BY RACHEL RICHARDS '17
Squirting, common vernacular for female ejaculation, is when someone with a vagina expels, shoots or gushes liquid out of their urethra, often accompanying an orgasm. It’s honestly really cool and sometimes a little messy. The jury is out on what the liquid actually is. It does contain trace amounts of pee.
The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, or the CSPH, says it has a “chemical composition akin to that of semen — consisting of high levels of prostatic acid phosphatase, glucose and fructose — the liquid released during “squirting” consists of urea, creatine and uric acid.” So no, it’s not pee, but overall we’re not completely sure what is going on. As far as Science with a capital “S” is concerned, squirting shouldn’t be real — like the elusive G-spot, located at the front of the vaginal canal, which is known to give intense pleasure when rubbed.
According to the CSPH, “the exact source and nature of vaginal ejaculation and “squirting” are still subjects of debate amongst scientists and medical professionals.” I enjoy this about traditionally female sexualities, in that they elude science. Squirting is, of course, not gendered and can happen to any and all genders, only relying on the organs one has. Hard science can spend my whole life telling me there is no such thing as a G-spot and I will know they’re wrong.
The CSPH says that we think that the liquid expelled during squirting is created in the Skene’s Gland, aka the female prostate. According to a 2000 study titled “Ultrastructure of the normal adult human female prostate gland,” it is located at the lower end of the urethra at the anterior wall of the vagina, homologous to the male prostate. Squirting is most commonly seen in accompaniment of an orgasm, specifically a penetrative G-spot orgasm. Squirting can happen without an orgasm, with a clitoral or with an otherwise non-penetrative or G-spot orgasm, and alternatively orgasms happen without squirting. The amount of ejaculate varies greatly, from a small amount to enough to soak through bedsheets.
Not everyone can squirt, but those who haven’t previously can still learn to do so. The common narrative is that the feeling is one of pressure and a need to pee. I’ve never managed to learn myself, so I can’t tell you from personal experience, but the CSPH suggests trying G-spot stimulation, waiting for the feeling, and bearing down to increase your chances. Put down a towel and enjoy!
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