No, not every woman has Skene's glands. While often referred to as the "female prostate," their presence isn't universal.
Understanding Skene's Glands
Skene's glands, also known as the paraurethral glands, are located in the female urethra. They secrete fluid, and are sometimes associated with female ejaculation. Cleveland Clinic clarifies that only people assigned female at birth (AFAB) may possess these glands. However, even among AFAB individuals, their presence and size can vary significantly.
Variability in Presence and Size
Research indicates that the size and even existence of Skene's glands are not consistent across all women. A study mentioned in the Los Angeles Times (https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jul-21-he-mating21-story.html) found that only nine out of a group of women examined possessed these glands. Other sources highlight that while some women have large Skene's glands, others may have very small or even undetectable ones. This variability makes it inaccurate to state that every woman possesses them. The New Scientist article also points to a case where Skene's glands were not found in some subjects.
The "Female Prostate" Analogy
It's important to note that while Skene's glands are sometimes called the "female prostate," this is an analogy based on their secretory function, not a direct anatomical equivalence. Women do not have a prostate gland in the same way men do. Urology Center of Iowa explicitly states this distinction.
Conclusion
While many women possess Skene's glands, their presence is not guaranteed. The size and even existence of these glands vary significantly.
