Squirting happens when physical stimulation, usually to the front vaginal wall, triggers a release of fluid from two small glands near the urethra. Not every woman experiences it, and estimates of how many do range widely, from about 5% to 54% depending on the survey. The variation isn’t just about technique. It’s partly about anatomy, since the glands responsible differ in size from person to person.
The Glands Behind the Fluid
The fluid comes from the Skene’s glands, two small structures about the size of a blueberry that sit on either side of the urethra. They’re sometimes called the “female prostate” because they produce proteins also found in male semen, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA). During arousal, blood flow to the area causes the tissue surrounding these glands to swell. In some women, that swelling leads to a buildup of a milky, mucus-like fluid that can be released during orgasm or intense stimulation.
The size of the Skene’s glands varies significantly between individuals. Women with larger, more developed glands appear more likely to produce noticeable fluid. This is a key reason why some women squirt easily, others rarely, and some never do. It’s not a matter of skill or arousal level alone; the underlying anatomy plays a real role.
Squirting vs. Female Ejaculation
Researchers actually distinguish between two types of fluid release, though most people use the terms interchangeably. Female ejaculation refers to a small amount of thick, whitish fluid from the Skene’s glands. Squirting typically involves a larger volume of more dilute fluid that also passes through the urethra and contains some components from the bladder. In practice, what most women experience is a mix of both. The fluid contains PSA at concentrations around 0.75 ng/ml, along with fructose and citric acid, confirming that the Skene’s glands contribute to it even when the volume is large.
What Type of Stimulation Triggers It
The most commonly cited trigger is firm, rhythmic pressure on the front wall of the vagina, roughly 1 centimeter inside, in the area often called the G-spot. This tissue sits directly over the Skene’s glands and the internal structure of the clitoris, which is why stimulation there feels different from other areas. The spot often feels slightly ridged or bumpy compared to the smoother tissue surrounding it.
Manual stimulation tends to be more effective than penetration alone because it allows for precise, consistent pressure. A “come hither” curling motion with one or two fingers, pressing toward the belly button, is the technique most frequently described. Some women respond better to firm, steady pressure, while others prefer lighter stroking or vibration. Combining this internal stimulation with external clitoral stimulation, either orally or with a vibrator, increases arousal and makes fluid release more likely.
During penetrative sex, positions that angle penetration toward the front vaginal wall create more contact with this area. Being on top gives the woman direct control over the angle and intensity, which helps. Penetration from behind with the hips elevated also changes the angle in a way that increases pressure on the front wall.
Why Arousal Level Matters
The Skene’s glands need time to swell and fill with fluid, which only happens during sustained arousal. Rushing to direct G-spot stimulation before a woman is fully aroused often produces discomfort rather than pleasure. Extended foreplay, clitoral stimulation, and general relaxation give the tissue time to engorge with blood, making the glands more responsive and the sensation more pleasurable.
Mental state matters as much as physical technique. Many women describe a sensation of needing to urinate just before squirting, which can cause them to tense up and hold back. Since the fluid exits through the urethra, this feeling makes anatomical sense, but it isn’t actually urination. Relaxing through that sensation, rather than clenching against it, is what allows the fluid to release. Feeling comfortable and unhurried with a partner makes a significant difference.
How Common It Actually Is
Survey results vary dramatically depending on how the question is asked. In one population-based survey of 233 women, 54% reported a spurt of fluid at orgasm. A larger mail survey of 1,172 women found that about 40% identified as having experienced ejaculation. But a clinical study by Masters and colleagues put the number at just 4.7% of 300 women. The gap likely reflects differences in definitions, how noticeable the fluid is, and whether women recognize what’s happening. Some women produce only a small amount of fluid that goes unnoticed, while others experience a more obvious gush.
An international survey published in BJU International found that women who do experience it generally view it positively, and their partners do too. Less than 50% of women in most studies report experiencing it, so not squirting is the more common experience. It’s not an indicator of better sex, stronger orgasms, or higher arousal. Some women who are deeply aroused and fully stimulated simply don’t produce much fluid from their Skene’s glands, and that’s normal.
What the Fluid Actually Is
The composition depends on the volume. Small amounts of thick, whitish fluid are almost entirely Skene’s gland secretions, containing PSA, fructose, and citric acid. Larger volumes of clear, watery fluid contain these same markers but are more dilute, with some contribution from the bladder. Ultrasound studies have shown that the bladder can fill rapidly during arousal and empty during squirting, even if the woman urinated beforehand. This doesn’t mean squirting is “just urine.” The fluid is chemically distinct, containing prostatic secretions that urine does not. It’s a unique mixture that doesn’t neatly fit into any other category.