Definition for Cowper's gland
From Biology Forums Dictionary
The bulbourethral gland is a small gland approximately the size of a pea that is part of the male reproductive system. Two bulbourethral glands are attached to the urethra and are located behind it with one on each side. Also known as Cowper’s gland in honor of the English surgeon and anatomist William Cowper who provided early descriptions of it, the bulbourethral gland is an exocrine gland. The secretions of exocrine glands are ultimately transported out of the body. In the case of the bulbourethral gland, such secretions leave the body through the urethra.
A clear, colorless, and somewhat viscous component of pre-ejaculatory fluid, known as Cowper’s fluid, is discharged by the bulbourethral gland into the urethra when the male becomes sexually aroused. It is then secreted out of the body through the urethra before ejaculation. While Cowper’s fluid itself does not contain semen, semen may be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid from other sources such as residual sperm from a previous ejaculation. Therefore, it is commonly recommended by medical professionals to avoid using withdrawal as a method of pregnancy prevention even if withdrawal is completed before ejaculation.
