The definition
Squirting (sometimes called gushing) is when fluid is expelled from the urethra during high arousal, often in spurts or a gush. The amount varies from a few drops to a lot.
What happens in the body
During arousal, the tissue around the urethra, the area many people call the G-spot, swells with blood. Meanwhile the bladder fills with a diluted fluid. Firm stimulation of the front vaginal wall and the clitoris, combined with relaxation, can trigger its release.
What does squirting feel like?
Most people describe a heavy, warm pressure behind the pubic bone and a strong urge to pee just before, then a feeling of release. In surveys, the large majority of women who squirt describe the experience as pleasurable.
Is it the same as female ejaculation?
Not quite. Female ejaculation is a small amount of thicker, milky fluid from the Skene's glands. Squirting is a larger volume of watery fluid from the bladder. Read more in is squirting pee?
How common is it?
A US study of 4,270 women found 41% recalled squirting or ejaculating; a Swedish survey found 58%. See can all women squirt? for the full picture.
Sources: Salama et al., Journal of Sexual Medicine (2015); Inoue et al. (2022); Pastor & Chmel, Clinical Anatomy (2022); Hensel et al. (2024); Påfs et al., Sexual Medicine (2024).
Frequently asked questions
What is squirting?
The release of clear fluid from the urethra during intense arousal or orgasm.
Is squirting real?
Yes. It has been documented with ultrasound and lab analysis in multiple studies.
Is squirting an orgasm?
It often happens close to orgasm, but they're separate: you can have either without the other.
Can men squirt?
Some men report a similar clear-fluid release with prostate or post-orgasm stimulation, but this guide focuses on women.
