Does squirting improve your sex life? It is the key to extraordinary orgasms? Why are women making such a big deal about the phenomenon now? And, heck, is it even physically possible? There's a lot of curiosity surrounding the sensation, and what exactly is fact vs. fiction.
Those who are intent on resetting their sex lives seem to believe that squirting, which is sometimes referred to as female ejaculation, can work magic. Others think it's nothing but an embarrassment. Is it bad or good? Well, truth be told, it's neither.
"Despite some of the videos you will see online telling women how to squirt during sex, this is just a wonderful way women’s bodies vary," says Dr. Laurie Mintz, a sexpert at Lelo. "Some squirt and some don’t."
Here's what's really happening during all of this, and why there are so many questions about the sensation. Our sexperts will walk you through it all.
Dr. Laurie Mintz is a feminist author, therapist, professor, and speaker whose life’s work has been committed to helping people live more authentic, meaningful, joyful—and sexually satisfying—lives through the art and science of psychology. As a tenured professor at the University of Florida, she teaches the Psychology of Human Sexuality to hundreds of undergraduate students each year. She also teaches and mentors graduate students in both their clinical and research training, helping them to find their own niche as psychologists. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
Before we get into how it affects us in intimate situations, let's dissect the definition. Though only 10% to 50% of people with vulvas actually experience the sensation, squirting refers to the expulsion of fluid released by the Skene’s glands from G-spot stimulation or clitoral and G-spot stimulation, according to Healthline.
As is the case with most sexual experiences, it's subjective and something some people might not even encounter—it all depends on their Skene's glands.
Does squirting improve your sex life?
Yes, it can definitely heighten sensations during an intimate encounter.
"Squirting is very frequently associated with orgasm, which is a big pro in many people's opinions," says says Dr. Carol Queen, PhD and in-house sexologist at Good Vibes. "Additionally, it's often reported by those who do it that it can make the orgasm feel especially powerful."
Likewise, Lisa Finn, sex educator and marketing Director at Babeland, says, "It can feel really powerful and erotic to experience such a distinct and visible result of pleasure."
She also notes that it can have its benefits from a health standpoint.
"The release of these fluids through the urethra may help reduce the risk of UTIs," she adds.
But, is it a make-it-or-break-it situation? Will women be worse off for not experiencing it? Are those who are not in the 10-50% bracket going to find themselves with a case of sexual FOMO?
"Honestly, this is not a pro and con situation because most sex educators and therapists would tell women to do what works for their bodies and not 'should' on themselves," adds Dr. Mintz.
Whether it's squirting or wondering how long orgasms should last, or how often couples should be having sex in the first place, professionals are insisting we stop overanalyzing different factors and simply enjoy the experience with our partner (provided there is consent from both parties, of course).
Dr. Carol Queen is an author, editor, sociologist, Good Vibes sexologist, and sexologist active in the sex-positive feminism movement.
Lisa Finn is a sex educator and marketing director at Babeland.
What are the cons of squirting?
Perhaps the biggest con of the sensation is that we really don't know much about it and that there is a lack of attention to the subject, according to the sexperts.
"There isn't as much great research as I would like to see, and one issue is that it's not entirely clear whether it can play a role in STI transmission. And if so, how best to modify safer sex practices to deal with this," says Dr. Queen.
Additionally, the phenomenon can get a bad rep or be misconstrued since there's a "lack of easily available, mainstream, normalizing information," per Dr. Queen.
Until we learn more, the sexologists are all in agreement that we should stop distracting ourselves with what we think "should" be; just let it all happen naturally. But should you really be curious, check out g-spot vibrators and other sex toys that cater to the erogenous zone or dual stimulation with the clitoris.
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