The human body contains many different glands, which have several functions that may include secreting hormones necessary for the body, or playing an important role in sexual and reproductive functions. Cowper’s gland is an important gland for sexual and reproductive functions in men.

What is Cooper’s gland?

The Cowper’s gland is part of the male reproductive system and is also called the bulbourethral gland.

It is a pair of small round glands that are located next to each other inside the base of the penis, and when the process of stimulation of the penis occurs, this gland secretes mucous secretions that add factors that help ejaculation.

It is a yellow gland about the size and shape of a pea, about 0.4 inch in diameter, made up of a network of small ducts (tubules), and sac-like structures called alveoli, and empties its secretions into the urethra.

These glands get their blood supply from an artery in the penis, which branches off from the internal pudendal artery and the bulbourethral artery. The bulbourethral glands work together with the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles to secrete the components of semen, and Cooper’s fluid represents less than 1% of the total semen.

Where is Cowper’s gland located?

The bulbourethral glands are located below the prostate gland, sandwiched between the layers of connective tissue that make up the urogenital diaphragm, and surrounded by fibers of the urethral sphincter muscle.

Cowper’s gland function

The functions of the Cowper gland include the following:

• They produce pre-ejaculatory mucus, a viscous, clear, and salty fluid that neutralizes any remaining acidity in the urethra; for sperm to travel through it.
• clearing the urethra of debris, such as dead cells and urine; To provide a path for ejaculation.
• Help make the semen environment suitable for sperm.
• Protecting sperm after ejaculation by helping to neutralize the acidity of the vagina, along with prostate fluid.

Diseases affecting the Cooper gland

Several conditions are commonly associated with the bulbourethral glands, including:

1. Cooper’s duct cysts (Syringocele)

It is a condition that involves the growth of cysts in the duct that leads to the urethra, and this condition is most likely congenital (present at birth); So it is fairly common in children and rarely diagnosed in adults.

The presence of the cyst causes a change in pressure that causes the duct to dilate. Although most cysts are too small to affect the ability of the glands to secrete fluid or interfere with the urethra, larger cysts can also be obstructive.

Depending on their location and size, they may be asymptomatic or painful. If symptoms do appear, they are usually diagnosed as follows:

• Urinary tract infections.
• Problems emptying the bladder.
• Highly visible blood in the urine.

The condition can be diagnosed through urethrography, a type of radiographic examination using contrast dye. Ultrasound, endoscopy, and MRI can also be helpful.

In most cases, the cyst disappears on its own, but if this does not happen, the cyst may be removed through endoscopic procedures, such as a cold knife or laser.

2. Cowperitis

It is a bacterial infection. The infection may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It is usually caused by the same pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections. Symptoms of Cowper’s gland inflammation include:

• Severe pain in the perineum (the area between the testicles and the anus).
• Frequent and painful urination.
• fever.
• feeling unwell

The condition is generally diagnosed by bacterial culture with material from the urethra.

3. Stones

Calcium stones can form in the bulbourethral glands, especially in the elderly, and these stones lead to obstruction and infection, and in rare cases they may cause abscesses. Cowper gland stones are most often diagnosed by pelvic ultrasound.

If the stones do not cause visible symptoms, they can generally be left, but if symptoms appear, treatment may include surgical removal of the gland itself.

4. Cancer

Adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer of the glands) may affect the bulbourethral glands and make them irregular in shape. This type of cancer is very rare.

Cancerous tumors usually cause narrowing of the urethra, and may or may not include bloody discharge, and symptoms may also include pelvic pain and rectal discomfort.

Gland cancer can be confirmed by biopsy. Treatments generally include radiation and surgery. Chemotherapy may be helpful in some cases.