SQUIRTING – WHAT IS IT AND IS IT WORTH THE FUSS?

What is squirting?  Why is there such a fuss about it?  Should its occurrence or not be a concern for women?  In this week’s article, these are the issues we want to discuss. 

So, first off, what is squirting? Squirting and its sister term, female ejaculation, are two words sometimes used interchangeably to refer to an involuntary uncontrollable expulsion of fluid from the genitals during sexual arousal or orgasm. The occurrence of this, where it originates from and what the fluid is actually made up of has been a source of debate and wonder since the days of Hippocrates the great philosopher, who actually referred to it as female semen. Modern researchers are still trying to understand the phenomenon and find out how many women actually experience it.

Though not entirely conclusive, current evidence shows that about 10 to 50% of women experience the expulsion or gush of fluid from their genitals during sexual arousal, meaning that not every woman may experience this. The quantity and nature of fluid gushed out has been found to differ too. While some women produced less than 5ml of liquid mostly somewhat milky or milky in appearance, other women are found to produce large volumes of clear liquid, enough to wet a bed and often more than 150ml. For those who have experienced squirting, there have been mixed reactions about the occurrence. Some women, mostly those with knowledge about squirting, feel excited and captivated, others, mostly those without adequate knowledge, feel ashamed and worried about the occurrence mainly because they think they peed during sex. 

So, where exactly does this liquid come from and is there actually a difference between squirting and female ejaculation? 

Urological examinations have suggested that the fluid contains prostate-specific androgen (PSA). Some researchers have found that about one-third to two-thirds of women have prostate tissues in a structure known as the skene’s gland and substances produced by this gland are found in the fluid, suggesting that the gland plays a role in the production of the fluid that is secreted during squirting. This gland is found to be connected by ducts to the urethra. By this explanation, we know that the skene’s gland is responsible for the production of this fluid. Now to what exactly it is; as stated earlier, squirting and female ejaculation are often used interchangeably.  However, some researchers have suggested a difference in the two. Squirting is used to refer to larger volumes of colorless fluid that is expelled from the urethra and ejaculation is used to refer to smaller volumes of thicker milk-like fluid expelled from the skene’s glands during sexual arousal or orgasm.

What then is this fluid made up of? Is it really pee?

To answer this question, let’s take a look at a popular modern research. Samuel Salama and his colleagues in 2015 conducted a study to analyze the biochemical nature of the fluid that was expelled during sex. In the study, 7 women who had no gynaecological abnormalities, and who all reported noticing the expulsion of fluid during sex were recruited. They were asked to produce urine samples, and then urinate to empty their bladders. They then had an ultrasound scan to demonstrate that the bladders were indeed empty. The women were sexually stimulated either by their sexual partners or by themselves with or without the aid of sex toys until they were sufficiently aroused. Condoms were used in the cases of sexual intercourse to prevent the genitals from being contaminated with ejaculate. As soon as the participants reported feeling sufficiently aroused, they underwent a second ultrasound scan which showed that their bladders were filled. After the second ultrasound scan was completed, sexual stimulation continued until the women squirted. The expelled fluid was collected into plastic bags, and a third ultrasound was done which showed that the bladders were empty. When the collected fluids were analyzed biochemically, it was found that for two of the women, the fluid was mainly urine. For the other 5 women, the fluid which was also mainly urine was laced with prostate-specific androgen (PSA) coming from the Skene’s gland. The authors concluded that female ejaculation and squirting were two different phenomena. While squirting involved the expulsion of large volumes of fluid with similar composition as urine, female ejaculation involved the expulsion of small volumes of PSA. Though inconclusive, the verdict is that these two may either happen independently or may overlap in certain instances. 

Should you be worried if you squirt or not or if your partner does?

Researchers have found that squirting or female ejaculation can occur when there is a mechanical stimulation of the anterior vaginal wall, the place usually referred to as the G-spot. In addition to this mechanical stimulation, the female should be relaxed and in an enabling emotional state. This means that if there is adequate sexual stimulation but there is psychological fear of any kind, especially of being seen to have wet oneself, or distress of any kind, squirting may not occur. Also, it is important to note that though it is a possible phenomenon, it is beyond the control of women and as such, women cannot produce it on demand. It has also been found that squirting is not an indicator of or associated with orgasm, even though both can occur at the same time. Therefore, experiencing it does not necessarily mean that one has reached orgasm. 

Additionally, some women feel distressed and ashamed because they do not experience this, and others feel distressed and ashamed because they do. When it does occur, it is nothing to be ashamed of. And men, do not be worried if it occurs with your partner.  There is nothing wrong when you squirt and there is also absolutely nothing wrong when you cannot. Remember from previous posts we discussed how distress could reduce the quality of your sexual experiences and in some cases cause certain sexual dysfunctions.  If you have never experienced this before and you suspect there might be a pathological reason for it, see your gynaecologist for a physical exam.  Otherwise, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

We hope this article has been helpful. Do you have further questions or concerns? Kindly reach out to the DGG team for professional assistance. Share this post, like our pages and subscribe to receive educational contents about your reproductive health. Remember, everyone is unique, and it is no different when it comes to sexuality.  “Wetter isn’t better or worse”! So, instead of fussing and worrying, do not be afraid or ashamed to get the help you need. Stay safe and see you in our next blog.