words by Faye Odesser (she/her)
@fayefayerevenge
Oftentimes, it seems like conversations around squirting are so focused around debating its very existence, that it never really progresses any further. The controversial type of orgasm, of which there are many, has made its way into comedy sets and social media hot takes aplenty, and in that time, has garnered a bubble of myths and falsehoods. In truth though, squirting’s not much more complicated than anything else in the World of Sex™.
I’m not a doctor, but I am a sex educator and squirter, and I know that obfuscations never help anyone, especially when it comes to our bodies. Here, let’s break down some of the most popular myths about squirting.
“Squirting is just pee!”
So many words have been squandered in the “squirt is pee” debate. An exhausting amount of studies have been conducted, attempting to discredit squirt by claiming it’s simply bladder failure. The truth of the matter is that “squirt” is actually an ejaculate secreted from the Skene’s glands, small ducts located on either side of the urethra. These glands function similarly to the prostate, and after consistent clitoris stimulation — either directly on the clitoris, or via penetration — they react to the arousal by swelling and producing a liquid that can be expelled. Since this fluid exits through the urethra, it’s very possible that if there’s already pee in your bladder, it could be expelled with the squirt, too. But should we discredit an entire type of orgasm because of that? Absolutely not. Some people are actually into the idea of it being urine, and that’s OK too!
If you’re squeamish, you should run to bathroom to empty your bladder before sex begins. There’s no reason to write off a sensation that so many people with vulvas have experienced just because it’s lateral to another completely normal bodily function. It’s more complex than that, and hopefully, when you’re engaging in sexual activities, you can be a little more mature and exploratory.
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“Squirting is unhygienic.”
Squirt isn’t something we need to be afraid of! Sex is just messy in general, and all sorts of fluids are involved. I guess the myth that squirt is unhygienic stems from the pee-phobia of it all, but in truth, squirt isn’t really more or less hygienic than any other sexual fluid.
Though medical researchers are still catching up in learning about the fluid secreted during squirting, it’s been suggested that it’s antimicrobial, and has health benefits.
In the most comprehensive study on squirt to this day, Dr. Zhana Vrangalova and Kenneth Play asked 8,000 participants across different ages, races, and genders to share, among other topics, what their squirt looked and smelled like. The results showed that not only does the amount of liquid differ, but there’s a range in color and type.
Testimonies ranged from clear to milky white, scentless, to a sort of metallic-y smell. Despite this variation, in my experience, squirt has never stained or left a residual smell that a washing machine can’t fix. That being said, if you’re worried, put down a towel, have some fun in the shower, or even just schedule your sex right before your next laundry day.
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“Squirting is a controlled gush."
Mainstream porn often depicts squirt as a huge fanfare, with a dramatic, well, squirt, as a grand finale. That can definitely happen! I’ve experienced it. But it’s not the only potential scenario.
One night, after a hookup with significant oral sex ad fingering, I noticed my bed was way wetter than anything that could’ve just happened from lubrication, spit, or sweat. Considering squirt occurs after consistent G-spot and clit stimulation, it’s likely it happened at some point when I was too caught up in other things to even notice.
Alternatively, sometimes when I’ve masturbated, trying to squirt, I felt the feeling of needing to release long before it actually happened, and when I finally did, it was more of a sputter or a leak. All that to say that it’s not always going to be the climactic, on-demand gush you may have seen online, which is completely, totally fine.
“Squirting only happens in porn.”
This one has no truth whatsoever. All the love in the world to the amazing people monetizing what their bodies are capable of, but they certainly don’t hold a monopoly! We can, and should, use squirting in porn to inspire us or get us in the mood (while remembering that anything over video may have the luxury of editing and effects), but we shouldn’t assume that we’re not capable of it ourselves.
I’ve been writing about squirt since 2018, and have gotten countless DMs along the lines of “oh my god, I never thought I would be able to do this, but I just did!” That’s not a personal flex as much as it’s a testament to the fact that once you know how to recognize squirt and how to attempt it, it is attainable. Whether you’re engaging in solo play or partnered sex, try using a vibrator, and/or be patient, alternating between internal and external stimulation. Then again, everyone’s body is different, and your sexual worth never depends on the ability to have certain types of orgasms.
READ MORE Common Porn Myths — Busted!
“Squirting feels like every other orgasm”
Now that we’ve covered how squirting is a type of orgasm, it’s important to remember that not every climax feels the same. We briefly covered this in Myth #3, but I think it’s important to go a bit more in-depth.
Clitoral orgasms usually are experienced as waves of pleasure and full-body sensations. Ejaculating doesn’t always put your mind and body through that same process. There may be a similar buildup, but the release doesn’t always numb your brain, take you out of your head, pause everything, and leave you in that state of euphoria (then again, not every other orgasm may feel that strong). Squirting feels like you’re “filling up.” There’s an intense pressure, and then a relaxing or powerful or in all honesty, sometimes just neutral moment of letting it all go.
Squirting belongs to you despite your gender, age, and identity and if you’re interested in trying it for yourself, by all means go for it. Get messy, enjoy yourself, and let it all go!
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Emily Odesser (she/her)
@emilyodesser
Em Odesser (she/her) is a twenty something writer and feminist based in New York. Her work centers around the intersections of sex, history, and feminism, and has appeared in Teen Vogue, Salty, Vice, and Spectrum Journal. You can find her ranting and probably wearing too much glitter at her Instagram @emilyodesser.
Momotaro Apotheca and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on Momotaro Apotheca is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition.