Female squirting is caused by the release of fluid from small glands near the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm. These glands, called Skene’s glands, swell with increased blood flow during stimulation and can expel fluid, particularly in response to pressure on the front vaginal wall. The experience varies widely: surveys estimate anywhere from 5% to 54% of women report it, depending on how the question is asked and how the response is defined.
The Glands Behind the Fluid
The primary structures involved are the Skene’s glands, two small glands located on either side of the urethral opening. These glands develop from the same embryonic tissue that becomes the prostate in males, which is why they’re sometimes called the “female prostate.” During sexual arousal, blood flow to the area increases, causing the surrounding tissue to swell. The glands secrete fluid in response to this stimulation.
Outside of sexual activity, the Skene’s glands produce small amounts of fluid that help lubricate the urethral opening. During arousal and orgasm, some women experience a more noticeable release of fluid, ranging from a small amount of thick, milky secretion to a larger volume of thinner liquid. A typical release is roughly one teaspoon, though this varies significantly from person to person.
Why the Front Vaginal Wall Matters
The area most commonly linked to triggering squirting is the front (anterior) wall of the vagina, sometimes referred to as the G-spot. This isn’t a single button-like structure. It’s a zone where the urethra, Skene’s glands, and internal portions of the clitoris all come into close contact with the vaginal wall. Pressure on this area stimulates multiple structures at once, which is why it can produce a different sensation than other types of stimulation.
The connection between this area and squirting was first proposed in the 1950s by gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg, who described a distinct erogenous zone along the urethra and suggested that stimulating it could cause fluid release. Research since then has supported the idea that direct or indirect pressure on the Skene’s glands, through the vaginal wall, is the most common trigger. That said, not every woman finds this area particularly sensitive, and stimulation of the front vaginal wall doesn’t guarantee squirting will happen.
Ejaculation vs. Squirting
Researchers generally distinguish between two types of fluid release, even though people use the terms interchangeably in everyday conversation. Female ejaculation refers to a smaller volume of thick, whitish fluid that originates from the Skene’s glands. Squirting typically describes a larger gush of thinner, more dilute fluid that passes through the urethra. The composition of squirting fluid has been debated for years, with some studies finding that it contains components similar to very dilute urine along with secretions from the Skene’s glands.
As of recent research, most scientists consider both responses to be legitimate physiological events rather than simple urinary leakage. The fluid from the Skene’s glands contains proteins similar to those found in male prostatic fluid, reinforcing the developmental link between the two structures.
How Common It Is
Estimates of how many women experience squirting or ejaculation vary dramatically depending on the study. A large mail survey of 1,172 women found that about 40% reported ejaculating at some point. Another survey of 233 women put the number at 54%. On the lower end, one study of 300 women found that fewer than 5% reported it. These differences likely reflect inconsistent definitions, varying levels of comfort in reporting, and the fact that some women may experience small amounts of fluid release without noticing.
Women who do experience it don’t necessarily experience it every time they have sex or every time they orgasm. It can depend on the type of stimulation, arousal level, hydration, and individual anatomy. The size and development of the Skene’s glands themselves vary from person to person, which likely explains why some women produce noticeable fluid and others don’t, regardless of technique.
What Triggers the Response
The most consistently reported trigger is firm, rhythmic pressure on the front vaginal wall, about one to three inches inside the vaginal opening. This can happen during penetrative sex (particularly in positions that angle toward the front wall), manual stimulation with fingers, or with toys designed to curve toward that area. Some women also report that clitoral stimulation combined with vaginal pressure makes the response more likely.
Arousal level plays a significant role. The Skene’s glands swell during arousal, and more prolonged or intense stimulation gives them more time to fill with fluid. Feeling relaxed and not actively trying to prevent the sensation also matters. Many women describe a “bearing down” feeling just before fluid release, which involves relaxing the pelvic floor muscles rather than tensing them. Women who are unfamiliar with the sensation sometimes suppress it because it feels similar to the urge to urinate, which makes sense given the proximity of these glands to the urethra.