Female ejaculation, often called “squirting,” is the release of fluid from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm. It is a real biological event, though it does not happen for every woman. The fluid is not urine, but it does come from the same general area.
What Exactly Is the Fluid Released During Squirting?
The fluid released during female ejaculation has been studied for decades. Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that the fluid comes from two main sources. One source is the Skene’s glands, sometimes called the female prostate. These glands sit near the urethra and produce a fluid that looks like diluted milk.
The other source is the bladder itself. Studies using ultrasound have shown that before squirting, the bladder fills with fluid. This fluid is not exactly the same as urine, but it is similar. It is typically clear and watery. Some studies suggest the bladder produces this fluid rapidly during arousal, which is then released during the event.
So the short answer is that the fluid is a mix. It contains prostate-specific antigen (PSA) from the Skene’s glands and fluid from the bladder. This is why the amount can vary so much from woman to woman.
Does Squirting Happen for Every Woman?
No. The evidence is very clear that squirting is not a universal experience. A large survey from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior found that only about 10-15% of women report ever having experienced it. Many women will never squirt, and that is completely normal.
Some women can squirt with specific stimulation, usually involving the G-spot area. Others cannot no matter what they try. There is no medical condition that prevents it, and there is no proven method to make it happen. The idea that every woman can learn to squirt with the right technique is not supported by research.
If you have never squirted, it is not a sign of a problem. It is just a variation in how your body responds. Many women have satisfying sex lives and orgasms without ever squirting.
What Is the Difference Between Squirting and Female Ejaculation?
These two terms are often used as if they mean the same thing, but research shows they are different. Female ejaculation usually refers to a small amount of thick, milky fluid released from the Skene’s glands. This volume is typically less than a teaspoon. It happens at the peak of orgasm for some women.
Squirting is the release of a much larger amount of clear, watery fluid. This can be several tablespoons or more. It often happens during intense arousal or orgasm, but not always. The fluid comes primarily from the bladder.
Some researchers argue that the term “squirting” should only apply to the large-volume event. Others use it interchangeably. For practical purposes, if you see a large gush of fluid, that is squirting. If you see a small amount of creamy fluid, that is female ejaculation. Both are real, but they are not the same thing.
| Characteristic | Female Ejaculation | Squirting |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Less than 1 teaspoon (3-5 mL) | Several tablespoons to cups (10-100+ mL) |
| Fluid appearance | Thick, milky white | Clear, watery |
| Source | Skene’s glands (female prostate) | Bladder (with some Skene’s gland fluid) |
| Timing | At the moment of orgasm | During arousal or at orgasm |
| How common it is | Reported by many women | Reported by about 10-15% of women |
What Does Research on Squirting Actually Show?
The most informative studies have used ultrasound imaging. A 2014 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine had women undergo ultrasound scans before and after sexual stimulation. The scans clearly showed the bladder filling with fluid during arousal. After the women squirted, the bladder was empty.
This study confirmed that the fluid comes from the bladder. It is not stored in some other organ. The same study analyzed the fluid and found it contained PSA, which is a marker for the Skene’s glands. This means the bladder fluid picks up some secretions as it passes through the urethra.
Another study from 2021 in Sexual Medicine Reviews looked at all the available evidence. The authors concluded that squirting is a real phenomenon but that the exact mechanism is still debated. They noted that the fluid is not pure urine, but it is not pure female ejaculate either. It is a combination.
Some people claim that squirting is just urine. The research does not support that simple conclusion. The fluid has a different chemical profile than normal urine. But it does come from the bladder, and it does contain some urinary components.
Can You Learn to Squirt?
This is a common question, and the honest answer is that there is no guaranteed method. Some women can learn to squirt with specific techniques, but many cannot. The ability to squirt may be partly anatomical. The position of the Skene’s glands and the sensitivity of the G-spot area vary from woman to woman.
Some techniques that some women report as helpful include:
- Stimulation of the G-spot area, which is about 1-2 inches inside the vagina on the front wall
- Using a “come here” motion with fingers to press against that area
- Being very relaxed and not trying to force anything
- Emptying the bladder before sex so you are not worried about accidental urine
None of these techniques are proven in clinical studies. They are based on personal reports and anecdotal evidence. If you want to try, you can experiment with different types of stimulation. But do not feel pressured. Many women who squirt do so spontaneously without any special technique.
Common Misconceptions About Squirting
The internet is full of claims about squirting that are not backed by evidence. One common myth is that squirting is a sign of a “better” orgasm. There is no research showing that women who squirt have more intense or more satisfying orgasms than women who do not. Orgasm quality is personal and varies each time.
Another myth is that all women can squirt if they try hard enough. This is simply not true. The research shows that only a minority of women experience it. Trying to force it can lead to frustration and anxiety about sex, which is counterproductive.
Some people also believe that squirting is always a large, dramatic event like in pornography. In reality, for most women who experience it, the amount is small. The porn version is exaggerated for visual effect. Real life is usually much less dramatic.
There is also a misconception that squirting is unhealthy or a sign of a medical problem. It is not. The fluid is normal. There is no evidence that it causes infections or other health issues. If you are concerned about the smell or appearance of the fluid, talk to a doctor. But for most women, it is simply a natural variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is squirting the same as peeing?
No, but it does come from the bladder. The fluid contains some urine components but also has prostate-specific antigen from the Skene’s glands, making it chemically different from plain urine.
Can every woman learn to squirt?
No. Research shows only about 10-15% of women report ever experiencing it, and there is no proven method to make it happen for everyone.
Does squirting mean you had a better orgasm?
No. There is no evidence that squirting is linked to more intense or satisfying orgasms. It is just a different physical response.
Is it safe to hold in or prevent squirting?
Yes, it is safe. If you feel the urge to squirt and do not want to, you can relax and the sensation will pass. There is no harm in not releasing the fluid.
