Despite its prevalence, there are still some misguided folks who debate whether vaginal squirting is even real. Combined with its depiction in pornography, misunderstandings, taboos, and shame have historically discouraged scientific investigation of this natural bodily function. Most often, vaginal squirting and female ejaculation are confused as the same due to inconsistent language. However, the last 10 years of research show that they are, in fact, two distinct phenomena. Hensel, Ph.
They typically occur toward the end of a sexual encounter and in response to various types of stimulation, such as penile-vaginal intercourse, manual genital touch, or the use of sex toys. They sometimes also coincide with orgasm and have the potential to provide women with a sense of sexual satisfaction and pleasure. Female ejaculation also occurs in much smaller quantities: a couple of millilitres to a teaspoon.
One study found the median volume expelled when squirting is 60 ml about 4 tablespoons. Hensel helped devise the first study of its kind. Until now, no existing research on squirting in the United States has used a nationally representative sample.
The current study sample of 4, women allowed researchers to draw conclusions about squirting on a broader scale. Researchers sought to answer various questions about vaginal squirting, such as how common and pleasurable it is, whether squirting happens during orgasms or how women first discover it, as well as the techniques they use and challenges they face when it comes to squirting. Published in The Journal of Sex Research in August , their findings pave the way for future studies poised to normalize and deepen our understanding of squirting.
A major contribution of the study is how it shows a wide range of experiences related to vaginal squirting, explained lead researcher Dr. Devon J. For those who did, about a fifth said they released tensed muscles to squirt. The most common concerns revolved around cleanliness, with many women fearing they might be peeing Some also worried about a loss of control over their bodies For a few, it came down to time—either needing a lot of patience from themselves 7.
