Readers familiar with the world of pornography might encounter a specific genre where the leading lady ejaculates during orgasm (sometimes even squirting). While in porn this is depicted as the result of earth-shattering orgasms due to the partner’s exceptional sexual performance, in everyday life the phenomenon is often met with awkward silence. So, does female ejaculation exist, or is it just a porn myth?

It exists, although science still doesn’t know much about it. This phenomenon, known since ancient times, has been relatively under-researched, leaving questions about how many women experience it, what triggers it, how it works, and its purpose. A short article by Medical News Today summarizes what we currently know about this phenomenon, called “squirting” in English.

What Exactly Is It?
Female ejaculation involves the release of fluid (sometimes it dribbles out, other times it is expelled forcefully) from the urethra.

The phenomenon can manifest in two ways:

The fluid expelled forcefully (squirt) is generally colorless, odorless, and produced in large quantities.
The slower-flowing fluid (ejaculate) is thicker, milky, and in many ways similar in composition to semen.
Both this fluid and semen share a high sugar content and contain the enzyme called prostatic acid phosphatase (PSA), which in semen, is responsible for sperm motility. The fluid is produced by glands located near the G-spot (on the urethral wall, not in the vagina), and it exits through the urethra.

Has It Been Proven?
Yes, it has been scientifically proven to be a real phenomenon. While the forcefully expelled fluid (squirt) is essentially urine, the thicker fluid produced during sexual arousal is still not entirely understood in terms of its role in sexuality.

In 2014, a study examined seven women who reported experiencing female ejaculation. Using ultrasound, researchers first checked for fluid or discharge in their bladders at rest. The women were then asked to stimulate themselves while their bladder fullness was monitored with ultrasound. It was found that the thicker fluid was clearly produced as a result of sexual arousal and was expelled into the urethra at or just before the peak of arousal.

How Common Is Female Ejaculation? And Is It Normal?
Female ejaculation is entirely normal, even though various misconceptions often prevent open discussion about it. According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, about 10-50% of women might experience it. Some researchers believe that all women might ejaculate during sex, but the amount of thick fluid is often so small that it goes unnoticed or is mistaken for regular vaginal lubrication.

This is supported by a study comparing urine samples from before and after sex. The post-sex samples consistently showed higher levels of the PSA enzyme mentioned earlier.

A study involving over 200 women revealed that at least half had experienced ejaculation, with 14% reporting that it occurs with every or almost every orgasm. Indeed, it’s just one of the many body fluids involved in sex.

Is It Good for Us?
Scientific data doesn’t strongly support any particular positive or negative effects of female ejaculation. However, we all know that good sex brings numerous health benefits. During orgasm, our bodies produce hormones that act as painkillers, and after sex, hormones that help us fall asleep more easily. The stress-relieving, blood pressure-lowering, and immune-boosting effects of sex are felt regardless of whether the climax is visibly dramatic.

Does It Work with Manual Stimulation?
Yes, female ejaculation can also occur with manual stimulation.

What Else Does It Affect?
The relationship between female ejaculation and the menstrual cycle is unclear. Some women report being more likely to experience it after ovulation and before menstruation, while others notice no such pattern.

It’s also debated whether the phenomenon has any connection to pregnancy. Due to the presence of PSA, which aids sperm movement, some researchers speculate that the fluid might help with conception. However, other experts doubt this, pointing out that the fluid contains traces of urine, which is harmful to sperm, and it’s not certain that the fluid reaches the vagina during intercourse.

Female ejaculation is normal and likely much more common than we think. There’s no need to feel embarrassed if it’s part of your sexuality; in fact, your partner might find it especially exciting as an indication that you enjoyed the experience.