Squirting happens when fluid is expelled from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm. About 40% of adult women in the U.S. have experienced it at least once, with a typical lifetime frequency of three to five times. Despite how common it is, the mechanism behind squirting has only recently been studied in detail, and it turns out to involve a more complex process than most people realize.
Where the Fluid Comes From
Squirting and female ejaculation are often used interchangeably, but researchers now recognize them as two related but distinct events that can happen separately or at the same time.
True female ejaculation produces a small amount of thick, milky fluid from the Skene’s glands, two tiny structures about the size of a small blueberry located on either side of the urethral opening. These glands are sometimes called the “female prostate” because they produce proteins similar to those found in male semen, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA). During arousal, blood flow to the area causes the tissue surrounding these glands to swell, and the glands secrete fluid that can be released during orgasm.
Squirting, by contrast, typically involves a much larger volume of fluid, sometimes comparable to a glass of water. Ultrasound studies have shown that this fluid comes primarily from the bladder. In a study led by gynecologist Samuel Salama in France, seven women who regularly experienced high-volume squirting were given ultrasounds at three points: after emptying their bladders, just before orgasm, and just after. Even though each woman had urinated right before the session began, their bladders had completely refilled by the time they were close to climax. After squirting, their bladders were empty again.
Chemical analysis of the squirted fluid confirmed it was similar in composition to dilute urine, but five of the seven women also had PSA in their squirted fluid, a compound that wasn’t present in their earlier urine samples. This suggests that secretions from the Skene’s glands mix into the fluid as it passes through or near the urethra. So squirting is largely bladder fluid, but it’s not simply urination. The body appears to rapidly produce and release this fluid through a distinct process tied to sexual response.
The Role of the G-Spot and Clitoral Network
The most commonly cited trigger for squirting is stimulation of the G-spot, an area on the front (belly-side) wall of the vagina, typically one to three inches inside. But the G-spot isn’t actually a separate structure. It’s part of the internal clitoral network, a much larger system of erectile tissue that extends well beyond the visible external clitoris. When you stimulate the G-spot, you’re applying pressure to the internal portions of the clitoris, the surrounding tissue, and the Skene’s glands that sit nearby.
This is why firm, rhythmic pressure against the front vaginal wall is the technique most often associated with squirting. A “come hither” motion with one or two fingers targets this area effectively. Curved vibrators and wand-style toys can also reach the spot more easily than fingers alone, especially during solo exploration. That said, squirting isn’t exclusively a G-spot phenomenon. Clitoral stimulation, vaginal penetration, or a combination of both can also trigger it. The specific combination varies from person to person.
Why Some Women Squirt and Others Don’t
The size and development of the Skene’s glands varies significantly between individuals. Some women have prominent glands with well-developed ducts, while others have very small ones or glands that are difficult to detect at all. This anatomical variation likely explains why some women ejaculate easily while others never do, regardless of technique or arousal level.
Hydration also plays a role in the volume of fluid produced. Since squirting involves the bladder filling rapidly during arousal, being well-hydrated means there’s more fluid available. This is consistent with the ultrasound findings showing the bladder refills during the arousal period leading up to orgasm.
Mental state matters too. Many women report that squirting requires a degree of relaxation and willingness to “let go,” partly because the sensation right before it happens can feel similar to the urge to urinate. Tensing up or holding back in response to that sensation can prevent the release. Understanding that the fluid is not simply urine can help reduce the anxiety that makes relaxation difficult.
What the Fluid Actually Contains
Female ejaculate from the Skene’s glands contains PSA, an enzyme also found in male prostate fluid, along with fructose, glucose, and acid phosphatase. The glucose concentration is higher than what’s found in urine, though still 10 to 15 times lower than in male ejaculate. This composition is what distinguishes true ejaculate from the larger-volume squirting fluid, which is chemically closer to very dilute urine with trace amounts of these prostatic secretions mixed in.
In practice, most women who squirt are experiencing some combination of both fluids. The ratio varies depending on individual anatomy, the level of arousal, and how active the Skene’s glands are during that particular session.
Practical Tips for Exploration
If you’re interested in experiencing squirting, solo exploration is a good starting point because it removes performance pressure and lets you focus on what feels right. A partner can also be helpful since their hand angle makes it easier to apply consistent pressure to the front vaginal wall.
A few things that tend to help: stay hydrated beforehand, empty your bladder before you begin (so you’re less likely to worry about urination), and lay down a towel to remove any anxiety about mess. Use plenty of lubrication, especially if using fingers, and focus on building arousal gradually before targeting the G-spot area with firm upward pressure. When the sensation builds and you feel a fullness or urge to release, bearing down gently rather than clenching can allow the fluid to come through.
Keep in mind that squirting is not a universal experience or a benchmark for sexual satisfaction. Orgasms without squirting are no less intense or valid. Some women squirt regularly, some do it once or twice in their lives, and some never do. All of this falls within the normal range of sexual response.