What Is Squirting, Really?

Squirting — also called female ejaculation — is the expulsion of fluid from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm. It's been shrouded in myth, shame, and confusion for decades, largely because it's poorly understood even by medical professionals.

The short answer to "is it pee?" is: not exactly. The fluid that comes out during squirting is biochemically distinct from urine, though it does pass through the urethra. Think of it like saliva passing through your mouth — the channel doesn't define the fluid.

What the Science Actually Says

The most significant study on squirting was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2015, conducted by Samuel Salama and colleagues. They used ultrasound imaging to track bladder filling and emptying during sexual arousal in women who reported squirting.

Here's what they found: just before squirting, the bladder was full — even though participants had recently emptied it. After squirting, the bladder appeared empty again. This confirmed that squirt fluid does pass through the bladder and urethra.

However, biochemical analysis of the fluid showed two key differences from urine:

Presence of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

PSA is produced by the Skene's glands and was detected in the squirt fluid of all participants. PSA is not produced by the kidneys or bladder — it comes specifically from glandular tissue in the female reproductive tract. Its presence is the strongest biochemical marker distinguishing squirt from urine.

Diluted Composition

The fluid also contained glucose, fructose, and other compounds in concentrations not found in normal urine. Some urea and creatinine were present — but at significantly diluted levels. The bladder likely fills rapidly with a fluid secreted by the Skene's glands and surrounding tissue during arousal.

The Skene's Glands: Your Built-In Ejaculatory System

The Skene's glands are small glandular structures located on the anterior (front) wall of the vagina, near the lower end of the urethra. They're sometimes called the "female prostate" because they share structural and functional similarities with the male prostate gland — including producing PSA.

The size and activity of the Skene's glands vary significantly between individuals. This is likely one of the major reasons some people squirt easily and abundantly, others squirt small amounts rarely, and some appear not to squirt at all. Anatomy matters — and it's not a reflection of sexual prowess or health.

G-Spot and Skene's Gland Connection

The G-spot — a region of heightened sensitivity on the anterior vaginal wall — corresponds anatomically to where the Skene's glands are located. This explains why G-spot stimulation is the most reliable pathway to squirting for most people. Stimulating this area increases blood flow and activity in the Skene's glands, building toward ejaculation.

Why It Feels Like Peeing (But Isn't)

One of the biggest barriers to squirting is the sensation that precedes it. As fluid builds in the bladder area and pelvic pressure increases, many people stop stimulation because it feels like they're about to urinate. This protective reflex is hardwired — and it's the main reason people don't squirt even when they're close.

The sensation is similar to urination because:

• Fluid is pooling in/near the bladder
• Pressure builds against the urethral sphincter
• Pelvic floor muscles engage in the same region
• The release point (urethra) is identical

But the fluid composition — and its physiological origin — is different. Once you understand this, you can consciously relax into the sensation rather than shutting it down.

How to Make Squirting More Likely

Squirting can't be forced — but the right conditions make it significantly more likely. Here are the factors that matter most:

1. G-Spot Stimulation

Insert fingers with a "come-hither" motion toward the belly button, targeting the ridged or spongy area about 2–3 inches inside the vaginal canal. Firm, rhythmic pressure — especially with a curved toy or fingers — is more effective than in-and-out movement.

2. Arousal First

The Skene's glands become more active as arousal increases. Rushing straight to G-spot stimulation without adequate warm-up is less effective. Build arousal through clitoral stimulation, oral sex, or other preferred forms of foreplay first.

3. Pelvic Floor Relaxation

When the pressure peaks and feels like you need to pee — bear down slightly (like you're gently pushing) rather than squeezing tight. This is counterintuitive but key. Clenching shuts down the process; releasing allows it.

4. Mental Safety

Anxiety about making a mess is one of the most common blocks. Knowing your environment is protected removes a major psychological barrier. A good waterproof sex blanket does more for squirting than most toys — because it eliminates the fear.

The Mess Problem — and How to Solve It

Let's be honest: squirting can involve significant volume. Some people release a few milliliters; others soak through sheets. The unpredictability is part of what makes anxiety around it so common — and why so many people hold back at the exact moment they should be relaxing.

Protecting your mattress and bedding is genuinely important — both practically and psychologically. When you know your environment is protected, your nervous system can shift out of protective mode and into full arousal. That's where squirting becomes possible.

What to Look For in a Waterproof Blanket

Not all waterproof covers are equal. A truly effective waterproof sex blanket should be soft against skin (so it doesn't interrupt the mood), genuinely waterproof at the core layer, washable, and large enough to cover the entire area of play without constantly repositioning.

Thin waterproof throws that rustle, feel plasticky, or slip around create more anxiety than they solve. Quality matters here.

Squirting vs. Orgasm: Are They the Same?

No — and this distinction matters. Squirting is the expulsion of fluid. Orgasm is a neurological event involving rhythmic pelvic muscle contractions and a cascade of neurochemical releases. These two things often occur together, which creates the (incorrect) assumption that they're the same thing.

You can absolutely squirt without having an orgasm — the physical conditions for fluid release can be met without the neurological peak of orgasm. Conversely, many people have powerful, sustained orgasms without any squirting at all. Both are completely normal.

There's also a distinction between female ejaculation and squirting: female ejaculation typically refers to a small volume of milky fluid secreted directly by the Skene's glands (similar to male ejaculate), while squirting refers to the larger-volume release that may include some diluted fluid from the bladder. The two terms are often used interchangeably but technically describe slightly different phenomena.