Article: Demystifying Female Ejaculation And Squirting: Science, Pleasure, And Body Literacy
Demystifying Female Ejaculation And Squirting: Science, Pleasure, And Body Literacy
Sexology and medicine have historically sidelined female sexual function unless it pertained to reproduction. The fact that high-quality research into these normal physiological responses is only just emerging is a frustrating testament to historical bias. Moving forward, prioritising female pleasure in clinical research and broader culture isn’t just about closing a knowledge gap it is about validating women's lived experiences and bodies.
- Dr. Naomi Sutton
For generations, conversations surrounding female sexual pleasure and anatomy have been shrouded in taboo, mystery, or misinformation. Much like the foundational impact of feminist health literature, such as Our Bodies, Ourselves, breaking open these conversations is essential for true body literacy. At iroha, we believe that understanding your own anatomy is a profound act of self-care and self-love.
In collaboration with:
Dr. Naomi Sutton
NHS Consultant Physician in Sexual Health and HIV, NHS Sexual Health Consultant Physician MBChB, FRCP, Dip HIV & GUM, FECSM.
Contents
Meet the Skene’s Glands: The “Female Prostate”
To understand ejaculation and squirting, we first need to look at the Skene's glands, located along the interior wall of the vagina roughly 1 to 2 inches inside the opening.
Long mistakenly viewed as vestigial structures, a major milestone occurred in 2002 when the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology (FICAT) officially recognized them as the "female prostate" in the international anatomical database.
Modern 3D modeling and histological research have since revealed that these glands form a complex network along the urethra, producing prostate-like fluid and experiencing similar conditions, such as prostatitis or cysts, where PSA tests can serve as a diagnostic marker. They are also vital to female ejaculation and squirting.
Ejaculation vs Squirting: Two Distinct Phenomena
In everyday conversations and media outlets, “female ejaculation” and “squirting” are often used interchangeably. Scientific research shows, however, a clear line between the two:
Female Ejaculation
- Volume: A small amount, about 1 to 5 milliliters (0.03 to 0.17 fl oz), or a teaspoon or less of fluid.
- Composition: A thick, white-ish, milky fluid.
- Origin: Secreted strictly by the Skene’s gland during sexual arousal or orgasms. It contains biochemical markers such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), glucose, and fructose, mirroring the properties of male prostatic fluid to support reproductive biology.
Squirting
- Volume: A much larger volume, up to 150 milliliters (about 5 fl oz).
- Composition: A clear, watery fluid.
- Origin: Research indicates this fluid originates from the bladder as a diluted form of urine, expelled suddenly during sexual climax, sometimes mixed with secretions from the Skene’s glands.
Recognizing this distinction helps strip away unrealistic expectations created by media representations. Both experiences are completely natural variations of female sexual responses, yet they are physically distinct.
The Research Gap: Why Is There So Much Confusion?
Despite growing interest, scientific literature on female ejaculation has historically suffered from small sample sizes, narrow case studies, and a lack of standardized research methodology. Much of the past scientific inquiry has hyper-focused simply on determining whether the fluid contains urine, often overlooking the broader context of female sexual wellness and anatomy.
This lack of institutional clarity is precisely why an open, destigmatized education is so vital. When we rely on clinical facts rather than myths, we empower individuals to understand their bodies without shame or confusion.
Exploring Pleasure and Anatomy Mindfully
For those interested in exploring this area of anatomy, comfort, communication, and preparation are key.
- Prioritize Warm-Up and Lubrication: Sexual arousal naturally engorges the G-Spot area and Skene’s glands with blood, causing them to swell and making the tissue easier to locate. Using a high-quality, body-safe lubricant protects the sensitive vaginal entry.
- Gentle, Rhythmic Technique: Internal exploration involves steady, firm pressure along the front vaginal wall rather than light stroking. You can use your fingers with a “come hither” movement or the help of a sex toy specifically designed to stimulate that area, like the iroha TSUKI+ AONAMI.
- Navigating Sensations: It is entirely normal to experience a strong sensation of needing to urinate during stimulation, as the bladder and Skene’s glands are adjacent. Relaxing through this sensation is often part of the process, though every individual's sensitivity is different and unique.
A Final Thought From iroha
Your body is uniquely yours, and sexual wellness is an evolving journey of self-discovery. Whether your experience involves subtle physiological responses or larger fluid releases, understanding the science behind your anatomy is a powerful step toward confident, joyful self-care.
If you are interested, we invite you to read the following expert-backed blogs from iroha investigates:
