Squirting happens when fluid is expelled from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm. It’s a normal physiological response that involves two sources of fluid: the bladder and a pair of small glands near the urethral opening. Surveys suggest anywhere from 40% to 54% of women have experienced it, though the exact number is hard to pin down because many people don’t report it or aren’t sure whether it happened.
Where the Fluid Comes From
Two structures contribute to the fluid released during squirting. The first is the Skene’s glands, sometimes called the “female prostate.” These tiny glands sit on either side of the urethra and develop from the same embryonic cells that become the prostate in males. During arousal, increased blood flow to the area causes them to swell. They can release a small amount of milk-like fluid that contains proteins similar to those found in male semen, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
The second source is the bladder itself. Ultrasound studies have confirmed that the bladder fills rapidly during sexual stimulation, even if it was recently emptied. In one study conducted at Okayama University, researchers inserted a catheter, drained participants’ bladders, and injected a blue dye before sexual stimulation began. When the participants squirted, the fluid came out blue, confirming that at least a significant portion of the liquid was urine that had accumulated in the bladder during arousal. The squirted fluid is typically more dilute than regular urine, though. It’s chemically altered, with lower concentrations of the waste products you’d normally find.
Ejaculation and Squirting Are Different
Researchers now distinguish between two separate events that often get lumped together. Female ejaculation refers to a smaller volume of thick, whitish fluid produced by the Skene’s glands. Squirting refers to a larger gush of diluted, modified urine from the bladder. Both can happen at the same time, and many people experience them together during orgasm without realizing they’re distinct processes.
The Skene’s glands vary in size from person to person. Some women have larger, more developed glands that produce noticeable fluid, while others have smaller ones that contribute very little. This anatomical variation is one reason some people squirt easily and others never do. It’s not a matter of arousal level or technique alone; the underlying anatomy plays a role.
Why It Happens During Arousal
The mechanism isn’t fully understood, but the process appears tied to intense stimulation of the front vaginal wall, where the Skene’s glands and surrounding erectile tissue sit close to the surface. Pressure on this area during penetration or manual stimulation can trigger the release of fluid from both the glands and the bladder. Pelvic muscle contractions during orgasm can also force fluid out through the urethra.
There may also be a reproductive purpose. PSA, the enzyme released by the Skene’s glands, helps dissolve the thick gel that forms in semen after ejaculation. By breaking down this coagulum, PSA could improve sperm motility and increase the chances of fertilization. This is the same function PSA serves when produced by the male prostate, which makes sense given that both glands share an embryonic origin.
How Common It Is
Estimates vary widely depending on how the question is asked. In a large mail survey of 1,172 women, about 40% reported experiencing a spurt of fluid at orgasm. A smaller study of 233 women put the number at 54%. The true prevalence is difficult to measure because many women may squirt without noticing, especially if the volume is small, while others may mistake it for urinary leakage and feel reluctant to report it.
The experience can also be inconsistent. Someone might squirt during one sexual encounter and not another, depending on hydration, the type of stimulation, how aroused they are, and where they are in their menstrual cycle. It’s not something that happens predictably every time for most people.
Squirting vs. Urinary Incontinence
Because the fluid passes through the urethra and contains urine components, some people worry that squirting is simply losing bladder control. There is a medical condition called coital incontinence, where urine leaks involuntarily during sex due to pelvic floor dysfunction or overactive bladder muscles. But researchers classify the two as distinct: squirting is a normal sexual response, while coital incontinence is a urological condition that typically occurs outside of orgasm or without the accompanying arousal response.
The key differences are timing and context. Squirting generally happens at or near orgasm during high arousal. Coital incontinence tends to occur with physical pressure on the abdomen during penetration, regardless of arousal level, and is often associated with other symptoms like leaking during coughing or sneezing. If fluid loss during sex is accompanied by those other signs, a pelvic floor issue may be worth looking into. On its own, squirting during orgasm is not a sign of a problem.