The topics of female ejaculation and squirting have long been sources of mystery, debate, and sometimes, unrealistic expectations. Often confused and used interchangeably, these terms refer to distinct physiological responses that many women experience during intense sexual arousal and orgasm.
By exploring the latest scientific understanding, anatomical facts, and practical advice, we aim to demystify these powerful forms of female pleasure.
What is the difference between female ejaculation and squirting?
Female ejaculation and squirting are two different types of fluid release that can occur during sexual climax, though both stem from similar anatomical structures.
Feature
Squirting (Gushing)
Female Ejaculation
Fluid Source
Primarily bladder-derived fluid released via the urethra during intense sexual stimulation.
Paraurethral glands (Skene’s glands), often referred to as the female prostate.
Fluid Amount
Large volume, sometimes up to approximately 150 ml.
Very small volume, typically around 1 ml.
Fluid Content
Clear, diluted fluid containing urinary markers such as urea and creatinine.
Milky-white fluid containing Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
Mechanism
Pressure-induced expulsion from the bladder through the urethra due to glandular and pelvic stimulation.
Secretion from the Skene’s glands released during orgasm.
Is female ejaculation real, and where does the fluid come from?
Yes, female ejaculation is real. It is the release of a small amount of fluid produced by the paraurethral glands, also known as the Skene’s glands.
These glands are located in the tissue surrounding the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Researchers, notably Milan Zaviačič and colleagues (1990–2000), have studied these glands extensively and found that:
-
The Skene’s glands produce Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), a marker typically associated with the male prostate.
-
The tissue and enzymes are similar to those found in the male prostate, leading scientists to commonly refer to the Skene’s glands as the “female prostate.”
-
The fluid expelled during female ejaculation is biochemically comparable to components of male semen.
For a clearer visual understanding of where these glands are located in relation to the clitoris, urethra, and vagina, see the diagram below.
This physiological similarity suggests that female ejaculation may be an evolutionary by-product (a homologous trait) of the male reproductive system, much like male nipples are a by-product of the female development pattern. However, the Skene’s glands are constantly active, contributing to sexual function beyond just ejaculation, such as lubrication and sexual health.
What is the G-Spot, and how is it related to squirting?
The G-spot (Gräfenberg spot) is an area of heightened sensitivity located on the anterior (front) wall of the vagina, a few centimeters up from the entrance. It is widely described as a slightly raised, bumpy area of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra.
Stimulation of the G-spot is often key to both female ejaculation and squirting because the Skene’s glands and the root of the urethra are anatomically located in this area.
-
Vigorous or prolonged pressure on the G-spot can lead to the intense sensation often described as a “need to pee,” which indicates the stimulation of the Skene’s glands and pressure on the bladder. This sensation is often the precursor to squirting.
-
Stimulating the G-spot, often with a curved toy or finger, can change the angle of the urethra relative to the bladder, which may facilitate the expulsion of fluid (squirting).
Can all women squirt, and how can I increase my chances?
It is debated whether all women can squirt, but many sex researchers, like French gynecologist Dr. Samuel Salama, believe that most women have the anatomical capacity, and that success often depends on technique and mental state. A 2011 study on female ejaculation found that only about 10–50% of women report experiencing ejaculation, suggesting it may not be a universal experience or, perhaps, is not universally known how to achieve.
For those interested in exploring this type of climax, here are a few tips:
1. Mental and Emotional Preparation
-
Prioritize Arousal: High levels of arousal are crucial. Identify what turns you on both physically and mentally. Intimate knowledge of your body (your clitoris, G-spot, and even the A-spot) is key to building pleasure.
-
Relaxation is Key: Pressure and anxiety are pleasure killers. It’s important to be relaxed and comfortable with the possibility of making a “mess” (you may want to put down a towel!). Avoid any mental pressure on yourself or your partner to achieve a specific result.
-
Embrace the Sensation: Many women report the pre-squirt feeling as a powerful urge to urinate. You must give in to this sensation and let go, rather than clenching up or holding back.
2. Physical and Technical Preparation
-
Hydration: Drink water about 30 minutes before a session. Being well-hydrated increases the body’s natural fluid production and ensures the expelled fluid is lighter in color.
-
Target the G-Spot: Use a curved sex toy or two fingers to apply vigorous, intense pressure against the G-spot area on the front vaginal wall. You often need to be more firm and persistent than you might with typical internal stimulation.
-
We recommend G-spot vibrators for their angled design, such as the INA Wave or the MONA Wave, which can apply the necessary targeted pressure.
-
-
Try Different Positions: Experiment with positions that allow for deep, direct, and consistent pressure on the anterior vaginal wall.
-
Pelvic Muscle Relaxation: While the pelvic floor muscles are active during orgasm, keeping them relaxed during the stimulation phase can help facilitate fluid release.
-
Research Connection: Studies like those by Amy Gilliland have found that women who do not ejaculate may have higher levels of PSA in their urine post-orgasm. This supports the theory that for some, the fluid may enter the bladder instead of being expelled, and this fluid is then released later during urination.
Why is there cultural and scientific controversy around female ejaculation?
The skepticism and historical silence surrounding female ejaculation are part of a broader cultural pattern that has long marginalized female pleasure.
-
Historical Omission: Though referenced in ancient texts like the Indian Kāmaśāstra and Chinese Taoist texts, discussions of female ejaculation largely disappeared from Western discourse until the 20th century, with figures like Dr. Ernst Gräfenberg (1950s). This long silence contributed to the modern view of female pleasure as “amorphous, mysterious, and secondary” to male pleasure.
-
Medical Misunderstanding: For decades, the Skene’s gland was poorly understood, and when fluid was expelled, it was often dismissed as involuntary urination (urolagnia). The lack of funding and focus on female sexuality has created a scientific knowledge gap, leading to the ongoing, but increasingly discredited, “debate” about the phenomenon’s authenticity, as noted in a review published on PubMed (search for “female ejaculation physiology”).
-
Pornography and Legislation: The depiction of female ejaculation in pornography has been a major point of contention. For example, in 2014, the UK government banned the depiction of female ejaculation in legally produced pornography, while male ejaculation remained acceptable. This suggests a cultural double standard that frames the female climax as potentially obscene and something that needs to be controlled or hidden, reinforcing a culture where male pleasure is seen as the default.
By continuing to educate and normalize these forms of female climax, we can move past these outdated attitudes and celebrate the full spectrum of human sexuality.
