Understanding Skene's Duct Cysts in Women

Understanding an illness is the first step towards conquering it. A woman needs to know the symptoms, effects, and treatment of an illness she's afflicted with. Cysts in the reproductive system of women are one of the rare illnesses of which they should be aware.

Gynecologic cysts are cysts that grow in any part of the woman's reproductive system like the uterus, cervix, and vagina. Cysts are closed sacs containing a gelatin-like material that grow separately from the surrounding tissues.

Skene's duct cysts are cysts located in the Skene's glands also called periurethral glands. This type of cyst develops because of obstructions in the ducts to the Skene's glands due to infection.

The Woman's Skene's Glands

Skene's glands are also called lesser vestibular glands and periurethral glands. They are located around the opening of the urethra on the upper portion of the vaginal area. These glands are composed of soft tissues connected to the clitoris. They are involved in sexual stimulation. During sexual arousal, blood fills these glands.

The Symptoms of Skene's Duct Cyst

Small cysts may be asymptomatic, but large Skene's duct cysts have symptoms. Urine may be retained resulting in urinary tract infection. When the urinary tract is infected, a woman with this condition may find herself having a frequent and pressing need to urinate. She may also feel severe pain when urinating. Also, she may find it hard to start urination. During urination, urine may drip onto the vaginal area. All these happen because the cyst blocks the flow of urine towards the urethra. Skene's duct cysts may result in abscesses that are soft, causing pain and inflammation. With this condition, a woman may have fever. A woman who has a Skene's duct cyst may also experience pain during sexual intercourse, which is technically called dyspareunia.

The Diagnosis of Skene's Duct Cyst

Skene's duct cysts may be detected during pelvic examination. In pelvic examination, the doctor may feel the cyst especially if the cyst is large enough. When a woman complains of the symptoms such as pain during urination or during sexual intercourse, this may lead to the diagnosis of Skene's duct cysts. The images of Skene's duct cysts maybe seen by using the method of ultrasonography. Cytoscopy or the insertion of a viewing tube may also be used for diagnosis.

The Skene's Duct Cysts Treatment

If the size of the cyst is small and it has no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, if cysts are big and cause symptoms like pain in urination, it may be necessary to perform surgery or doctors may make a tiny cut on the cyst in order to remove the semisolid contents of the sac. Sometimes Skene's duct cysts are big enough to cause discomfort. In this case a surgery in an operating room setting is needed to remove the cysts. These cysts sometimes swell and cause the formation of abscess. In this case, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics for several days. When the swelling disappears, the cyst is surgically removed.