It's one of those things that used to be a whisper on the internet. Now, it's everywhere—from Reddit threads to high-production adult films. But honestly, most of the information out there is just plain confusing. You've probably heard it’s just pee. Or maybe you've heard it’s a mythical fountain of youth for your sex life. The reality is somewhere in the middle, and it's backed by some pretty fascinating science.
Female squirt is actually a distinct physiological event, but it gets lumped in with a dozen other things. People argue about it constantly. Is it urine? Is it a special "female ejaculate"? Is it just a lot of arousal fluid? If you've ever felt like you didn't have the full picture, you aren't alone. Even the medical community spent decades ignoring it or calling it "urinary incontinence," which, frankly, is a bit of a slap in the face to anyone who experiences it as a positive, pleasurable part of their sexuality.
The Chemistry of What's Actually Happening
Let's get clinical for a second. When we talk about what is female squirt, we’re usually talking about two different fluids. There’s "female ejaculate," which is a thick, milky substance produced by the Skene’s glands (often called the female prostate). Then there’s "squirting," which involves a larger volume of clear fluid.
A 2014 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine by researcher Samuel Salama and his team actually used ultrasound to see what was going on. They looked at the bladders of women who could squirt. Before the "event," the bladders were full. After? Empty.
Does that mean it's just pee? Not exactly.
The fluid contains urea, creatinine, and uric acid, which are markers of urine. However, it also contains something called Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). Men have PSA in their semen; women have it in the Skene’s glands. So, while the bulk of the volume comes from the bladder, it’s chemically different from the stuff you release when you're just using the bathroom. It’s a cocktail. It's unique.
The Skene’s Glands: The Unsung Heroes
The Skene’s glands sit right near the urethra. For a long time, doctors basically acted like they didn't exist or served no purpose. Wrong. These glands are homologous to the male prostate. They can swell with blood during arousal, and for some people, they release that milky fluid I mentioned earlier.
This isn't just about anatomy. It's about how different bodies react to different types of stimulation. Some people can hit a "G-spot" (which is really just the internal structure of the clitoris and the Skene's glands working together) and experience a massive release of fluid. Others don't. Both are totally normal. It’s not a "skill" you have to master, though some folks spend a lot of time trying to "learn" how to do it.
Why Does It Feel Different?
For those who experience it, the sensation isn't just "peeing." It’s often described as a massive release of tension. Sometimes it happens during an orgasm; sometimes it happens right before.
Some women feel a "click" or a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. That’s usually the moment where they hold back because they’re afraid of making a mess. But if they let go? That's when the squirt happens. It's a psychological hurdle as much as a physical one. You have to trust your body enough to let go of that "I'm about to have an accident" feeling.
The nervous system is weird like that. It mixes signals.
The Porn Myth vs. Reality
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Pornography has turned squirting into a spectacle. In movies, it looks like a fire hose.
In real life? It's usually much more modest. It might be a tablespoon or two. It might just be a damp patch on the sheets. The hyper-exaggerated versions you see on screen are often the result of "water loading" (drinking massive amounts of water before filming) or even just camera tricks.
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Comparing your body to a professional performer is a recipe for frustration. Most people's bodies don't work like a special effects department. If you're chasing that specific "fountain" look, you're probably missing out on the actual pleasure of the moment.
Is There a "Right" Way to Do It?
There’s no magic button. Sorry.
However, people who want to explore this usually find that consistent, rhythmic pressure on the anterior wall of the vagina (the G-spot area) is the most common trigger. Using two fingers in a "come hither" motion is the classic advice for a reason.
- Use plenty of lubricant. Friction is the enemy of pleasure.
- Focus on the "build-up" rather than the end goal.
- Try different positions, like being on top, which allows for more control over the angle of penetration.
- Relax the pelvic floor. If you're clenching, the fluid can't exit.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a hammock of muscles. It holds everything in place. When you're highly aroused, these muscles can spasm. If the bladder is triggered at the same time those muscles relax, you get that release.
Interestingly, some people find that doing Kegel exercises helps them gain the "control" needed to facilitate squirting. Others find that they need to do the exact opposite—deep belly breathing to fully relax the pelvic floor. It’s a balance. You want enough tension to feel the pleasure, but enough relaxation to let the fluid pass through the urethra.
Dealing with the "Mess"
Let's be real: it’s wet.
If you’re worried about your mattress, you’re not going to be able to relax. This is where "sex blankets" or just a couple of thick towels come in handy. Eliminating the "Oh no, the laundry" thought process is actually a huge part of the "how-to." You can't reach a state of total physical surrender if you're worried about a water stain.
Common Misconceptions That Need to Die
- It’s a sign of a "better" orgasm. Not true. Some of the most intense orgasms are completely "dry." Squirting is just one type of physiological response. It's not the Gold Medal of Sex.
- Everyone can do it. While most people have Skene’s glands, the way they are positioned and how they react varies wildly. Some researchers think everyone is capable of it, but for many, it just isn't how their body naturally responds.
- It’s gross. It’s a biological fluid. If you’re okay with sweat, saliva, and other fluids that show up during sex, there’s no reason to single this one out.
Actionable Steps for Exploration
If you're curious about exploring this aspect of your body, or helping a partner explore it, here is a sensible way to approach it without the pressure of "performance."
First, empty the bladder partially, but not entirely. You want some fluid there, but you don't want the discomfort of a bursting bladder. It’s a fine line.
Second, focus on the internal clitoral structure. Remember that the G-spot isn't a separate organ; it's the back of the clitoris. Stimulating this area via the vaginal wall is what usually triggers the Skene’s glands.
Third, communicate. If you’re the partner, ask what feels good. If you’re the one exploring your own body, pay attention to that "I need to pee" sensation. Instead of pulling away or stopping, try leaning into it. Take deep breaths.
Fourth, don't make it the goal. The quickest way to ensure it doesn't happen is to stress about it. Focus on the sensations. If it happens, cool. If it doesn't, you still had a great time.
Lastly, read up on the anatomy. Knowledge really is power here. Understanding that the Skene’s glands and the urethra are part of a complex system can take the shame or confusion out of the experience. Look at anatomical diagrams of the clitoral network. It’s way bigger than most people realize, wrapping around the vaginal canal like a wishbone. When you realize how much "hardware" is actually under the hood, the idea of female ejaculation stops feeling like a myth and starts feeling like a normal, albeit varied, biological function.
Embrace the variety of your body's responses. Whether you're a "squirter" or not has zero bearing on your worth as a lover or your ability to experience profound pleasure. It’s just one more way a body can say "this feels good."