Skene glands are small openings located on either side of the urethra in females. Their function is not fully elucidated, but they are thought to secrete fluid that possibly helps protect the urethral orifice from infection. When these glands become blocked, obstructed, or injured, a cyst may form. Cysts are usually < 1 cm in size and are typically asymptomatic, but they can progress to an infection (Skene gland adenitis) or abscess (Skene gland abscess).

Abscesses tend to be rare and usually occur in premenopausal women.

These infections tend to be polymicrobial in nature. Risk factors include poor vulvar hygiene, diabetes, pregnancy, and obesity.

While Skene gland cysts are usually asymptomatic, adenitis and abscesses can cause pain, dysuria, dyspareunia, and urinary retention. Patients will often complain of a feeling of a mass being present, of pain, or of issues with urination including recurrent urinary tract infections or pain with voiding.