How Common Is Squirting

How Common Is Squirting
Medically Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD on November 24, 2020
Squirting refers to fluid expelled from the vagina during orgasm. Not all people with vaginas squirt during orgasm, and those who do may only squirt some of the time. This type of orgasm includes a rapid ejection of urine from the bladder.
Squirting sometimes also involves secretions from the skene's gland. The skene's glands are sometimes called the female prostate because they function similarly to the male prostate.
A squirting orgasm is sometimes called female ejaculation. But this term excludes non-binary and trans people who are not female but have vaginas.
A recent study has shown that there is a difference between squirting, female ejaculation, and incontinence during sex. However, the term squirting is used to describe all three in everyday language.
All three of these phenomena involve fluid coming from the bladder during sex. Squirting is the expulsion of urine during an orgasm. Female ejaculation is a release of both urine and a substance from the skene's glands. Sexual incontinence — also called coital incontinence — is when someone loses control of their bladder during sex.
Ejaculation in people with vaginas may include a small release of a milky white liquid that does not gush out. Squirting, on the other hand, is usually a higher volume. It is possible to squirt and ejaculate at the same time.
Squirting is real. In fact, scientists have documented the phenomenon. However, more research is needed to determine the exact causes of squirting and female ejaculation.
Part of the ambiguity about squirting is that the skene's glands vary from person to person. Some people with vaginas don't have any, while others have very small ones.
Myth: Everyone Can Squirt If They Try the Same Method
Each person's experience with squirting is different. While some methods can make people squirt more than others, there is no one proven method that makes every person with a vagina squirt. This is because each vagina is different. As mentioned, some vaginas lack the skene's glands which are thought to create the fluid released during ejaculation in people who have vulvas.
Myth: Squirting Orgasms are Always High Volume
Squirting isn't always a high volume event that soaks the sheets. Sometimes it is a small trickle or a stream of fluid.
The depiction of squirting in porn movies often shows large gushes of squirting liquid. Porn producers fake some of these depictions for dramatic effect. All volumes and forms of squirting are valid. Squirting at different volumes is a normal occurrence during sex for many people.
Myth: Squirting or Ejaculation Only Happens During Orgasm
Some people can squirt or ejaculate before or after an orgasm. Squirting can also occur at the same time as an orgasm. Some people also have multiple spurts of squirting spread over a few minutes.
Explore squirting by yourself or with a partner to find out what works for you.
Some sex experts recommend stimulating the g-spot to achieve a squirting orgasm. Either by yourself or with a partner, take some time to find the g-spot with your fingers and/or sex toys. Pressure on the g-spot may make you feel the need to urinate.
Experiment with different methods of bringing yourself or your partner to a squirting orgasm with g-spot stimulation. Some ideas include:
For some people, putting too much pressure on the g-spot can feel uncomfortable. Listen to your body and do what feels good. If you are too tense it may be harder to orgasm or squirt.
BBC: "Every question you ever had about female ejaculation, answered."
Cosmopolitan: "Is Squirting Normal?"
Cosmopolitan: "Sex Talk Realness: Is Squirting Fake?"
Lifehacker: "How to Have a Super-Intense Squirting Orgasm."
Marie Claire: "My Epic Journey to Find the "Skene's Gland," the Mystical Source of Female Ejaculation."
National Council for Biotechnology Information: "Nature and origin of "squirting" in female sexuality."
Refinery29: "Is Female Ejaculation Even Real? 5 Myths Debunked."
Shape: "Is Squirting Real? What to Know About Female Ejaculation."
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The term "squirting" is often used to describe the fluid that comes from the vulva during orgasm. But it's actually much more nuanced.

"Squirting" and "female ejaculation" are often used interchangeably. Controversy exists over whether they're two distinct functions. Experts lean toward the belief that they are. 1

This article looks at how squirting and female ejaculation are different, how squirting happens, what it feels like, and how to do it.

The debate is ongoing over whether squirting can be called ejaculation. Still, studies and experts have recognized some key differences between them. 2 3

Fluid believed to come from the bladder and excreted by the urethra
Can involve the release of a larger volume of fluid (up to 10 tablespoons)
Contains urea, creatinine, and uric acid, similar to diluted urine, sometimes with a small amount of prostatic-specific antigen (PSA)
Fluid believed to come from the Skene’s gland, often referred to as the "female prostate," near the urethra
Tends to be a smaller volume of fluid (up to a tablespoon)
Contains high levels of prostatic acid phosphatase, prostatic specific antigen, glucose, and fructose, but low levels of urea and creatinine (often similar to male ejaculate without the sperm)

Whether everyone with a vagina can squirt and/or ejaculate is up for debate. It's estimated that between 10% and 50% of those with female genitalia do ejaculate.

Some experts believe everyone with female anatomy has the ability to squirt. Others believe it depends on your body. That means some people may not ever be able to do it. 4

Exactly what triggers female ejaculation is still unknown. It's believed to involve clitoral and G-spot stimulation. 5

From the outside, the clitoris looks like a small "nub" covered by a hood of skin. It's at the top of the vulva, above the urethra.

Inside, the clitoris has two "legs." They run down each side of the vulva. That gives it a horseshoe-like shape. Its only known purpose is to provide pleasure.

The G-spot is harder to define. Experts aren't sure if it's an anatomical "part" or simply a sensitive area inside the vagina.

To find the G-spot, you or your partner can insert a finger a few inches into the vagina. Keep the palm up and make a "come here" gesture with the finger. You can also use a sex toy that's meant to stimulate that area.

This is pleasurable for some people. For others, it doesn't feel like anything special.

One study suggests that the G-spot may be the root of the clitoris, felt through the wall of the vagina. 5

Ejaculation is associated with orgasm. That's especially true when it's caused by stimulation of the clitoris and G-spot. But some people ejaculate from stimulation even without orgasm. 2

In short, theories abound. So far, though, no one is sure what causes female ejaculation. Studies are conflicting and inconclusive.

What is known is that it's normal if you ejaculate and it's normal if you don't. Neither is considered better or worse. Not ejaculating doesn't mean the sex was unsatisfactory, either.

It's unknown whether squirting and female ejaculation are the same thing. Studies are inconclusive. Ejaculation may involve stimulation of the clitoris and G-spot. It can happen with or without orgasm. Whether you do or don't ejaculate, you're considered normal.

Squirting and ejaculation feel different from person to person. For some, it feels like an orgasm. Others feel an orgasm from deeper in the body than a clitoral orgasm. It may cause a "bearing down" sensation. 2

You may feel an urge to pee before you ejaculate. That may make you hold back for fear of urinating.

Some describe ejaculation as feeling like urinating. Others don't feel anything when it happens. Most "squirters" find it pleasurable, no matter the exact details.

The fluid from squirting/ejaculating can spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Safer sex precautions and practices should be followed.

Squirting and/or ejaculating doesn't mean better sex. You may not be able to do it. But if you'd like to, some tips may help.

First, lay down a towel. Squirting can be messy.

Starting by going solo with masturbation is often a good option. It allows you to explore without feeling pressured or inhibited.

Get "in the mood" in whatever way works for you. That might include lighting candles, dimming the lights, putting on music, and creating a soothing space. It could also involve erotic material. Do whatever gets you in the mindset for sex.

Whether alone or with a partner , foreplay is key. Allow arousal to build over time. Don't try for the big event until you're highly aroused.

Use a finger or G-spot stimulator to find your G-spot. Some sex toys stimulate both the G-spot and clitoris.

During penetrative vaginal sex with a partner, try to find a position that puts pressure on the G-spot. "Doggy style" (entry from behind) often works for this.

Stimulating the clitoris and G-spot at the same time. For partnered sex, have your partner stroke your G-spot with a finger while stimulating your clitoris with their mouth .

The vulva isn't the only part of the body that can elicit a sexual response. Explore other parts of your body, literally from head to toe. See what you enjoy having touched (or kissed or licked).

Don’t get worried if you feel like you have to pee. Ejaculation is different than peeing, but they can feel the same.

Give into the sensation and let it happen. Don't hold back. It may help to pee before sex so you know the urge is to ejaculate, not urinate.

Don't try to force it. Let it happen organically. If it doesn't happen the first time, keep trying. Try different tactics. Take note of what works and what doesn't.

Squirting usually feels pleasant. It may also be similar to the feeling of urinating. Or it might feel like "bearing down." You can try to squirt by relaxing, exploring your body, and not holding back. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away.

Experts are still working to understand female ejaculation and squirting. So far, it's unclear whether they're the same thing and whether everyone can do both. They can happen with or without orgasm.

You can try to squirt by relaxing, stimulating the G-spot and clitoris, and going with the feeling. It may or may not work. You're considered normal regardless of whether you squirt/ejaculate.

While it can be fun to try, don't feel bad if you can't squirt or ejaculate. It's believed most people with vaginas don't ejaculate. Your ability to squirt has no effect on your ability to have a fulfilling and satisfying sex life.

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Pastor Z. Female ejaculation orgasm vs. coital incontinence: a systematic review . J Sex Med . 2013;10(7):1682-1691. doi:10.1111/jsm.12166
Whipple B. Ejaculation, female . In: The International Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality . American Cancer Society; 2014:1-4. doi:10.1002/9781118896877.wbiehs125
Salama S, Boitrelle F, Gauquelin A, Malagrida L, Thiounn N, Desvaux P. Nature and origin of “squirting” in female sexuality . J Sex Med . 2015;12(3):661-666.
International Society for Sexual Medicine. Do women ejaculate?
Foldes P, Buisson O. Reviews: the clitoral complex: a dynamic sonographic study . The Journal of Sexual Medicine . 2009;6(5):1223-1231. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01231.x
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