How to Squirt: A Beginner’s Guide

There’s a lot of misinformation about squirting and it’s difficult to tell what’s real and what's a misconception. Coupled with porn’s often unrealistic portrayal of squirting, it’s understandable to feel confused. Here, you'll find out everything you need to know about squirting as well as tips for trying it out yourself.

Before we dive in, remember that not everyone with a vulva can squirt. But learning some tips for squirting and ways of experiencing pleasure can be fun, so read on and enjoy exploring your body.

Only got time for a quickie?

Consider these your bitesize notes on all things squirting:

• Squirting is when a clear, odourless liquid secretes from the vagina during arousal or orgasm.
• Not everyone is able to squirt, so don't put pressure on your partner and remember to keep things fun!
• Learn more about your partner’s anatomy (some people find it easier to squirt through G-spot stimulation).
• Before trying it out, check that your partner is comfortable first - take it slow and talk about what they like best.
• Set the mood and build up the excitement with massage oils, wand vibrators and lube.

What is squirting?

Squirting is the involuntary expulsion of clear, usually thin fluid from the bladder during firm G-spot stimulation. There’s a small amount of urine in squirt fluid but it’s not strictly pee. It also contains glucose and sometimes PSA (prostate-specific antigens) from the Skene’s glands on either side of the urethra, surrounding the G-spot.

The term “squirting” is sometimes used interchangeably with “female ejaculation” though they're not the same thing. Female ejaculate has a thicker consistency and a milkier colour than squirt fluid. It also occurs at the same time as orgasm, whereas squirting isn’t necessarily accompanied by orgasm. A recent study reported that only 20% of participants “always” experienced squirting and climax together.

Why do some people squirt?

60% of people who have squirted say they find it “very or somewhat pleasurable”. It’s also typically associated with longer lasting and more satisfying orgasms. But just because someone can squirt, it doesn’t mean they necessarily have a more fulfilling sex life; it’s all down to personal preference.

For example, Lara, 32, who's single, says squirting hasn't necessarily improved her sex life. "When I'm with a new partner, sometimes I worry about squirting and what they'll think. It can detract from the moment."

How to make yourself squirt

If you want to make yourself squirt, a good way to begin is by exploring your body through solo masturbation. Squirting with a partner can be fun but if you’re a little nervous about whether you’ll squirt or wet the bed, allow yourself time to discover what works for you.

1. Create a relaxing environment

Think about the times you’ve particularly enjoyed masturbating. Did you have plenty of time before dimming the lights? Did you play your sexiest playlist and light some candles? This squirting session is for you, so set your ideal scene.

Remember that squirting can take practice so don’t pressure yourself or feel despondent if your first time isn’t a success. Self-exploration is supposed to be fun.

Squirting can feel like urinating so if you’re worried about soaking the bed, go to the bathroom first and lay down a towel or a waterproof sheet before you begin. Not feeling anxious about peeing will help relax your pelvic floor muscles, making it more likely you’ll squirt.

2. Get really turned on

Touch the parts of your body that make you feel good; play with your nipples, stroke your neck – seduce yourself before playing with your vulva. You’ll find it easier to locate your G-spot if you’re feeling turned on.

When trying to squirt, the wetter the better, so reach for your favourite lube. Water-based lubricant is compatible with all types of sex toys but remember to continue applying throughout your play as water-based lubes can dry up.

3. Stimulate your G-spot

Get into a comfortable position which allows you to locate your G-spot. Some people find lying on their back with a pillow under their bum works well. To find your G-spot, insert one or two lube-covered fingers inside your vagina and curl them towards your belly button in a “come hither” motion. You’re feeling for a fleshy, ridged area on the front wall, about two to three inches inside your vagina.

Curved dildos and G-spot vibrators made from firm materials like glass or metal are ideal for internal stimulation. Choosing a sex toy with a bulbous tip will also increase the likelihood of squirting because the greater surface area will make more contact with your G-spot.

4. Push through the sensation of needing a wee

When it feels like you're bursting for a wee, it’s your body’s way of indicating you’re about to squirt. At this point, it’s understandable to want to stop playing, worried about peeing. But, to squirt, you need to continue stimulating your G-spot and push through the sensation. To do this, take a deep breath and bear down on your pelvic floor to relax your pelvic floor muscles.

Can anyone squirt?

No, not everyone with a vagina can squirt but squirting is real. All the mechanics are there but for one reason or another, some people can’t (science is still working out why).

According to studies, between 10% and 54% of people with vaginas can squirt. Pretty broad, right? But don’t let that put you off. If you haven’t squirted before and want to learn how, you might discover you’re one of the people who can and, either way, you’ll have a fun time trying!

How to know if you squirted

The porn industry would have us believe that when someone squirts, she’s releasing tonnes of liquid from her vulva – but not everyone has this experience. The amount of involuntary fluid secreted varies from person to person, ranging from a small trickle to over a litre.

How much liquid you’ve produced isn’t connected with how much pleasure you’ve felt or how “good” at squirting you are. Everyone squirts differently and, over time, you might discover that you’ll squirt more or less depending on your state of mind.

What if you can't squirt?

Don’t feel ashamed or worried if you can’t squirt; not everybody can. Porn presents unrealistic expectations of so many aspects of sex, including squirting. Being unable to squirt doesn’t make you any less good at sex.

Trying new techniques and exploring sensations in the bedroom should be fun, so enjoy discovering all the ways you experience pleasure. If you can’t feel anything when you’re stimulating your G-spot or don’t find the sensation pleasurable, that’s fine, there’s nothing wrong with you.

Frequently asked questions about squirting

Does squirting exist? Yes. While it’s true that not everyone with a vagina can squirt, some people can. Your body and body’s functions are completely your own and shy squirters are just as valid as shouty squirters.

What does squirting feel like? How you experience squirting is unique to you. Some people say that when they squirt, it’s like a gushing release and more intense than a clitoral orgasm. What people who’ve squirted commonly agree upon is that just before they squirt, it feels like needing to go for a wee.

Is squirting urine? Not really, though it comes from the bladder. Recent research shows that while there is a tiny amount of urine in squirt, it also consists of glucose and sometimes prostatic fluid. Squirt fluid also smells different from urine and is more transparent.

Is squirting the same thing as female ejaculation? No. Squirting is typically a thin consistency and originates from the bladder whereas female ejaculate tends to be thicker and milkier in colour, coming from the Skene’s glands.