Squirting 101: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why the Internet Can’t Chill

Discussed like a legendary dragon, squirting is simply one of the sexual experiences some vulva owners may have. It’s not a “skill check,” and it isn’t a sign of good sex. Squirting may feel pleasurable, neutral, or even distracting, depending on the person. In this article, we’ll explore what squirting is, how it differs from female ejaculation, and how women commonly describe the sensations around it.

What Is Squirting, Really? Not a Trick, Not a Test

The definition is simple: it’s the release of fluid, which can vary in quantity, during arousal or orgasm. Note that reaching an orgasm isn’t a necessity, nor a consequence, of squirting. Some women squirt more easily than others, and this can vary based on physical and emotional factors.

Is squirting a test? Am I wrong if I cannot squirt? What if I cannot make my girlfriend squirt? No, no, and it’s not an issue. Since squirting is one of the reactions the body can have to the build-up of pleasure, it is often associated with feelings of arousal and deep relaxation, but it is not a reflection of one’s ability in the bedroom. 

The Science So Far: Where Squirting Fluid Likely Comes From

The liquid involved when squirting comes out of the same canal used for urination, which is the urethra. Women often describe the feeling that precedes it as a sudden urge to pee! This shouldn’t cause embarrassment, discomfort, or feelings of inadequacy. We know the first reaction to this sensation is often tensing up or stopping sex altogether. This reaction makes sense if you don’t feel ready to let go yet. Our suggestion is to talk about it with your partner, or explore it solo first, just to become familiar with the sensation.

So, what do scientists say? Not as much as you might expect. Scientific research on the topic is still limited, but we do know a few things.

• Squirting fluids have been shown in lab settings to derive from the bladder, being urine-like in composition, but generally more diluted and clearer than typical urine.

• Experts on the topic distinguish squirting from female ejaculation. While the fluids released in the first case are larger in volume and pretty clear, the ones we see in the second case are smaller in quantity and are Skene’s gland secretions, produced by glands positioned near the urethra that contribute to lubrication.

The Myth Menu: Pick One, the Internet Picked All

Why all the confusion? Because squirting doesn’t happen to everyone and experiences vary widely, and although that is perfectly fine, social media tends to complicate things. So, what are the most common, misleading, myths around squirting?

1. “All women squirt if you do it right.”

Quick answer: no, not everyone does. Squirting can come naturally for some women, but can be pretty hard to achieve for others. And since putting pressure on oneself never works, it is simply counterproductive to see it like that.

2. “Squirting = orgasm” (or “better orgasm”)

Quick reality check: we’re not sure who told you, but this is untrue as well. Squirting and having an orgasm are two separate events that may or may not overlap. If they happen together, it’s largely coincidental, since there is no direct causality between the two.

3. “It’s still pee so it doesn’t count.”

Although the bladder is involved, any woman who has squirted can tell you the experience is different. Peeing is simply done to release waste, while squirting is a response to a build-up of pleasure.

4. “If it happens, something is wrong.”

Again, nothing is wrong with you! It can happen during sex, or even solo play, and although it might be a bit messy, it’s part of a normal sexual experience.

“How to Squirt While Having Sex” and Other Search Terms That Create Pressure

Here’s the truth: if you want to squirt, you should stop idealizing it and instead focus on relaxing during sex, being present, enjoying the moment, and letting pleasure guide the experience. These are all the ingredients that truly count. 

If you are a partner and wish to learn how to help a woman squirt, simply communicate with her. Ask what feels good, take things slowly, follow her feedback, and experience different positions, toys, and types of stimulation together. If it happens, it will happen in its own time.

Orgasm vs. Squirting: What’s the Difference?

Put simply, orgasm is a neurophysiological pleasure response, while squirting is fluid expulsion. In other words, one can happen without the other.

Some women do not like squirting, because, truth be told, it can be messy! Others love it. Do you have to do it if you’ve never experienced it? Only if YOU want it. Sex shouldn’t be a to-do list. Let go of the perfectionist, or over-achiever, within you. They don’t belong here.

Pleasure-Driven Tech: Toy Types That Can Support Exploration

Our favourite part: are there sex toys that can support squirting exploration? Of course, our dear–let us show you.

• The first ones, that no vulva owner could skip, are any G-spot-focused toy shapes. Since these are the best toys to stimulate the G-spot internally, they might gently guide you toward a pleasurable build-up of tension, and ultimately, even a squirt. 

• Second in line: any toy with dual-stimulation. They can be a tad intimidating if you are a beginner, but you should definitely try one. Amy 2 is one of our best-sellers in the category–and one that will definitely help you increase the heat in the bedroom.

• Lastly, could we not mention wand vibrators? Sometimes the best answer is just to go back to the basics. And this is precisely the case for toys like our Mini Emma Neo, which just… Work.

Squirting might have the fame of an unreachable celebrity, but unless you start chasing it like an overzealous paparazzo, you might one day befriend it. Stop treating sexual experiences like a list of achievements to accomplish, and you may find yourself collecting more and more memories of playful, satisfying, joyful moments in the bedroom.