The bulbourethral (Cowper) glands are two pea-sized glands lying beside the membranous urethra in the deep perineal pouch. Their ducts pass forward to open into the bulbar part of the spongy urethra. They release a clear, slippery fluid during sexual arousal before ejaculation.
| Location | In the deep perineal pouch, posterolateral to the membranous urethra, embedded in the external urethral sphincter |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Prostatic plexus; Pudendal nerve branches |
| Blood Supply | Artery of the bulb of the penis |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Secrete a clear mucus that lubricates the urethra and neutralises residual acidic urine before ejaculation.
This pre-ejaculatory fluid lubricates the urethra and neutralises traces of acidic urine. The glands are rarely diseased, but their ducts can become cystic (Cowper duct syringocele), causing dribbling or obstruction, mainly in boys. They are the male equivalent of the female greater vestibular glands.
Cystic dilation of the bulbourethral gland duct that can cause post-void dribbling, infection or urethral obstruction.
Uncommon infection of the bulbourethral glands, usually with urethritis, causing perineal pain.
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