Skene Gland Infections (Skenitis)

What Is a Skene Gland Infection (Skenitis)? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods

Skene gland infections, medically known as skenitis, are a health problem that arises from inflammation of the Skene glands located around the urinary canal (urethra) in women. The Skene glands are small glands located on the anterior wall of the vagina that produce secretions moisturizing the area around the urethra. While these glands normally play a protective role, in some cases they can become infected and cause various complaints.

Skene gland infections are often confused with urinary tract infections because they show similar symptoms. For this reason, it is important that this condition also be considered, especially in recurrent urinary complaints.

While this infection can progress without symptoms in some patients, in other cases it may present with the following complaints:

• Burning and pain during urination
• A frequent urge to urinate
• Tenderness or pain in the vaginal area
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Swelling or a feeling of fullness around the urethra

An infection developing in the Skene glands can cause blockage of the gland ducts. Over time, this can lead to the formation of a cyst or abscess and increase the severity of the complaints.

Skenitis, which usually develops due to bacterial agents, can be brought under control with appropriate treatment when detected at an early stage. However, if left untreated, the infection can progress and become chronic.

In this article, we will discuss in detail why Skene gland infections occur, with which symptoms they present, how they are diagnosed, and the current treatment methods.

What Is the Skene Gland?

The Skene glands are small secretory glands located immediately around the urethra (urinary canal) in women. Positioned close to the anterior wall of the vagina, these glands produce fluids that moisturize and protect the area around the urethra.

These glands are sometimes also called the “female prostate.” This is because their structure and secretory characteristics resemble the male prostate gland.

The main functions of the Skene glands are:

• Keeping the area around the urethra moist
• Providing a protective environment against microorganisms
• Contributing to the maintenance of vaginal and urethral health

Under normal circumstances, these glands go unnoticed and do not cause any complaints. However, various symptoms can arise if the gland ducts become blocked or an infection develops.

For this reason, although the Skene glands are small structures, they can lead to significant clinical problems, especially when an infection develops.

What Is a Skene Gland Infection (Skenitis)?

A Skene gland infection is a condition that arises from inflammation of these glands and is called “skenitis.” It usually develops when bacteria settle in the gland ducts and multiply there.

While skenitis may follow a mild course in some patients, in other cases it can cause more pronounced and bothersome complaints. Especially as the infection progresses, blockage can occur in the gland ducts, and this can lead to the development of a cyst or abscess.

Skenitis is often confused with urinary tract infections. However, these two conditions affect different areas, and their treatment approaches may also differ.

Early diagnosis is important to prevent the infection from progressing and to avoid more serious complications.

For this reason, a Skene gland infection should also be considered, especially in patients with recurrent urinary complaints.

What Causes a Skene Gland Infection?

A Skene gland infection (skenitis) usually occurs when microorganisms settle in the gland ducts and multiply there. However, this condition is not due to a single cause; in most cases, several factors act together.

Bacterial Infections

The most common cause of skenitis is bacteria. Bacteria of vaginal or urinary origin can reach the Skene gland and cause an infection.

Urinary Tract Infections

During urinary tract infections, bacteria can spread around the urethra and affect the Skene glands. For this reason, the risk is higher in people who have frequent urinary tract infections.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Unprotected sexual intercourse can allow certain microorganisms to reach the Skene gland, and an infection can develop.

Blockage of the Gland Duct

Blockage of the Skene gland ducts prevents the secretion from being expelled and causes it to accumulate inside. This creates a favorable environment for the development of an infection.

Disruption of the Vaginal Flora Balance

When the balance of beneficial bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, harmful microorganisms can multiply and the risk of infection increases.

Weakening of the Immune System

In people with a weak immune system, resistance to infections decreases and the risk of developing a Skene gland infection increases.

A Skene gland infection usually arises from a combination of these factors. For this reason, it is important not only to treat the infection but also to identify the underlying causes.

With accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, both the existing infection can be brought under control and the risk of recurrence can be reduced.

What Are the Symptoms of a Skene Gland Infection?

While a Skene gland infection (skenitis) follows a mild course in some patients, in other cases it can cause more pronounced complaints that affect daily life. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection and whether there is blockage in the gland ducts.

Most Common Symptoms

• Burning and pain during urination
• A frequent urge to urinate
• A feeling of incomplete emptying after urination
• Tenderness or pain in the vaginal area
• Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Swelling or a feeling of fullness around the urethra

In some patients, these symptoms are very similar to those of a urinary tract infection and can therefore be confused. For this reason, a detailed evaluation is important, especially for frequently recurring complaints.

When the infection progresses and the gland ducts become blocked, a cyst or abscess can form. In this case, the symptoms become more severe:

• Severe local pain
• Noticeable swelling
• Redness and tenderness
• Sometimes fever

At this stage, the patient’s quality of life can be significantly affected and treatment is required.

Even if the symptoms are mild, an evaluation is recommended for conditions that persist for a long time or recur.

How Does a Skene Gland Infection Develop?

A Skene gland infection usually develops through a process that begins when bacteria reach the gland ducts.

The Development Process

• Microorganisms settle around the urethra
• They reach the ducts of the Skene glands
• They begin to multiply inside the gland
• An inflammatory process develops
• The gland duct can become blocked
• A cyst or abscess can form

This process may initially progress with mild symptoms. However, if the infection is not brought under control, complaints increase over time and a more serious picture can emerge.

Infections detected at an early stage are generally easier to treat, while more advanced cases may require more comprehensive treatment.

For this reason, a Skene gland infection should also be considered, especially if complaints resembling a urinary tract infection persist for a long time.

What Are a Skene Gland Cyst and Abscess?

When an infection developing in the Skene glands progresses, blockage can occur in the gland ducts. In this case, fluid accumulates inside the gland and a Skene gland cyst forms.

The cyst is usually painless and may go unnoticed when small. However, as it grows, it can cause complaints such as swelling around the urethra, a feeling of fullness, and discomfort during urination.

If the cyst becomes infected, a Skene gland abscess develops. In this case, the symptoms become more pronounced:

• Severe pain
• Redness and tenderness
• Increased swelling
• Sometimes fever

Once an abscess has formed, treatment is required, and in most cases it does not resolve on its own without intervention.

How Is a Skene Gland Infection Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a Skene gland infection is made based on the patient’s complaints and the examination performed.

Diagnostic Methods

• Gynecological examination: swelling, tenderness, and discharge around the urethra are evaluated
• Urine tests: differential diagnosis with urinary tract infection is made
• Imaging methods when necessary

In some cases, additional tests may be needed to determine the type of infection.

An accurate diagnosis is important for planning the appropriate treatment.

How Is a Skene Gland Infection Treated?

Treatment of a Skene gland infection is planned according to the severity of the infection and whether there are complications.

1. Antibiotic Therapy

It is the most commonly used treatment method for bacterial infections.

2. Treatment of a Cyst or Abscess

• Emptying the cyst
• Abscess drainage

These procedures usually provide rapid relief.

3. Surgical Intervention

In recurrent or resistant cases, surgical methods may be preferred.

4. Supportive Measures

• Paying attention to hygiene rules
• Completing the course of treatment
• Following the physician’s recommendations

The treatment plan should be determined individually. Treatment carried out at an early stage reduces the risk of complications.

The Difference Between a Skene Gland Infection and a Urinary Tract Infection

A Skene gland infection and a urinary tract infection can show similar symptoms. However, these two conditions affect different areas.

Skene Gland Infection

• Affects the glands around the urethra
• Local swelling and tenderness may occur
• A cyst or abscess can develop

Urinary Tract Infection

• Affects the urinary tract
• Is a more common condition
• Systemic symptoms can generally be seen

For this reason, making the correct diagnosis is of great importance for treatment.

Is a Skene Gland Infection Dangerous?

Skene gland infections generally do not pose a serious problem when treated at an early stage.

However, if left untreated, the infection can progress, a cyst or abscess can form, and the complaints can become chronic.

For this reason, it is a condition that should not be neglected.

What Happens If a Skene Gland Infection Is Not Treated?

An untreated infection can progress over time and lead to more serious problems.

Possible Outcomes

• Cyst formation
• Abscess development
• Severe pain
• Chronic infection
• Recurrent complaints

With early treatment, these risks can largely be prevented.

Does a Skene Gland Infection Cause Infertility?

A Skene gland infection generally does not directly cause infertility.

However, infections that go untreated for a long time and become chronic can indirectly affect reproductive health. For this reason, recurrent infections in particular should be taken into consideration.

What Should People with a Skene Gland Infection Pay Attention To?

• Attention should be paid to hygiene rules
• The course of treatment should not be interrupted
• If symptoms recur, a check-up should be carried out
• Irritating products should be avoided

How Can a Skene Gland Infection Be Prevented?

• Paying attention to vaginal hygiene
• Protected sexual intercourse
• Regular check-ups
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use

Does a Skene Gland Infection Recur?

Yes, in some patients the infection can recur. The risk of recurrence increases, especially if the underlying cause persists or the treatment is not completed.

The Difference Between a Skene Gland Infection and a Bartholin Cyst

These two conditions affect different glands:

• Skene gland: located around the urethra
• Bartholin gland: located at the vaginal opening

The symptoms may be similar, but the location and treatment approaches are different.