It is a topic that has sparked a million internet arguments and left just as many people scratching their heads in the bedroom. You’ve probably seen the videos or heard the stories, but when a woman squirts what is it actually? For years, the medical community basically ignored the phenomenon or, worse, dismissed it as a myth or a "mistake." But recent research has finally started to pull back the curtain on what’s actually happening physiologically.
It's not just one thing. That is the big secret.
Most people want a simple, one-word answer. They want to know if it's pee or if it's some magical elixir. The truth, as confirmed by modern urologists and sexual health researchers like those published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, is a bit more nuanced than a simple "either/or" scenario. We are talking about a complex biological process involving the Skene’s glands, the bladder, and a whole lot of pelvic floor tension.
The Chemistry Behind the Splash
Let's get clinical for a second because the data matters. When we ask when a woman squirts what is it, we have to look at the chemical composition of the fluid. Researchers have conducted biochemical analyses on this liquid, comparing it to both pre-stimulation urine and post-climax samples.
They found two distinct things.
First, there is "female ejaculation" in the strict sense. This is usually a small amount—think a teaspoon or less—of thick, milky-white fluid. It comes from the Skene’s glands, which are often called the "female prostate" because they are biologically homologous to the male prostate. This fluid contains high levels of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). You won't find those in your average cup of tea or a standard urine sample.
Then, there is "squirting." This is usually a much larger volume of clear fluid.
Why the distinction matters
Honestly, the two often get mixed together. A study led by Dr. Samuel Salama used ultrasound and biochemical analysis to track what was happening in real-time. The researchers found that the bladder fills up significantly during arousal. This isn't necessarily because the person needs to "go" in the traditional sense, but because the body is responding to intense stimulation.
When the big moment happens, the bladder undergoes a sudden contraction. The fluid released is mostly urea, creatinine, and uric acid—the components of urine—but it’s often very diluted. It doesn't always smell or look like the urine you'd see first thing in the morning. This is because the Skene's gland secretions often hitch a ride with the bladder fluid as it’s expelled.
The Role of the Skene's Glands
The Skene’s glands sit right near the lower end of the urethra. Not every woman has prominent Skene’s glands, which explains why some people experience this and others don't, no matter how much "work" they do. It’s a bit of a genetic lottery.
Think of it like this: the Skene’s glands are the engine, and the bladder is the reservoir.
For some, the "ejaculate" is just the concentrated stuff from the glands. It’s creamy. For others, the intense pressure of an orgasm or G-spot stimulation triggers a release from the bladder. It’s a reflex. It isn't something people usually control, and it certainly isn't something to be ashamed of, though society has done a great job of making people feel weird about it.
Debunking the "It's Just Pee" Argument
You’ll hear skeptics say, "Oh, she just peed herself." That’s a massive oversimplification that ignores the physiological state of the body during sex. When you are highly aroused, your brain sends signals that change how your internal sphincters work.
In a 2014 study, researchers used a blue dye called methylene blue, which was injected into the bladders of volunteers. When the volunteers squirted, the fluid was blue. This proved the bladder was the source of the volume. However, the presence of PSA in that same fluid proved the Skene’s glands were also participating.
It’s a cocktail.
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It is also worth noting that the sensation of squirting is vastly different from the sensation of urinating. Most women report a buildup of pressure that feels like a "release" rather than the urge to find a bathroom. The muscle contractions involved are involuntary and tied to the pelvic floor's reaction to the G-spot (the urethral sponge).
How It Actually Happens
It usually starts with the G-spot. This isn't a magical button, but rather an area on the anterior (front) wall of the vagina that is rich in nerve endings and sits right against the Skene’s glands and the urethra.
- Arousal: Blood flows to the pelvic region, causing the urethral sponge to engorge.
- Stimulation: Consistent, rhythmic pressure on the front wall begins to stimulate the Skene’s glands.
- The Reflex: As climax nears, the pelvic floor muscles (the pubococcygeus or PC muscles) begin to pulse.
- The Release: This pulsing triggers the bladder to expel fluid while the Skene's glands simultaneously secrete their specific proteins.
Some people find it happens easily. Others never experience it. Both are totally normal.
There is a huge psychological component too. If someone is worried about making a mess or feels self-conscious, the pelvic floor stays too tight. The body effectively "locks down." It’s only when there is a sense of total relaxation and safety that the reflex can actually trigger.
Beyond the Biology: The Cultural Obsession
Why are we so obsessed with this? Honestly, a lot of it comes from the adult film industry. They’ve turned a natural (and sometimes messy) biological reflex into a "performance goal." This has created a lot of pressure. People feel like they aren't "doing sex right" if it doesn't look like a fire hose.
That’s nonsense.
The physiological reality of when a woman squirts what is it is that it’s a sign of intense arousal for some, but its absence isn't a sign of lack of pleasure. Many women have world-shaking orgasms without ever releasing a drop of fluid. Conversely, some people squirt without even reaching a full climax. Biology is messy and non-linear.
The Expert Consensus
- Dr. Beverly Whipple, who co-authored The G-Spot, has long argued that this fluid is a distinct physiological response.
- The International Society for Sexual Medicine acknowledges it as a variable but normal part of the female sexual response cycle.
- Most urologists agree that while the fluid contains urine components, the context of its release makes it a sexual phenomenon rather than a simple case of incontinence.
Practical Insights and Next Steps
If you are exploring this part of your sexuality, or helping a partner explore it, the most important thing is communication and prep. It’s hard to stay in the moment when you're worried about the mattress.
Actionable Steps for Exploration:
- Hydration is key. Since the volume comes from the bladder, being well-hydrated makes the fluid clearer and less "urine-like" in scent.
- Use Protection. Not that kind—I mean a "squirt blanket" or several heavy towels. Removing the "mess factor" from your mind allows the pelvic floor to relax.
- Focus on the Urethral Sponge. Use a "come hither" motion with fingers or a curved toy against the front wall of the vagina.
- Breathe Through the "Urge." Often, right before squirting, there’s a strong feeling of needing to pee. Many people stop here because they’re afraid. If you keep going and lean into that pressure, that’s usually when the release happens.
- Don't force it. If it happens, cool. If it doesn't, also cool. Sex isn't a talent show.
The fluid is a mix of Skene's gland secretions and diluted urine. It is a natural reflex. It is not "gross," and it is not a requirement for a healthy sex life. Understanding the "what" and the "why" helps take the mystery and the stigma out of the bedroom, letting you focus on what actually matters: how it feels.