You've probably seen it in a movie or read a heated debate on a forum. Maybe it happened to you and you felt a sudden flash of panic. We're talking about female ejaculation. It’s one of those topics that people either whisper about or pretend doesn't exist, even though it's a perfectly natural part of many people's sexual lives. For decades, the medical community basically ignored it, or worse, labeled it as "urinary incontinence." But honestly? That’s a massive oversimplification that ignores the actual biology of the body.
The reality is that what is ejaculation in women isn't just one thing. It’s a complex physiological event that involves specific glands, chemical compositions, and varying amounts of fluid. It isn’t "just pee," and it isn’t some mythical unicorn of the bedroom either. It’s biology.
Let’s get into the weeds of it.
The Science Behind the Fluid: Skene’s Glands and the "Female Prostate"
To understand what’s happening, we have to look at the Skene’s glands. These are located on the front wall of the vagina, right around the lower end of the urethra. For a long time, doctors didn't give these glands much credit. However, researchers like Dr. Milan Zaviacic have spent years documenting how these glands are actually homologous to the male prostate. That’s why you’ll often hear them referred to as the "female prostate."
They produce an alkaline fluid. It’s thick. It’s milky. And it contains something called Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
Wait, PSA?
Yeah. The same stuff they test for in men to screen for prostate issues. When a woman ejaculates, this fluid is expelled from the Skene’s glands through the urethra. It’s usually a small amount—think a teaspoon or less. It’s distinct from the "gush" or "squirting" that people often see in adult films, which is a different beast entirely. We need to stop grouping every type of liquid together because it confuses the actual health conversation.
Squirting vs. Female Ejaculation: Yes, There’s a Difference
This is where things get controversial. And a little messy.
Most researchers, including those involved in a famous 2014 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, make a sharp distinction between "true" female ejaculation and "squirting."
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Squirting usually involve a much larger volume of fluid. It’s often clear and can literally spray across the room. When researchers analyzed this fluid, they found it contained urea, creatinine, and uric acid. In plain English? It’s mostly diluted urine coming from the bladder. But here is the nuance: it’s not just urine. It often contains those same Skene gland secretions (PSA) mixed in.
It's a weird involuntary reflex. During intense arousal, the bladder can contract while the urethral sphincters relax. It doesn't mean you "peed yourself" in the traditional, "I need a bathroom" sense. It’s a specific physiological response to stimulation, particularly of the G-spot or the anterior vaginal wall. Some people find it incredibly pleasurable; others find it distracting or embarrassing. Both reactions are fine.
Why Does This Even Happen?
Evolutionary biologists are still scratching their heads on this one. Some think it might have an antimicrobial function, protecting the urinary tract. Others think it’s just a vestigial trait—something we have because the male and female bodies start from the same "blueprint" in the womb.
Actually, does it even need a "purpose" beyond pleasure?
For many, the release associated with female ejaculation is tied to a very specific type of orgasm. It’s often described as a "deeper" or more "full-body" sensation. Because the Skene’s glands are surrounded by erectile tissue that swells during arousal, the pressure and subsequent release can feel incredibly intense.
The Myth of the "Magic Button"
We’ve all heard of the G-spot. It’s often sold as this magical button that, if pressed correctly, triggers an instant fountain. That is marketing, not medicine. The G-spot isn't really a "spot" at all. It’s an area where the internal structures of the clitoris, the urethra, and the Skene’s glands all converge.
Stimulating this area increases blood flow. It makes everything sensitive. If the Skene’s glands are full and the stimulation is right, ejaculation might happen. But—and this is a huge but—it doesn't happen for everyone.
Estimates vary wildly. Some studies say 10% of women experience it; others suggest it's closer to 50% if you include various types of fluid release. The discrepancy exists because we haven't had a standardized way to talk about it until recently. If a study only looks for PSA, they get one number. If they look for any fluid, they get another.
Real Health Implications and Concerns
If you experience this, is it a problem? Almost never.
However, there’s a lot of shame involved. I've talked to people who thought they had a bladder control issue because they’d "leak" during sex. If it only happens during arousal or climax, it’s likely just the body doing its thing.
If you're worried, look at the timing. Does it happen when you're laughing or coughing? That’s stress incontinence. Does it happen specifically when you’re hitting a peak of sexual pleasure? That’s likely ejaculation or squirting.
It’s also worth noting that medications can change things. Some antidepressants or blood pressure meds might dry out secretions, making ejaculation less likely. On the flip side, some people report that staying hydrated significantly increases the volume of fluid. It makes sense—your body can't produce fluid out of thin air.
Dealing with the "Stigma"
We live in a culture that is weird about bodies. We’re fine with sweat and tears, but sexual fluids? Suddenly everyone gets awkward.
The porn industry has done a massive disservice here by setting unrealistic expectations. In those videos, the "squirting" is often exaggerated or even faked with external liquids. This makes real people feel like they’re "broken" if they don't produce a gallon of fluid, or "gross" if they produce any at all.
You aren't broken. You aren't gross.
Actionable Insights for Body Literacy
If you’re curious about exploring this or just want to understand your body better, there are a few practical things to keep in mind. Knowledge is power, but comfort is the goal.
- Track the Sensation: Notice the difference between the urge to urinate and the "fullness" felt during high arousal. They often feel similar but are triggered by different types of pressure.
- Hydration Matters: If you’re interested in seeing how your body responds, stay well-hydrated. This isn't just for sexual health; it’s for general glandular function.
- The Towel Technique: If the "mess" is what causes anxiety, just put a towel down. It sounds simple, but removing the fear of ruining the sheets can actually allow the pelvic floor muscles to relax enough for ejaculation to occur.
- Communicate with Partners: If this is new to you or a partner, talk about it outside the bedroom first. It removes the "what was that?" shock factor and turns it into a shared understanding of how your body works.
- Consult a Urogynecologist: If you are genuinely concerned that you have a pelvic floor issue or if the fluid release is accompanied by pain or happens at times when you aren't aroused, see a specialist. They can help distinguish between a functional sexual response and something like an overactive bladder.
Understanding what is ejaculation in women requires looking past the myths and focusing on the anatomy. Whether it’s a tiny bit of milky fluid from the Skene’s glands or a larger release of diluted fluid from the bladder, it’s a testament to the diversity of human sexual response. There is no "right" way for a body to react to pleasure. Some bodies are loud, some are quiet, some are dry, and some are wet. All of it is part of the normal spectrum of human health.
The best thing you can do is listen to your own body. Stop comparing your experiences to what you see on a screen or read in a sensationalized "how-to" guide. Your anatomy is unique to you, and as long as you feel healthy and comfortable, your body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do.