Yes, Female Ejaculation Is Real!

Female ejaculation has been more or less relegated to status as the "other," emerging either as the punchline to raunchy jokes or the "exotic" factor in adult films. If you are inclined to think it's fake or exists only for the sexual elite, those feelings are valid but a little misguided. Female ejaculation is less mysterious and mystical than you might think.

What is female ejaculation?

Somewhat similar to male ejaculation, female ejaculation occurs when a female is sexually aroused and releases fluid through her urethra, though this doesn't have to happen alongside an orgasm. Some (currently debated) research indicates the ejaculation may be linked to G-spot stimulation.

Ejaculation is totally different from the lubrication that comes from a woman's vagina when she is aroused. There are two kinds of fluids: ejaculate and squirting.

Ejaculate fluid

Female ejaculate is thick and whitish, composed of many of the same compounds as male ejaculate (semen), including prostate enzymes. It contains only trace amounts of components from urine. Interestingly, it is said to taste very sweet, likely due to the fructose it contains. It's unclear why women have some of the same chemicals in their ejaculate as men have in theirs. Biologically, was this to provide additional support for sperm motility and energy to increase the odds of pregnancy? The jury is still out.

Squirting fluid

Squirting, or gushing, involves the release of an entirely different fluid, according to research. This fluid is thinner, similar to diluted urine, and both colorless and odorless. It comes from the bladder and is expelled through the urethra in large quantities when a woman is aroused, as is commonly portrayed in adult films. One 2013 study showed women can release anywhere from 0.3 to 150 milliliters, which is more liquid than what is in the average cup of coffee. The fluid released is high in creatinine and urea, the two components of urine.

Is female ejaculation real?

So, given the limited research, is female ejaculation real? Yes! While we don't have great data on the phenomenon, a 2017 cross-sectional study surveyed women ages 18 to 39 and found that 69 percent reported ejaculating when they orgasm. Unfortunately, the study didn't specify which fluid was expelled, but still, 69 percent is a high number. It's important to note, as well, that the studies reflect women who have experienced female ejaculation/squirting, not all of those capable of it.

Some experts believe that all women ejaculate but some may not notice it, and that some may not expel fluid but instead retain it in their bladder. This theory is supported by studies that found prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), an enzyme present in male semen, in women's urine after sex. Many experts believe all women are capable of ejaculating as long as they (or their partner) understand how.

How & why does it happen?

The physiology of the experience isn't very well understood. Female ejaculate comes from the Skene's glands, also known as the female prostate. As for squirting fluid, a 2014 study followed seven participants and confirmed that the women started and ended sex with an empty bladder, but that during stimulation, fluid came into the bladder and was then expelled.

There are no known health benefits of female ejaculation, and some women report that arousal or orgasm with ejaculation doesn't feel any different. Others describe a warm sensation and heightened intensity. Many women (and their partners) regard the experience as sexy and exciting.

How to make it happen

It's possible that female ejaculation and squirting may be linked to stimulation of the G-spot, an area located on the front internal wall of the vagina, a couple of inches up. So give that a try.

Ejaculating and/or squirting without G-spot stimulation is also possible, as both can be related to clitoral and even vaginal stimulation. Many sex experts note that just prior to ejaculation, a woman may feel like she has to pee, and that sensation may cause her to stiffen up rather than relax. This, in turn, may be stopping ejaculation from occurring, so try to, as they say, "let it all out." Kick back and enjoy the fun, whether you're solo or with a partner.

Female ejaculation is certainly not the be-all and end-all of sex and orgasm experiences, and it's not linked to better sex. So have a go if you're interested, but enjoy yourself regardless of what happens.