Squirting fluid is primarily composed of diluted urine mixed with secretions from the Skene’s glands, two small structures located near the opening of the urethra. The exact ratio varies from person to person, but the fluid consistently contains markers from both the bladder and these glands, making it a unique mixture rather than purely one substance or the other.
Two Types of Fluid, One Experience
Research has identified that what people call “squirting” actually involves two distinct fluids that can be released together. The first is a larger volume of dilute liquid that originates from the bladder. Biochemical analysis shows this fluid has the characteristics of very diluted urine: it contains urea, creatinine, and uric acid, but at much lower concentrations than normal urine. In one detailed case study, researchers measured urea at about 417 mg/dL and creatinine at about 21 mg/dL in the squirted fluid, consistent with urine that has been significantly watered down.
The second fluid is a thicker, milk-like secretion produced by the Skene’s glands. This component is present in smaller quantities but contains proteins that are notably different from anything found in urine, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the same marker produced by the prostate in males. When researchers analyze the ejaculate portion specifically, its biochemical profile matches prostate plasma rather than urine.
Where the Fluid Comes From
The Skene’s glands sit on either side of the lower urethra. They develop from the same embryonic tissue that becomes the prostate gland in males, which is why they’re sometimes called the “female prostate.” During sexual arousal, blood flow to the area increases and the tissue surrounding these glands swells. The glands then secrete fluid that helps with lubrication and, in some people, is released during orgasm in a way that resembles male ejaculation.
The bladder component appears to fill rapidly during arousal. Ultrasound studies by gynecologist Samuel Salama and colleagues confirmed that women’s bladders filled noticeably during stimulation, even when they had emptied their bladders immediately beforehand. After squirting, the bladder was empty again on imaging. This tells us the kidneys are producing fluid at an accelerated rate during arousal, and it accumulates in the bladder before being expelled.
How Squirting Happens Physically
During orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles contract repeatedly, typically three to eight times in roughly one-second intervals. These contractions, combined with smooth muscle contractions in the vaginal and uterine walls that follow a few seconds later, create the force that expels fluid through the urethra. The Skene’s gland secretions mix with the bladder fluid on the way out, which is why the resulting liquid is a blend of both sources.
The volume varies widely. Some people produce a small amount barely noticeable on the sheets, while others report volumes comparable to a glass of water. This range is normal and depends on factors like hydration, the degree of arousal, and individual anatomy. The Skene’s glands themselves vary in size from person to person, and some people have more developed glandular tissue than others, which likely influences both the volume and composition of the fluid.
How It Differs From Urine
The most common question people have is whether squirting is “just peeing.” The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The fluid does come partly from the bladder and shares some chemical markers with urine, but it’s consistently more dilute than normal urine and contains PSA and other prostatic proteins that urine does not. Its density is also lower, closer to water than to a typical urine sample.
The color and smell tend to reflect this dilution. Squirting fluid is usually clear or very faintly yellow, with little to no odor, unlike concentrated urine. People who are well-hydrated generally produce fluid that is virtually indistinguishable from water in appearance. The presence of Skene’s gland secretions also gives it a slightly different texture than urine in many cases.
It’s worth noting that not everyone squirts, and among those who do, the experience varies. Some produce mostly the prostatic secretion in small amounts, while others release larger volumes of the more dilute bladder-origin fluid. Both are normal variations of the same physiological response.
Why the Skene’s Glands Matter
Beyond their role in squirting, the Skene’s glands serve a few everyday functions. They secrete a substance that lubricates the urethral opening during urination and produces antimicrobial compounds that help prevent urinary tract infections. During sexual activity, their secretions contribute to overall lubrication. The glands are also a site where cysts can occasionally develop, though this is relatively uncommon.
Because these glands vary so much in size and development across individuals, some researchers believe this explains why squirting is common for some people and rare or absent for others. It’s not a matter of technique or effort. It’s largely anatomy.