The urethral or periurethral glands (also Littre glands after Alexis Littré) are glands that branch off the wall of the urethra of male mammals. The glands secrete mucus and are most numerous in the section of the urethra that runs through the penis. Urethral glands produce a colloid secretion containing glycosaminoglycans; this secretion protects the epithelium against urine.
Unsafe sex can lead to urethritis. Untreated, this can lead to infection of the urethral glands, which can cause the urethra to be impeded by strictures.