Women's Health
    Updated at: February 13, 20254 min read

    Does Female Ejaculation Exist?

    In this article, we’ll explore the topic of female ejaculation, answering common questions and clarifying what it is. We’ll discuss how female ejaculation occurs, how common it is and what may cause it. We’ll also look at the differences between female ejaculation and other bodily functions that occur during sex, helping to answer questions many people have about the topic.

    Key Takeaways

    Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about female ejaculation:

    • Female ejaculation is real and refers to the release of fluid from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm.

    • Female ejaculation is completely different to an orgasm.

    • Female ejaculation can be classified into two types. Female ejaculation (FE), a thicker fluid from the skene glands and squirting (SQ), a clear fluid similar to urine, originating from the bladder.

    • Between 10-54% of women may experience female ejaculation.

    • Research indicates that squirting is mostly the involuntary release of urine during sexual activity, though it may also contain some prostatic secretions.

    What is female ejaculation?

    Female ejaculation refers to the release of fluid from the urethra during sexual arousal or orgasm. This fluid can vary in amount and consistency and the topic as a whole has been a subject of discussion and debate for many years. 

    Often referred to as “squirting,” female ejaculation is a natural part of sexual intercourse for women that has been recognised for a while [1]. Lots of women may experience it, while others may not, and both are completely normal. It should be noted that female ejaculation is not the same as an orgasm, and women can achieve orgasm without ejaculating. 

    A lady relaxing under her bed cover

    How common is female ejaculation?

    Female ejaculation varies greatly from person to person. While it is normal for women to produce fluids when they are aroused and stimulated, the amount and type of fluid can differ from person to person. Research suggests that between 10-54% of women may experience female ejaculation, highlighting that it can be a common experience, yet not universal [2].

    What is the source of female ejaculate?

    Female ejaculate is released by the urethra and can vary in both quantity and composition. This fluid can be classified into two types. These are female ejaculation (FE) and squirting (SQ). The origin of this liquid is either the skene glands or the bladder, depending on the type that is released, as explained below.

    Skene Glands

    Female ejaculation (FE) is a thicker fluid, produced in small amounts from the paraurethral glands, and contains skene gland-specific antigens [3].

    The Bladder

    Squirting, on the other hand, is the release of a larger amount of clear fluid, similar to urine, expelled from the bladder [4].

    Comparison Table: Female Ejaculation vs Squirting

    UK Meds have summarised the key differences between female ejaculation and squirting which you can read below:

    Female ejaculation

    Squirting

    FluidThick, milky, and originates from the skene glandClear, similar to urine, and originates from the bladder
    VolumeSmall amount, a few millilitersLarger amount, 15-110 mL

    FAQs About Female Ejaculation

    Is female ejaculation real or is it just urine?

    Female ejaculation is real, however, it is important to know what the fluid is that is released. Research shows that squirting is primarily the involuntary release of urine during sexual activity, though it may also contain a small amount of fluid from the paraurethral glands. Female ejaculation, on the other hand, is a thicker fluid that originates from these glands and is not urine [5].

    Does squirt smell different to urine?

    Although squirting fluid is chemically similar to urine, it’s not exactly the same. Many people who experience squirting, as well as researchers, have noted that the fluid often looks and smells different from urine. This suggests that while squirting contains urine, it may also include other components that alter these characteristics [6].

    Medically Reviewed by:
    Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
    GMC Reference no: 7151419
    LinkedIn
    Website

    Sources

    [1] A sexual superpower or a shame? Women’s diverging experiences of squirting/female ejaculation in Sweden - Jessica Påfs, 2023

    [2] Female ejaculation: What is it, is it real, and are there any benefits - Medical News Today

    [3] Female ejaculation and squirting as similar but completely different phenomena: A narrative review of current research - PubMed

    [4] New insights from one case of female ejaculation - PubMed

    [5] Nature and Origin of “Squirting” in Female Sexuality - ScienceDirect

    [6] What Is a Squirting Orgasm? - WedMD

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