We’ve all heard of the infamous squirt—and if you say haven’t, you’re probably lying. Squirting, sometimes confused with “female ejaculation,” is most commonly thought of as fluid expelled from the vagina during orgasm, as explained by WebMD. Many have characterized the release of this fluid as a new form of liquid expulsion from the vulva, separate from peeing. Others, however, disagree with this, posing that a squirt is merely the release of pee from the bladder. So what is a squirt really, and what is it made of?
The Act of Squirting
The squirt, and the recognition of its difference from female ejaculation, can be dated back to ancient times. A fourth century Taoist text, Secret Instructions Concerning the Jade Chamber, refers to the squirt as “the genital transmitting fluid,” whereas vaginal fluids are specifically distinguished with the term “slippery vagina.”
And as the Taoist texts correctly explain, squirting isn’t really vaginal ejaculation or urination. In fact, a squirt doesn’t even come from the vagina: it comes from the urethra. To break down the squirt anatomically, gynecologist Nicole E. Williams, explains that squirting occurs when female erectile tissue surrounding the urethra contracts, which results in the release of fluid. And it doesn’t need to come from an orgasm either. Squirting occurs during arousal, and can result either before, after, during, or even without orgasm.
The Components of a Squirt
So is a squirt really just pee? Yes and no. Studies have found the squirt is a mixture of substances, largely composed of the same components as urine: urea, creatine, and uric acid. However, it is not only urine. Squirts also contain vaginal lubricant, as well as liquid from glands called the Skene’s glands. The Skene’s glands, homologous glands to the prostate, work to secret liquid that lubricates the urethral opening. Additionally, the Skene’s glands serve a functional purpose that may explain why people with vulvas squirt: to prevent urinary tract infections. The liquid secreted by the Skene’s glands is antimicrobial, meaning it kills microorganisms. So by killing E. coli—the source of most UTIs–—squirts actually help us!
The Power of the Squirt
Outside of the fetishization of squirting, it’s clear that squirting plays a role that should be celebrated. Biologically speaking, the squirt is proof of the body’s ability to protect itself, keeping harmful bacteria out. So, if you’re reading this and you or a person you know have a vulva, give it a pat on the back! (Maybe not literally.) Let’s raise a toast to the squirt and all that it brings!
Written by Nicole Smith-Vaniz.