Squirting is the release of fluid from the urethra during sexual arousal or stimulation. It can happen with or without orgasm and involves a combination of specific anatomy, arousal, and stimulation patterns. Despite its portrayal in adult media, squirting is a well-documented physiological response, not a performance trick, and roughly 58% of women in a large Swedish study reported experiencing it at least once.
The Anatomy Behind It
The key structures involved are the Skene’s glands, two small ducts located in the front wall of the vagina near the lower end of the urethra. These glands develop from the same embryonic cells that become the prostate in males, which is why they’re sometimes called the “female prostate.” During sexual arousal, the Skene’s glands secrete fluid. In some people, this fluid is released during orgasm in a process similar to male ejaculation. The fluid itself is a milk-like substance containing proteins also found in semen, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
The location of the Skene’s glands is important because it overlaps with what’s commonly known as the G-spot, a sensitive area on the front vaginal wall where the urethra, Skene’s glands, and internal clitoral tissue all come into close contact. Stimulating this area essentially stimulates the glands and surrounding structures at the same time.
Squirting and Ejaculation Are Different Things
Medically, squirting and female ejaculation are two distinct responses that often happen simultaneously, which is why they get lumped together. Female ejaculation is the release of a small amount of thick, whitish fluid from the Skene’s glands, typically less than a quarter teaspoon. Squirting is a larger, more rapid gush of fluid from the urethra, ranging from about half an ounce to three ounces.
The composition of squirting fluid is a hybrid. It shares some chemical markers with urine (it does pass through the bladder and urethra) but also contains PSA and other components found in Skene’s gland secretions. Research using ultrasound has confirmed that the bladder fills rapidly during arousal and empties during squirting, even when it was drained beforehand. So calling it “just urine” isn’t accurate, but pretending the bladder plays no role isn’t either. It’s a mix, and the exact ratio varies from person to person.
What Triggers It Physically
Squirting is most commonly linked to G-spot stimulation, clitoral stimulation, or both. The G-spot sits on the front vaginal wall, roughly one to two inches inside. Firm, rhythmic pressure against this area stimulates the underlying Skene’s glands and the surrounding network of nerve endings and erectile-like tissue. Some research has identified the G-spot as a complex structure with nerve bundles, blood vessels, and connective tissue, though its exact size and position varies between individuals.
Clitoral stimulation can also trigger squirting on its own, since the internal portions of the clitoris extend along the vaginal walls and overlap with the same region. Many people find that combined stimulation (both clitoral and G-spot simultaneously) is most effective. The type of pressure matters more than speed. Consistent, firm, rhythmic pressure tends to build the sensation that precedes fluid release.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Muscles
Your pelvic floor muscles play a direct role in whether and how forcefully fluid is expelled. Stronger pelvic floor muscles lead to a more forceful release of vaginal fluid during orgasm. But strength alone isn’t the whole picture. The ability to relax those muscles is just as important. Many people instinctively tense up when they feel the pressure-like sensation that precedes squirting, which can actually prevent the release. The sensation often feels similar to needing to urinate, which makes sense given the anatomical overlap with the urethra and bladder. Learning to relax into that sensation rather than clenching against it is one of the most commonly reported factors in experiencing squirting for the first time.
Why Some People Experience It and Others Don’t
In the Swedish cross-sectional study of over 2,000 women, 58% reported having experienced ejaculation or squirting, while 6% were unsure. Non-heterosexual women reported higher rates (63%) compared to heterosexual women (52%), a statistically significant difference that likely reflects differences in the types of stimulation commonly involved in sexual activity rather than any biological difference.
Several factors influence whether someone squirts. The size and development of the Skene’s glands varies considerably between individuals. Some people have larger, more active glands that produce more fluid. Others have smaller glands that may produce fluid without it ever being noticeable externally. Arousal level matters too. Higher states of arousal increase blood flow to the entire genital region, engorging the Skene’s glands and surrounding tissue and making fluid release more likely. Comfort, both physical and psychological, plays a role as well. Anxiety or self-consciousness about the sensation (particularly the “feels like I need to pee” aspect) can cause involuntary muscle clenching that prevents release.
There’s no evidence that squirting indicates a “better” orgasm or higher level of sexual function. It’s simply one possible physiological response among many, and its absence is completely normal.