Everything You Need to Know About Squirting!

The fluids released by women during sex or climax have been getting plenty of attention in recent years, both in the media and in scientific research literature. Two phenomena come up again and again: female ejaculation and squirting. Although the words often get used interchangeably, they describe two very different physiological processes.

This is the body’s natural way of making sex feel smoother. The vaginal walls and Bartholin’s glands release a translucent lubricant when you’re turned on. When it’s produced in larger amounts, it’s considered heavy vaginal wetness. Even if it feels like a flood, it shouldn’t be confused with female ejaculation or squirting (Brody & Laan, 2015).

This refers to a slight release of whitish fluid (just a few millilitres) from the female prostate, once known as the paraurethral or Skene’s glands. They’re basically the equivalent of the male prostate (Zaviacic, 1999; Garaz et al., 2025). Just like in men, this fluid contains PSA (prostate-specific antigen).

This is a small amount of pee that may leak out unintentionally during sex. It’s sometimes mistaken for squirting, but there are two big differences: it’s not tied to sexual pleasure or orgasm, and the liquid has the same properties as urine (Jha et al., 2017; Cesson, 2023). Incontinence can often be managed with pelvic floor physiotherapy or urological treatment.

This is a sudden gush of clear liquid, usually linked to intense sexual stimulation and often just before or during orgasm. It can happen once in a lifetime, every so often, or become a regular part of sex (Salama et al., 2015; Cesson, 2023).

Although the fluid in squirting and urinary leaks can look similar on a biochemical level, the impact on a woman’s life couldn’t be more different. Incontinence tends to lower social, emotional and sexual well-being (Lim et al., 2016). Squirting, on the other hand, once embraced, can actually enrich sexual satisfaction (Cesson, 2023).

Recent research shows that squirting comes mainly from the bladder. The process involves a rapid filling followed by a forceful release during intense sexual stimulation (Salama et al., 2015; Inoue, 2022). The fluid exits through the urethra and is usually clear (sometimes with a faint yellow tinge) and typically odourless (Salama et al., 2015). It contains diluted, transformed urine (Pastor, 2013). Squirting tends to be short and sudden, often occurring just once during a session, and usually close to orgasm, though it doesn’t always coincide with climax (Cesson, 2023).

It’s tricky to pin down exact numbers, but studies suggest that between 39.5 and 54 per cent of women say they’ve experienced a “fountain” release at least once (Bullough et al., 1984; Darling et al., 1990).

The volume varies wildly, anywhere from 10 to 500 millilitres. On average though, it tends to fall between 50 and 200 millilitres (Pastor & Chmel, 2022).

The psychological and emotional experience is as personal as it gets. Some women report increased pleasure and a sense of complete release. Others feel embarrassed, largely because of the link many people make between squirting and urine. Still, several studies (Cesson, 2023; Gilliland, 2009; Wimpissinger, 2007) suggest the overall experience is usually described as intensely pleasurable. The partner’s reaction plays a huge part too. A supportive response can encourage acceptance and enjoyment, while a negative one may lead to shame or even avoidance of sexual intimacy (Gilliland, 2009; Cesson, 2023).

Squirting and female ejaculation are both perfectly normal aspects of women’s sexuality, and they don’t require any kind of treatment. That said, if someone feels burdened by shame or taboo around it, speaking with a sexologist can be really helpful. Clear explanations of what’s happening physiologically, along with reassurance that it’s normal and can even play a positive role in sexual wellbeing, can make a world of difference.

This handy guide, put together by Nicolas Cesson, is designed to help health professionals and patients alike understand and distinguish between the different kinds of female fluid release (Cesson, 2023).

Any woman can experience it

During masturbation or sex, women may release different types of fluid.

Squirting, female ejaculation and excessive vaginal wetness are all very different phenomena, and it’s worth being clear about the distinctions. Current research points to squirting as a sudden release of fluid from the bladder, with volumes that vary dramatically and experiences that differ from one woman to the next.

From a clinical perspective, the goal is to reassure women that squirting is a normal physiological response and to separate it from issues that might require medical attention, such as urinary incontinence. From a social and psychological angle, the challenge is breaking down taboos so that women can embrace these experiences without shame, enjoying them as part of their sexual pleasure.

Take your time and explore the different parts of your body. Cuddling, kissing and caressing are the perfect way to build up the excitement. We also recommend a long erotic massage with warm massage oil to heat things up between you and your partner.

A high quality lube will be the magic ingredient for your squirting experience. In addition to making your vaginal walls wetter, lube will also make your fingers or your toy glide more smoothly. Just apply a good amount to either the toy or directly to the opening of the vagina. You'll find some great lubes here, including a warming lube that will heat things up and increase your pleasure.

We also recommend stimulating your clitoris  with either your fingers or with a specialized toy. The combination of circular motion, pressure and different speeds will increase your pleasure and your chances of squirting.