Squirting

Squirting, also sometimes known as gushing, is the act of a sudden or rapid expulsion of fluid from the urethra during sexual stimulation of a person with a vulva. It can, but does not always, coincide with orgasm. Whether orgasm takes place or not, squirting is typically associated with feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. Squirting can be a natural ability or become an acquired skill.

Every individual’s experience with squirting will be different. Some people are able to squirt consistently and easily while others may require more specific and concentrated stimulation. Furthermore, people who are able to squirt may only do so occasionally under the right conditions for them.

Squirting versus Female Ejaculation

Squirting is also known as or conflated with female ejaculation. A 2018 study distinguished female ejaculation and squirting as two distinct phenomena with their own specific mechanisms. 

In this study, female ejaculation was defined as the production of thick secretion during orgasm by the paraurethral glands (i.e. Skene’s glands) which function as the female prostate. Squirting was defined as the voluminous orgasmic release of urine-like fluid through the urethra. However, because it is possible to squirt and ejaculate at the same time, squirting and female ejaculation are still often used interchangeably in a colloquial setting.

For the purposes of this article, female ejaculation is used as it is still the most widely accepted term for this physiological event. While this gendered language can be alienating for non-binary and other gender non-conforming indivduals with vaginas, it is also important to note that “female” in this case refers to physical sex characteristics rather than gender.

Where does female ejaculate come from?

The research which has been conducted thus far has shown that female ejaculate appears to originate in the paraurethral glands, which are located below the bladder and around the urethra. The paraurethral glands are a network of tubules located within the erectile tissue of the urethral sponge (i.e. the G-Spot) with two main ducts that lead to either side of the urethral opening, where any secretions from these glands may exit the the body. 

The paraurethral glands have been identified as structures homologous to the prostate, which is the male sex organ that secrets the fluid that becomes a part of the semen mixture which is expelled from the penis via the urethra during sexual stimulation. They produce a milky, viscous secretion either prior to or during orgasm, which is a component of female ejaculate. While the function of this secretion is yet undetermined, it may serve as a lubricant and/or an antimicrobial substance.

Is squirting pee?

The research may agree that female ejaculate appears to originate in the paraurethral glands, but the debate over what the squirting fluid consists of continues. The fluid seems to be composed of the viscous, white eajuclate secretion from the paraurethral glands combined with blood serum – the watery part of blood that is not involved with clotting and varying levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine.

A common misconception is that female ejaculation is urine, however multiple studies and reviews have determined that the ejaculate is not the same as urine. While squirting fluid also passes through the urethra, female ejaculation definitely differs from coital incontinence, which is characterized as accidental urination during sex, when one loses control of one’s bladder during or as a result of sexual activity. When compared to urine samples collected prior to sexual activity, the ejaculate fluid differs from the urine. It has lower levels of urea and creatinine, and higher concentrations of prostate specific antigen, prostatic acidic phosphatase, prostate specific acid phosphatase, and glucose, making it rather more similar to the makeup of male seminal fluid, though without any sperm.

Female ejaculate also differs from urine in how it smells. It tends to have lightly musky odor, however, as sexuality educator and medical professional Sheri Winston notes in her book Women’s Anatomy of Arousal, the scent of female ejaculation liquid can vary from person to person and also depending on where someone is in their menstrual or fertility cycle.

How do you squirt?

Some methods can make people squirt more than others. While it has yet to be proven in any medical research, there does seem to be a prevalent correlation between stimulating or massaging the G-spot area and some people’s experiences with squirting. Anecdotal evidence collected through sex toy user testimonials suggests that clitoral suction toys can be effective means of causing people to squirt, including many people who had never squirted prior to using that toy. However this is not a universal truth for all bodies.

However, there is no one universally proven method that makes every person with a vagina ejaculate or squirt. Every individual’s body and preferences differ, therefore how they respond to stimulation will also differ. The most effective technique to bring someone to ejaculation varies from one body to another and unique to the individual.

Can anyone squirt?

In theory, anyone with a vagina, paraurethral glands, and a bladder could squirt with the right stimulation. However, it depends on the presence and functionality of the associated female sex organs and therefore not everyone will be able to achieve this feat. 

Some people squirt a lot, without effort, and do so through their regular sexual activities and orgasm, though this is not the experience for everyone with a vagina. The volume and intensity of fluid expelled ranges from a small amount trickling out to over a liter and in a geyser-like spray. In 2022, the world record of volume squirting is still held by sexuality educator Lola Jean at 1250 ml, in 25 seconds.

It is possible for many people who do not squirt naturally to learn how to do it through different techniques or with the use of different sex toys. Through practice, it is also possible to squirt without any direct physical stimulation.

Squirting in Porn

Demonstrations of squirting are highly popular in mainstream porn. The general popularity and increased fascination with squirting may be correlated with this trend in porn media.

Since 2014, pornographic depictions of squirting have been banned in the UK. The justification of this legislation is that deriving sexual plesure from water sports (any sexual activity involved urine) is considered a breach of the Obscene Publications Act, and it is too difficult to discern whether squirting is ejaculation or urine.

Footage of penis ejaculation remains permitted.