As if “achieving” orgasm isn’t enough pressure, porn often depicts women as Old Faithful Geyser, gushing spouts of liquid from their vaginas clear across the room. Squirting, also known as the tsunami of love and by other slang terms, seems to be less understood and while it has been scientifically documented, there is much more that needs to be studied and learned.
Moreover, as WebMD notes, “A recent study has shown that there is a difference between squirting, female ejaculation, and incontinence during sex. However, the term squirting is used to describe all three in everyday language.” So, if you’re confused, you have every right to be. There is a lot of information, especially misinformation, out there as well as a lot of inconclusive data.
And, as Cosmopolitan notes, “When it comes to squirting, even doctors aren’t quite sure WTF is up. Whatever little research is out there about it isn’t very representative, is old, or just asks more questions than it answers. However, all the semantics of squirting aside…, everyone is on the same page that squirting does happen to some women during sex.”
Perhaps the simplest way to better understand the two distinct processes is as follows: “The difference between female ejaculation and squirting is based on where each of these fluids originates” (Women’s Health Interactive). In this regard, they have a great infographic, which makes it easier to visualize.
The publication also notes that “The exact reason why some women squirt during sexual stimulation remains the million-dollar question to this day.” Yet, Glamour suggests that, “The short answer is that when fluids build up in the erectile tissue of the urethral sponge, they need to be released. Some believe that the expulsion of fluid during sex may function to protect the urinary system from infection by cleansing the urethra during and after intercourse.”
As for what these fluids contain, there continues to be much confusion. ISSM advises that, “Some experts believe that squirting fluid could be diluted urine.” Meanwhile, research cited by Hello Clue asserts that, “There is no conclusive agreement among scientists regarding the composition of female ejaculatory fluid. Although still unclear, female ejaculate fluid has been demonstrated to contain urine, and may also contain a combination of other fluids as well.” So the question as to whether it is or isn’t pee remains to be answered.
What does seem to be agreed upon is “…that it’s normal if you ejaculate and it’s normal if you don’t. Neither is considered better or worse. Not ejaculating doesn’t mean the sex was unsatisfactory, either” (Very Well Health). In fact, incidences of squirting have occurred before, during, after, or without orgasm. Additionally, it is important to note that the fluids from squirting or ejaculating can be a source of STIs, so using safer sex practices is a must.
Finally, whether everyone with a vagina can squirt and/or ejaculate is up for debate. According to Healthline, statistics suggest that anywhere between 10 and 50 percent of folks with vulvas do, although it is not clear if this figure refers solely to ejaculation or to squirting as well. Further, among those that do squirt and/or ejaculate, the volume varies widely, with more fluid attributed to squirting and less volume associated with female ejaculation.
Interestingly, while the focus on squirting is more recent, urologist Joanna Korda and her colleagues identified relevant references in “The Kamasutra (written in 200–400 A.D.) which speaks of female semen that falls continually while a 4th century Taoist text, Secret Instructions Concerning the Jade Chamber, distinguishes between slippery vagina and the genitals transmit fluid” (Hello Clue). So clearly while we may not have a lot of scientific knowledge at our disposal, not surprisingly, our ability to squirt and ejaculate is not a new phenomenon.
Oh Happy Squirting, and oh happy day to you all!
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a34652/sex-talk-realness-squirting/
- https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-squirt-during-sex-according-to-a-neuroscientist
- https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/squirting
- https://helloclue.com/articles/sex/lets-talk-about-squirting-why-is-it-important-what-does-it-feel-like
- https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/do-women-ejaculate/
- https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a27008344/how-to-make-a-woman-squirt/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/squirting-5186847
- https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-squirting-orgasm
- https://www.womens-health.com/squirting
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Until next time, cherished community …
With love and gratitude,
Kitty Chambliss, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP
Founder, Loving Without Boundaries
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Woodhull Sexual Freedom Summit: August 4–7, 2022 | Alexandria, VA
The Sexual Freedom Summit brings together people from every corner of the sexuality advocacy world – educators, activists, advocates, and lawyers – to be in conversation with one another, strategize and learn together, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes.
Attendees come to the Sexual Freedom Summit each year to get inspired, develop new skills, gain access to resources, and recharge among other sexual freedom advocates. When they return home, attendees are ready to take action to advance sexual rights in their communities. This is more important now than ever! Kitty Chambliss is a proud volunteer for this event. Come say hi! Register here.
RelateFest: September 29-October 2, 2022 | Miami, FL
Produced by Leveled Up Love, RelateFest is for people who love exploring relationships, questioning relationship norms, learning new skills, and connecting with others. RelateFest brings the principles of curiosity and conscious relating to a safe space for learning, connection, and play. Our next event will feature relationship experts presenting riveting talks, holding interactive workshops, and offering optional private breakthrough coaching sessions as well as other upgrade options. All relationship structures, orientations, and gender identities are welcome. Singles, couples, and moresomes are all welcome. Kitty Chambliss is excited to participate on a panel and present a Keynote speech at this amazing event! Get details here. → Plus, save $100 when you use code: LWB100
The Open Love Experience: October 13-17, 2022 | Ft. Pierce, FL
Presented by Leveled Up Love, this is a Platinum Level Retreat for Couples Curious About Consensual Nonmonogamy: Transformative Relationship Coaching, Private Festival Performances, and an Unforgettable Erotic Evening. We focus on Attachment Styles, Nervous System Regulation, Emotional Attunement, The Gottman Method, and more. This is a carefully curated, deep-dive, transformative experience, where you self-select the level of value and impact required for your specific needs, goals, and standards. Kitty Chambliss will be among the expert presenters at this unique and exclusive event! Learn more here. → Plus, save $1000 when you use code: LWB1000
>>> Looking for more events around the globe? Check out Alan’s Polyamory List of Events to stay informed and connected.