Everything You Need To Know About Squirting - Healthline

Maybe your like

HealthlineSubscribe

Sexual Health

Everything You Need to Know About Squirting

Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Gabrielle Kassel — Updated on September 5, 2024

How it feels
Myths
Solo tips
Partner tips
Takeaway

Squirting, also sometimes called female ejaculation, refers to the expulsion of fluid during clitoral or vaginal stimulation.

The fluid — not pure pee but a combination of urea, uric acid, and creatinine — is released by the Skene’s glands, which sit at the lower end of the urethra.

When someone squirts, “it’s usually from G-spot stimulation, or clitoral and G-spot dual stimulation,” said certified sex coach Gigi Engle, author of “All The F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life.”

The Skene’s glands, G-spot, and urethral sponge are all located in the same area. “Typically, if you stimulate one thing, you likely stimulate them all,” she explained.

Although the terms “female ejaculate” and “squirting” are sometimes used interchangeably, Dr. Jill McDevitt, PhD, CalExotics’ resident sexologist, said some people argue that ejaculating and squirting are two different things.

What does squirting feel like?

According to Engle, “Some people say it feels nothing like an orgasm. While others note that it feels [similar], but slightly different from, an orgasm.”

“It’s intense. Like an extreme release. For me, I orgasm, and then if my husband keeps touching my G-spot, then I squirt. It’s not really a similar sensation for me,” said Abby K., 42.

“Due to the pressure on the urethra, some people report feeling like they need to pee right before they squirt,” explained Engle.

That’s the case for Joannie N., 29. “Right before it happens, I literally feel like I’m going to wet the bed. While it’s happening, it feels like a really wet orgasm,” she said.

For some trans and nonbinary folks, squirting can be really gender affirming. It is for Hunter C., 23, a transgender man who said, “Squirting feels to me what I imagine jizzing would feel like if I had a penis.”

Myths and misconceptions about squirting

There are several common myths and misconceptions about squirting, including the belief that squirting isn’t real.

Although more research is needed to understand exactly how and why squirting occurs, there’s plenty of evidence to support its existence.

Another common myth is that anyone with a vulva can squirt. While there are several methods and sexual positions that may be beneficial, some data suggests that 40% of U.S. adult women have experienced it.

Some people also believe that the fluid expelled while squirting is nothing more than pee.

Interestingly, one 2015 study found that the fluid emitted during squirting does contain urine, but it also contains a compound called prostatic-specific antigen produced by the Skene’s glands.

What can you do to make yourself squirt?

Start by prepping your surroundings. To make cleanup easy, lay down a few towels or a waterproof throw.

“When I masturbate and plan to stimulate my G-spot, I get in the tub so I don’t have to worry about getting everything wet,” said Christine B., 31.

Then, do what you must to switch off your work or family brain.

“If you’re not relaxed, holding yourself back, not in the right mindset, or not giving yourself over to the full sensation, it’s unlikely you’ll be relaxed enough to squirt,” explained Engle.

“Use whatever stimulation you usually use to get revved up, then touch your clit,” said Engle. “While touching your clitoris, use a wand or your fingers to locate your G-spot and massage it.”

Some folks will feel like they need to pee before they squirt. If you feel that way, it’s a sign squirting may be on your horizon. Keep going! Stop when you’re done, not because you think you have to pee.

What can you do to help your partner squirt?

Above all else, don’t pressure your partner to squirt or make them feel “less than” if they can’t or don’t. And don’t assume penetrative sex is the best way to make it happen! It’s not, according to Engle.

“Manual stimulation is more likely to make someone squirt than penis-in-vagina or dildo-in-vagina intercourse,” said Engle.

Her recommendation: Have the receiving partner touch their own clit. Or, have the giving partner perform cunnilingus as they finger you.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can spread through the bodily fluid released while squirting. Barrier methods can help reduce your risk of infection. You might consider using:
a glove or finger condom during manual-genital stimulation
a dental dam during oral stimulation
an internal or external condom during vaginal or anal penetration

The bottom line

Sometimes squirting happens, sometimes it doesn’t, and sometimes you try forever and experience it for the first time in your 60s.

“There is nothing wrong with not being able to squirt,” said Engle. “Whether you squirt or not, however you experience pleasure is perfectly valid and should be celebrated.”

Gabrielle Kassel is a New York-based sex and wellness writer and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. She has become a morning person, tested over 200 vibrators, and eaten, drunk, and brushed with charcoal — all in the name of journalism. In her free time, she can be found reading self-help books and romance novels, bench-pressing, or pole dancing. Follow her on Instagram.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abby K. (2019). Personal interview.
Christine B. (2019). Personal interview.
Engle G. (2019). Personal interview.
Hensel DJ, et al. (2024). Vaginal squirting: Experiences, discoveries, and strategies in a U.S. probability sample of women ages 18–93.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2023.2243939
Hunter C. (2019). Personal interview.
Joannie N. (2019). Personal interview.
McDevitt J. (2019). Personal interview.
Pastor Z, et al. (2022). Female ejaculation and squirting as similar but completely different phenomena: A narrative review of current research.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35388532/
Rodriguez FD, et al. (2021). Female ejaculation: An update on anatomy, history, and controversies.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32681804/
Salama S, et al. (2015). Nature and origin of "squirting" in female sexuality.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25545022/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Gabrielle Kassel — Updated on September 5, 2024

Everything You Need To Know About Squirting - Healthline

Health Conditions

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Product Reviews

Featured Programs

Featured

Lessons

Newsletters

Lifestyle Quizzes

Health News

This Just In

Top Reads

Video Series

Find Your Bezzy Community

Follow us on social media

Sexual Health

What does squirting feel like?

Myths and misconceptions about squirting

What can you do to make yourself squirt?

What can you do to help your partner squirt?

The bottom line

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Here's Exactly How To Make Your Partner Squirt During Sex

How To Make A Girl Squirt - Men's Health

How To Squirt Or Make Someone Squirt Like A Pro - Cosmopolitan

How To Make Someone Squirt: A Step-By-Step Guide

How To Make A Girl Squirt In Under 3 Minutes! - YouTube

You Can Make Any Female Squirt With These 3 Steps - Medium

How To Make A Girl Squirt: What Is A Squirting Orgasm? - Thrillist

How To Make A Woman Squirt (And Why You Should Stop Trying To ...

Make Her Squirt Effortlessly: Extreme Female Ejaculation Made Easy

How To Make A Girl Squirt - The Tab

How To Make Yourself Squirt During Sex Or Solo Play

Men's Health UK - How To Make A Girl Squirt | Facebook

How To Squirt During Sex, According To A Neuroscientist - Glamour

How To Make A Woman Squirt | Best Sex Positions

Contact