1007/s00192-017-3527-9
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