Female ejaculate is typically a small amount of thick, milky white fluid released from the urethra during orgasm, usually about 1 milliliter or less. But that’s only one type of fluid the body produces during sex. Women can release several different fluids before, during, and after sexual activity, and each one looks noticeably different.
Female Ejaculate vs. Squirting
These two terms get used interchangeably, but they describe different fluids with different appearances. True female ejaculate is a thick, white, milky liquid produced in very small quantities. It comes from two tiny glands located on either side of the urethra called the Skene’s glands, sometimes referred to as the “female prostate.” The fluid contains some of the same proteins found in male semen, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is part of why these glands earned that nickname.
Squirting is something else entirely. It involves a much larger volume of clear, watery fluid, anywhere from tens to hundreds of milliliters, released from the urethra during arousal or orgasm. Research has shown that squirting fluid originates from the bladder and is chemically dilute, though it can also contain small amounts of the milky secretion from the Skene’s glands mixed in. So squirting fluid generally looks like water, while ejaculate looks more like diluted milk.
Not every woman experiences either one. Some women ejaculate, some squirt, some do both simultaneously, and many do neither. All of these are normal.
How Arousal Fluid Looks Different
Before and during sexual stimulation, the vaginal walls produce lubrication that’s sometimes confused with ejaculate. This arousal fluid is typically clear or slightly translucent with a slippery, smooth texture, similar to the consistency of egg whites. It comes from the vaginal walls themselves rather than the urethra, and its purpose is straightforward: reducing friction during sex.
The Skene’s glands also contribute to lubrication during arousal, swelling in response to stimulation and releasing small amounts of fluid. This means some of the wetness you notice during sex is a blend of vaginal lubrication and glandular secretions, which can range from clear to slightly whitish depending on the ratio.
What Affects the Appearance
The exact look of these fluids varies from person to person and even from one sexual encounter to the next. Hydration levels, where you are in your menstrual cycle, how long arousal lasts, and individual anatomy all play a role. The Skene’s glands vary in size between women, which partially explains why some produce a noticeable amount of ejaculate and others produce very little.
During ovulation, cervical mucus tends to be clearer and more stretchy, which can mix with arousal fluid and change what you see. After ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thicker and more opaque. These shifts are hormonal and completely normal, but they can make it harder to distinguish one type of fluid from another during sex.
When Fluid Looks Unusual
Normal sexual fluids range from clear to milky white, feel smooth or slightly slippery, and have a mild scent or no scent at all. Certain changes in appearance can signal something worth paying attention to. A chunky, cottage-cheese-like texture often points to a yeast infection. A grayish or greenish color, especially paired with a strong or fishy odor, can indicate bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection. Yellow discharge with irritation is another sign that something may be off.
Tracking what your typical discharge and sexual fluids look like makes it easier to spot changes. If the color, texture, or smell shifts noticeably from your baseline, or if you’re experiencing itching, burning, or discomfort alongside the change, that’s worth bringing up with a healthcare provider.