Squirting 101: What It Is and How To Do It
When it comes to orgasms, especially ejaculation, the vulva / vagina are often left out of the conversation. While coming (or cumming) is commonly discussed and familiar for folks with penises, for folks with vulvas, it's hardly discussed in mainstream sex education - for those lucky enough to have had sex ed.
But orgasm and ejaculation can feel incredible for anyone, and is a great way to explore pleasure solo or with a partner. So we’re diving in to one of the most sought-after ways to O, squirting.
What is squirting?
First and foremost, and we hope you already know this by being here to read this blog, squirting is not a myth. It’s response the body can have to stimulation that causes the expulsion of ejaculate fluids in a burst from the urethra and/or Skene’s glands (two small ducts on either side of your urethra that help lubricate the vagina during arousal).
Because squirting is such a physical release - and to many, a very intense sensation - it can feel phenomenal.
Squirting vs Female Ejaculation
Some folks refer to squirting as female ejaculation, however there’s some research* arguing that ejaculation and squirting are two separate things. (Also: not everyone who has a vulva and can squirt / ejaculate is female, so the term "female ejaculation" isn't wholly accurate, but we mention it for recognition here.)
“Female” ejaculation can refer to the emission of milky fluids from the Skene’s glands, a thicker version of the same fluids that lubricate the vagina with arousal. Squirting, more commonly, refers to a higher volume of fluid of a more clear and liquid consistency that’s expelled via the urethra.
Ejaculation and squirting can happen separately or simultaneously, which we think is great - and both can feel incredible.
*An important note: Unfortunately there is NOT nearly enough pleasure-focused research about anyone’s anatomy - especially not for those who were assigned female at birth. These conclusions and the research that suggests them might change over time as we learn more, so stay tuned for a better understanding of all this… eventually.
Is squirting just pee?
Simple answer: no. But it’s a bit more involved than that. Some research has shown that because some of the fluids involved in squirting come from the bladder, there can be some urine and/or elements of urine - like urea, creatinine, and uric acid - inside the fluid, but it’s not just pee.
Squirt can have lubricating fluids from the Skene’s glands (the ejaculate mentioned above), elements like fructose and glucose which can even give it a slightly sweet taste, and prostatic fluids. Fun fact: an anatomical name for part of the G-zone is the Prostata Femina, which is Latin for the “Female Prostate.” Now, again, there’s no need to gender these bits, but understanding how similar the G-spot is to the prostate helps us better understand this wonderful anatomical feature.
TL;DR - Squirt and pee do not look, smell, or taste the same - simply because they are not the same!
How to squirt (or how to make someone else squirt!)
One of the most common ways folks experience squirting is with G-spot stimulation--though this isn't the only thing that makes it happen, it's certainly a staple for many. The G-spot can commonly be reached vaginally by inserting a finger or two and curving them up towards the front wall of the vagina - curling them back and forth with a firm "come hither" motion. The firm, rhythmic pressure against the G-zone (that’s the G-spot, Skene’s glands, urethral sponge) can prompt the fluid release you’re aiming for.
But really, squirting can happen through any stimulation, and doesn’t have to happen alongside orgasm! Clitoral stimulation, nipple stimulation - anything that really gets you going can be a way to get you there. You just have to listen to your body and lean in to those sensations.
That said - squirting often does coincide with orgasm, which is a fabulous one-two-punch of pleasure.
Arousal is Key
Foreplay (aka “arousal activities”) is going to be a top way that you can unlock the wonders of squirting, since - for many - the body needs to be super aroused to get there. Taking your time with teasing, incorporating sensation and stimulation all over the body, and allow yourself to get into the headspace of pleasure where you can really put all your focus onto how you’re feeling in the moment. You can even try edging (aka orgasm control) to really get that build-up going and welcome in an explosive release when you’re ready.
It’s also important to note that if you’re going to be exploring squirting via G-spot play, the G-spot shows itself best when you’re aroused, making it much easier and much more pleasurable to stimulate. (If you’re not aroused enough, the pressure can just feel irritating or “too much.” Use lube!) The G-spot swells with fluids - some of which are part of that squirting fluid! - making it more pronounced against the vaginal wall, and easier to target with your fingers, toys, a penis, and so on!
What does squirting feel like?
How an orgasm feels can vary person-to-person, as the way that we experience sensation and pleasure is unique to our bodies. Some folks say that it feels just like any other orgasm, just wetter. Many describe it as an intense release, like a pleasure bubble filling up until it suddenly bursts.
But one of the most common things that people report having experienced is a sensation right before squirting that feels like they’re about to pee. Which makes sense, considering the pressure on the urethra, and the sensation of liquid wanting to come out of it. But when it does happen? It feels much better than just using the restroom.
Often folks imagine squirting to look how it may in porn, but the likelihood that you'll experience super-soaker-level ejaculation is actually quite small. Some folks may only squirt a few drops whereas others might produce a more substantial load - averaging anywhere between a few drops to 30ml, or about the size of a shot glass. Cheers!
What if I can’t squirt?
While very popular, squirting isn’t something that happens for everyone - and certainly not every time they orgasm or get super aroused. Recent research has shown numbers of folks with vulvas ranging anywhere from 20% - 40% having reported experiencing squirting at some point in their life, but there are a lot of elements to go with that.
Overall health
Hydration is key! Staying hydrated is great for your body overall, but especially when you want to get things wet. When we’re underhydrated or dehydrated, our bodies aren’t able to produce as much fluid - just like you may not produce enough saliva or skin hydration when you don’t have enough water, same goes for the glands involved in squirting. (PS - even if you’re already super wet, adding in lubricant is always a great choice for any kind of penetrative play)
Hormones can play a role in this as well - our levels of arousal and our body’s responses to stimulation can change when we have a shift in hormone levels due to things like where we are on our cycles, going through menopause, or taking any sort of medication that can affect our levels- like birth controls, SSRIs, or HRT.
Allow yourself the release
Remember how we mentioned that many folks say the sensation before they squirt feels like they might pee? Well, if your mind goes there, you may prevent yourself from allowing your body to release if you’re trying not to pee. Go to the bathroom before you get busy so you can feel more comfortable and confident.
When you feel that pressure building in a pleasurable way, don’t tense up or freak out! Allow yourself to lean into and chase those sensations and relax. Ride those waves of pleasure and pay attention to how good the stimulation feels - try not to get into your head and focus on your physical body.
Practicing this solo in a masturbation sesh is a great way to get used to the sensation of release - especially if you’ve never squirted before. When we recognize sensations, we can become more comfortable with them.
Come prepared (to come)
If it’s making a mess that you’re worried about, lay down a towel or - even better - get a sex blanket specifically designed for when things get extra wet in the bedroom, like the Fascinator Throw that will protect your mattress / furniture while keeping you comfy as you play.
Keep your lube within reach and your toys fully charged so that you don’t have to worry about stopping when you’re getting close if you need a little something extra to get you over that edge.
Toys for squirting play
As we mentioned, a lot of folks access their squirting O through stimulation of the G-zone, but realistically, anything that feels super pleasurable and erotic to you can potentially unlock ejaculation play. Listen to your body and chase the sensations that feel great.
Curved G-spot toys
Insertable toys like dildos and vibrators that have a curved shaft are ideal for hitting the G-spot. Since the G-zone is most commonly located on the front wall of the vaginal canal, that curve will help rock the toy into it, providing a firm, rhythmic pressure that the G-spot tends to respond really well to.
The Pure Wand is one of the most popular G-spot toys, and has a reputation for helping folks to discover squirting. In fact, sex educators and experts alike, like Tristan Taormino in her book The Secrets of Great G-Spot Orgasms and Female Ejaculation, have commonly hailed this gorgeous metal dildo for its prowess in that field. The weight and firmness of the smooth steel paired with the heavy curved shape and rounded ball-shaped tips expertly target this hot spot. In the words of Epiphora, “[The Njoy Pure Wand] steals my breath... It says, HELLO G-SPOT OH HI THERE OH HEY, and it does not stop until I run out of energy and collapse [in] a puddle of ejaculate.” Now if that’s not a review…
Rabbit-Style Vibes
Rabbit-style vibrators, or dual-stim vibes, are toys that are designed to stimulate both internally and externally at once, providing a surround-sound sensation to the entire G-zone and clitoris. This can lead to what’s known as a blended orgasm - one that’s caused by the stimulation of more than one erogenous zone at once - which, for many, can feel deeper and more intense than a single-venue orgasm. The added stimulation can send us into the best kind of sensation overdrive, and potentially lead to that deep release of squirting or ejaculation!
Chase what feels good
Remember, above all else, when it comes to pleasure - sometimes it can be about the journey, and not the destination. So whether or not you end up with a squirting O (or with an O at all!), make sure that you are focusing on what makes you feel good - what turns you on, what makes you feel deep pleasure, and keep exploring those sensations.
