Is Squirting Urinating?

By: Jay Dee, MPH

What Really Happens When a Woman Squirts

Let’s talk about female ejaculation aka "squirting"—a topic that’s often misunderstood, highly debated, and rarely explained in a clear, evidence-based way.

The Anatomy Behind Squirting

The urethra is a small opening located just beneath the clitoral hood and above the vaginal opening. On either side of the urethral opening are two tiny, pea-sized glands called the Skene's glands (also known as the female prostate). These glands are responsible for producing a fluid that contributes to vaginal lubrication. While their primary function is to lubricate the urethra and help maintain a healthy urinary tract, they can also swell during sexual arousal and secrete a white, milky fluid as a result of stimulation or sexual tension.

So, What Is Squirting?

During intense arousal or stimulation, some women release fluid from the urethra that creates a squirting effect. Is this just urine? No. While the fluid passes through the urethra—and may contain traces of urea components—it is not pure urine.

Researchers have explored this phenomenon using bladder scans. In these studies, women were scanned before and after sexual activity, regardless of whether their bladders were full or empty. Results showed a range of outcomes—some women still had full bladders after squirting, while others did not. These findings suggest the topic is still being studied, and there’s no single, definitive answer as to why some women squirt and others don’t. But one thing is certain: squirting is not just peeing.

“I Don’t Think I’ve Ever Had an Orgasm…”

Let’s clear something up: an orgasm is the release of sexual tension. That release can show up in many ways—tears, heavy breathing, authentic moaning, vaginal or uterine contractions, body spasms, or even the sensation of needing to "pee." Squirting is one of many possible physical signs of orgasm, but it is not required to confirm one.

Many women falsely believe that if they don’t squirt, they haven’t orgasmed. That’s simply not true. All vaginas produce and release fluid to varying degrees—but not all will squirt, and that’s perfectly normal.

“But I Want to Squirting!”

If you’re interested in trying to squirt, it helps to focus on stimulating the Skene’s glands. Here's how you can explore:

• Use a clitoral vibrator and apply consistent pressure and vibration that feels good to you. The goal is to swell the Skene’s glands.

• If you feel a “pee-like” sensation, try pushing out as if you’re urinating—this may help release the fluid.

• Many women have reported that using rose-shaped vibrators helped them experience squirting for the first time.

If you prefer to avoid toys (we can talk about that another time), you or your partner can manually stimulate the clitoral hood with firm pressure and follow the same approach. Keep in mind: toys vibrate—your partner doesn’t. That extra stimulation can make all the difference.

Final Takeaways

• Squirting is not pure urine.

• Not all vaginas squirt—and that’s okay.

• Squirting is not the only sign of orgasm.

  
  

Squirting is just one part of a much bigger conversation about pleasure. Explore what feels good to you, stay curious, and remember: your pleasure is valid, no matter what it looks like.

Until Next Time,

The Vagina Liberator