Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology

Skene's Gland

A Skene's gland is on each side of the urethral opening. It is normally neither seen nor felt, although close inspection will reveal the pinpoint openings of these periurethral glands.

When infected, the Skene's gland will become enlarged and tender.

A simple incision and drainage of the gland will generally result in complete resolution. Topical anesthetic (20% benzocaine, or "Hurricaine") can be applied to the cyst with a cotton-tipped applicator and allowed to sit for 3-4 minutes. A single stab wound by a scalpel opens the abscess and allows for drainage of the pus.

Cultures, particularly for gonorrhea, should be obtained.

While in a civilian setting, antibiotics would be optional (pending culture results), they are very helpful in an operational settings. Good choices for antibiotics would include those most helpful for treating urethritis:

Cefixime 400 mg orally in a single dose, OR
Ceftriaxone 125 mg IM in a single dose, OR
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally in a single dose, OR
Ofloxacin 400 mg orally in a single dose,

PLUS

Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose, OR
Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days.

Home ╖ Introduction ╖ Medical Support of Women in Field Environments ╖ The Prisoner of War Experience ╖ Routine Care ╖ Pap Smears ╖ Human Papilloma Virus ╖ Contraception ╖ Birth Control Pills ╖ Vulvar Disease ╖ Vaginal Discharge ╖ Abnormal Bleeding ╖ Menstrual Problems ╖ Abdominal Pain ╖ Urination Problems ╖ Menopause ╖ Breast Problems ╖ Sexual Assault ╖ Normal Pregnancy ╖ Abnormal Pregnancy ╖ Normal Labor and Delivery ╖ Problems During Labor and Delivery ╖ Care of the Newborn

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Department of the Navy
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Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology - 2nd Edition
The Health Care of Women in Military Settings
CAPT Michael John Hughey, MC, USNR
NAVMEDPUB 6300-2C
January 1, 2000

This web version of Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology is provided by The Brookside Associates Medical Education Division. It contains original contents from the official US Navy NAVMEDPUB 6300-2C, but has been reformatted for web access and includes advertising and links that were not present in the original version. This web version has not been approved by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates is a private organization, not affiliated with the United States Department of Defense. All material in this version is unclassified.

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