Discovering the Science About Female Ejaculation and Squirting
Female ejaculation and squirting involve the emission of fluids during sexual arousal or orgasm, distinct from vaginal lubrication. Despite extensive research, there remains some debate about the exact definition, origin, and composition of these fluids.
Definitions and Distinctions
In 2011, a new perspective emerged, suggesting female ejaculation and squirting should be considered two different events [Rubio-Casillas & Jannini, 2011]. This understanding was based on a single study where a participant expelled two types of fluids:
- A clear, abundant fluid: Biochemically similar, but not identical, to urine, believed to be expelled from the bladder.
- A thicker, whitish fluid: thought to be expelled from the paraurethral glands, or by some believed to be expelled by the “female prostate”.
A 2015 study confirmed that squirting fluid contains biochemical markers similar to urine, with components like urea, creatinine, and uric acid, as well as traces of prostatic-specific antigen [Salama et al., 2015]. The study didn't investigate whether the fluids contained fructose, a marker that can differentiate ejaculation from urine [Zaviacic et al., 1988].
Prevalence and Discovery
Contrary to the common rumor that squirting is rare, a recent U.S. study found that 41% of women reported experiencing it [Hensel et al., 2023]. This rate is similar to earlier studies in the U.S., Canada, and Egypt [Darling et al., 1990; Younis et al., 2015]. Women with female partners were more likely to report squirting.
The first discovery of squirting often happens unintentionally for many women, sometimes when together with a new partner [Påfs, 2021]. However, there has been limited research into first-time reactions and whether women desire this to happen.
Sources of Information
A 1990 study found that traditional printed materials (books, journals, and magazines) were primary sources of information about female ejaculation and squirting [Darling et al., 1990]. More recently, pornography has been cited as a significant source, though this hasn't been quantified in recent research.
Techniques and Stimulation
Techniques for inducing female ejaculation or squirting vary [Hensel et al., 2023]:
- A combination of vaginal and clitoral stimulation is often most effective.
- Clitoral stimulation alone is sufficient for some women.
This challenges the earlier notion that a “G-spot” stimulation is necessary. The term "G-spot" is somewhat misleading, as stimulation affects multiple tissues, such as the clitoral crura, urethral surroundings, and the anterior vaginal wall. More recent terms include the "G-zone," clitoral complex, or clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex [Goldstein et al., 2022; O’Connell et al., 2008; Tomalty et al., 2022; Whipple & Perry, 2002].
Emotional and Physical Responses
Recent studies suggest that squirting does not necessarily coincide with orgasm [Cutillas-Blasco et al., 2024; Gilliland, 2009; Hensel et al., 2023; Påfs, 2021], although earlier studies equated the event with orgasm [Bullough et al., 1984; Darling et al., 1990; Wimpissinger et al., 2013]. Few scientific studies have explored women's experiences with squirting [Bullough et al., 1984; Cutillas-Blasco et al., 2024; Darling et al., 1990; Gilliland, 2009; Hensel et al., 2023; Påfs, 2021; Wimpissinger et al., 2013].
In a 2013 international study, squirting was found to enhance the sex lives of most women and their partners [Wimpissinger et al., 2013]. Qualitative studies indicate that women experience a range of emotions, from amazement and pride to shame, often worrying about fluid volume or whether it might contain urine [Cutillas-Blasco et al., 2024; Gilliland, 2009; Påfs, 2021].
Knowledge Gaps
The topic of female ejaculation and squirting is still under-researched and misunderstood, necessitating further investigation to provide a comprehensive understanding.
References
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