Squirting happens when fluid is expelled from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm, typically in response to stimulation of the front vaginal wall. Estimates suggest anywhere from 10% to 70% of women experience it, with the wide range likely reflecting differences in how studies define and measure it. Understanding what’s actually happening in the body can clear up a lot of confusion, since squirting and female ejaculation are related but technically distinct processes.
Squirting vs. Female Ejaculation
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things. Female ejaculation produces a small amount of thick, milky, white or gray fluid during orgasm. This fluid comes from the Skene’s glands, two tiny glands that sit on either side of the urethral opening. Because these glands produce proteins also found in male prostatic fluid, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), researchers sometimes call them the “female prostate.”
Squirting, on the other hand, involves a larger volume of clear, watery fluid. It doesn’t require orgasm to occur; some women squirt simply from arousal. The fluid exits through the urethra and appears to originate from the bladder. Researchers have found that it contains urea, a compound present in urine, which has led some experts to describe squirting fluid as highly diluted urine. It’s not the same as simply urinating, though. The fluid’s chemical profile is different from normal urine, and it can contain PSA as well, suggesting the Skene’s glands contribute to the mix. In practice, many women experience both processes simultaneously, which is part of why the distinction gets blurry.
The Role of the Skene’s Glands
The Skene’s glands are small and difficult to see with the naked eye. They sit just inside the vaginal opening, flanking the urethra. During arousal, these glands can fill with fluid that contains PSA, fructose, glucose, and other compounds typically associated with prostatic secretions. The glucose concentration in female ejaculate is notably higher than in urine, though still 10 to 15 times lower than what’s found in male seminal fluid.
Not everyone’s Skene’s glands are the same size or produce the same amount of fluid. Some women have glands that are barely detectable, while others have more developed tissue. This natural variation likely explains why some women ejaculate easily, others squirt large volumes of fluid, and some never experience either. PSA found in the ejaculate is thought to have an antibacterial function, helping protect the urethra from infection.
What Triggers the Response
Squirting most commonly occurs with stimulation of the front (anterior) vaginal wall, the area sometimes called the G-spot. This region is significant not because it contains a distinct anatomical structure, but because it’s the zone where the urethra, the internal portions of the clitoris, and the Skene’s glands all come into close contact with the vaginal wall. Pressing or massaging this area essentially stimulates multiple structures at once.
The typical approach involves firm, rhythmic pressure against the front vaginal wall, roughly 2 to 3 inches inside, using a “come hither” finger motion directed toward the belly button. Many women describe the sensation as initially feeling like a need to urinate, which makes sense given the proximity to the urethra and bladder. Pushing past that sensation, rather than tensing against it, is what many women report as the turning point. Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles seems to play a key role. Women who clench or resist the sensation often find that nothing happens, while those who bear down slightly or simply release tension are more likely to experience the expulsion of fluid.
Arousal matters significantly. The Skene’s glands fill with fluid during extended arousal, and the surrounding erectile tissue (part of the internal clitoral network) becomes engorged, making the front vaginal wall feel swollen or ridged to the touch. Spending more time in a highly aroused state before direct G-spot stimulation generally makes squirting more likely. Clitoral stimulation at the same time can intensify the response.
Why It Doesn’t Happen for Everyone
The wide prevalence range in studies, from 10% to 70%, reflects genuine biological variation. The size and development of the Skene’s glands differ from person to person. Some women may simply produce less fluid, or their glandular tissue may not respond as strongly to stimulation. This isn’t a deficiency or dysfunction; it’s normal anatomical variation, similar to how other body structures differ in size and sensitivity between individuals.
Psychological factors also play a role. The sensation of needing to urinate during G-spot stimulation causes many women to instinctively hold back, tightening the pelvic floor. Comfort, trust, and being able to let go of that concern can make a real difference. Some women find it easier on their own first, where there’s less pressure, before trying with a partner.
What the Fluid Actually Is
The short answer: it depends on the type. The thick, whitish ejaculate from the Skene’s glands is biochemically similar to diluted prostatic fluid. It contains PSA, glucose, fructose, and prostatic acid phosphatase, all markers that clearly distinguish it from urine.
The larger volume of clear squirting fluid is more controversial. A 2015 ultrasound study found that the bladder fills rapidly during arousal and empties during squirting, which strongly suggests the fluid passes through the bladder. However, it also contained PSA in most participants, meaning it picks up secretions from the Skene’s glands on the way out. The most accurate description is probably that squirting fluid is a dilute mixture: mostly water that has passed through the bladder, combined with prostatic secretions from the Skene’s glands. It’s chemically distinct from a regular sample of urine, even if it shares some components.
For many women, knowing the fluid isn’t simply urine provides reassurance. Placing a towel down beforehand is a practical step that removes worry about mess and makes it easier to relax into the experience.