It’s one of the most debated topics in sexual health. For decades, researchers, doctors, and partners have argued over what exactly is happening when a woman releases fluid during arousal or orgasm. Is it urine? Is it something else? Honestly, the confusion usually stems from the fact that we were never really taught the anatomy of the Skene’s glands or the "female prostate." If you’ve ever wondered how do women ejaculate, you aren't alone. It’s a mix of biology, individual anatomy, and sometimes, just hitting the right nerves at the right time.
The reality is that "squirting" and female ejaculation are often used interchangeably, but they aren't quite the same thing. One involves a small amount of thick, milky fluid. The other can involve a significant volume of clear liquid.
The Difference Between Ejaculation and Squirting
Most people don't realize there are actually two distinct phenomena. First, there is "true" female ejaculation. This is typically a small volume—usually less than a teaspoon—of thick, whitish fluid that comes from the Skene’s glands. These glands are located near the urethra and are often called the female prostate because they contain prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme also found in male ejaculate.
Then, there’s squirting.
Squirting is usually a much larger volume of clear fluid. A 2014 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine by researchers like Samuel Salama used ultrasounds to track what was happening in the bladder during this process. They found that the bladder fills up before the event and empties afterward. Does that mean it’s just "peeing"? Not exactly. The chemical composition often shows very low levels of urea and creatinine compared to standard urine, suggesting the body processes this fluid differently in the heat of the moment. It’s basically diluted urine mixed with secretions from those Skene’s glands we talked about.
How Do Women Ejaculate: The Anatomy of the G-Spot
You can't talk about how women ejaculate without talking about the G-spot. Or, as modern science prefers to call it, the clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex. It’s not just one magic button. It is a highly sensitive area on the front wall of the vagina, about two to three inches inside. When this area is stimulated, it puts pressure against the urethral sponge and the Skene’s glands.
This is where the magic happens.
The Skene’s glands are the primary drivers of the "ejaculate" part of the equation. When you get aroused, these glands engorge with fluid. For some women, the pressure of an orgasm or intense G-spot stimulation causes the muscles around the urethra to contract, pushing that fluid out. It’s a reflex. You can't really "force" it, but you can definitely create the environment for it.
Why Some Women Do and Others Don't
Biology is weirdly inconsistent. Some women have very prominent Skene’s glands, while others have glands that are smaller or less active. It’s kinda like how some people sweat more than others. There is also a huge psychological component. Many women feel the "urge" to ejaculate but mistake it for the urge to urinate. Because of social conditioning—basically, the fear of "peeing the bed"—many women instinctively squeeze their pelvic floor muscles shut right when they should be letting go.
Learning how do women ejaculate often requires unlearning that "hold it in" reflex.
The Role of PSA and the Skene’s Glands
Back in the day, doctors thought the Skene’s glands were just vestigial organs. They thought they didn't do much. We now know they are functional. Dr. Milan Zaviacic, a researcher who spent years studying this, documented that these glands produce proteins like PSA and prostatic acid phosphatase.
This is fascinating because it proves that the fluid isn't just "accidental." It’s a specific biological secretion.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): An enzyme that helps with fluid liquefaction.
- Location: Tucked right next to the urethral opening.
- Function: Likely related to antimicrobial protection or simply a byproduct of intense arousal.
How to Explore This (Practical Steps)
If you’re trying to understand your own body or help a partner, it’s all about the "come hither" motion. Using one or two fingers, apply firm pressure to the anterior (front) wall of the vagina. You’re looking for a texture that feels slightly ribbed or different from the rest of the vaginal canal.
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Don't overthink it.
Relaxation is the biggest factor. If the bladder is full, squirting is more likely to occur because there is more fluid available for the body to expel. If the goal is the thicker, Skene’s gland ejaculation, focus more on localized G-spot stimulation rather than overall bladder pressure.
Common Misconceptions That Kill the Vibe
- It happens every time. Nope. For most, it's an occasional occurrence.
- It’s required for a "real" orgasm. Total myth. Many of the most intense orgasms involve zero fluid release.
- It’s messy and gross. It’s just body fluid. Put a towel down and stop worrying about the mattress.
The stigma surrounding this topic is honestly exhausting. For a long time, the medical community dismissed women's accounts of ejaculation as "urinary incontinence." That’s a pretty dismissive way to describe a pleasurable experience. It wasn't until the late 20th century that researchers started taking it seriously as a legitimate physiological response.
The Mental Block: "I Feel Like I’m Going to Pee"
This is the number one thing women say right before they ejaculate or squirt. That sensation of fullness and pressure is exactly what precedes the release. If you pull back because you're scared of a mess, you'll likely never experience it. You have to lean into that sensation. It sounds counterintuitive to "push" when you feel like you might have an accident, but that’s exactly how the release happens.
The pelvic floor needs to relax, not tighten.
What the Research Says in 2026
Recent studies have used high-speed imaging to see the fluid exit the urethra. We’ve moved past the "is it real?" phase and into the "how does it work?" phase. We know that the fluid expelled during squirting contains urea, but in different concentrations than morning pee. This suggests that the body might be "flushing" the system during peak arousal.
There is also evidence that the Skene’s glands can become more active over time with regular stimulation. Like any other part of the body, the CUV complex responds to blood flow and use.
Actionable Next Steps
To truly understand how do women ejaculate, you need to move from theory to practice with a focus on pelvic health and comfort.
- Focus on Pelvic Floor Health: A strong but flexible pelvic floor is key. Practice reverse Kegels (learning to consciously relax the muscles) rather than just constant tightening.
- Hydration Matters: If you want to experience the "squirting" side of things, being well-hydrated is essential. The fluid has to come from somewhere.
- The Towel Method: Eliminate the "mess stress" by using a dedicated waterproof blanket. Removing the fear of ruining the sheets allows the brain to stay in the moment.
- Communication: Talk to your partner. If they know what’s happening, they can provide the consistent, rhythmic pressure needed without stopping when things get "intense."
- Explore the Skene's Glands: Use external stimulation on the clitoris simultaneously with internal G-spot pressure. This "sandwich" technique often leads to the most powerful releases.
The biological reality is that every woman's body is built slightly differently. Some will find this easy, some will find it takes a lot of practice, and some may never experience it at all—and all of those outcomes are perfectly normal. Understanding the anatomy is the first step toward removing the shame and mystery. Focus on the pleasure, not the "splash," and the rest usually takes care of itself.