Squirting orgasm/squirting

For several centuries, the squirting orgasm has been a source of debate amongst health professionals. Among them, cis male doctors- and researchers in particular have tended to call the squirting orgasm in people with vulvas a myth. The squirting orgasm exists and is experienced by people all over the world - but what is known about it and why is it so controversial?

This article is written by Anne-Mette Glud Hjerrild /@femme_lioness who is a doctor, sexual counsellor and queer activist - as well as co-founder of Normkritiske Læger.

Whats the fuss? On patriarchal bias in research

At first, the discussion about the squirting orgasm in people with vulvas was about whether it was a "phenomenon" that even existed. There is some research where the clitoris head has been stimulated with electro-vibrations, then the pressure has been measured in the vagina, uterus, as well as in the swelling membranes around the vagina, and then it was concluded that the squirting orgasm does not exist, as the pressure did not increase sufficiently and no abundant fluid was produced. However, many who report experiences of squirting orgasms say that they do not get them at all from stimulation of the clitoris head. So it is conceivably a very dubious method that has been used in that research study - and in many others.

However, research has emerged that shows that the squirting orgasm/squirting does of course exist, but there is still debate as to why some people experience it while others do not, as well as what "function" it has.

The disagreement and fluctuating quality of research articles on the topic may be due to the fact that much of the research has been done by people without vulvas, who due to the patriarchy and backwards views of sex and women and queer sexuality, have had a particular approach to the topic or a particular idea of what the outcome should be beforehand. 

In addition, a number of people describe experiencing squirting orgasms/squirting in connection with stimulation of the G-spot, which is another hotly debated topic in research - here, researchers also disagree - does the G-spot exist?

What does the fluid consist of and where does it come from?

Squirting orgasms/squirting differs from other lubrication/fluid in the vulva and vagina during arousal by being more thin than other vaginal secretions and by often being secreted in larger quantities. Several scientific papers believe that the fluid comes from the Skene's glands, which are located close to the urethral orifice. Others believe that it comes directly from the urethra, and others that it comes from both the Skene's glands and the urethra.

The fluid contains some of the same elements found in urine, but in much lower concentrations. In addition, it contains a protein called PSA, which is similar to the proteins secreted by the prostate gland in people with penises, and which some believe has an antibacterial function.

So there is a lot of evidence that the fluid comes from the bladder, but has a different composition to urine and is excreted differently. The fluid is entirely its own "squirt" and not pee, as some claim.

How is the squirting orgasm achieved?

For many, the "easiest" way to achieve a squirting orgasm/experience is described as being through stimulation of the G-spot. The G-spot is located in the front wall of the vagina towards the stomach, about 5 cm in. The point can be stimulated with angled dildos/vibrators or by a partner making "come here" movements with their fingers inside the vagina. For some, this will feel great straight away and can help trigger a squirting orgasm. Others may need a little practice before it gets good, and for some it doesn't really do anything.

There are also people who experience squirting only when stimulating the clitoris head, or who may suddenly find that they squirt during other forms of sex once they've tried it once. However, it is important to remember that it is by no means necessary to experience a squirting orgasm to have a great sex life.

What are Norm-Critical Doctors?

Norm Critical Doctors (@normkritiskelaeger) is an association of physicians and other health professionals who work against discrimination in healthcare and who want zero tolerance for sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia and ableism in health care.

You can also read another article from Norm Critical Doctors on "The myth of the virginity - from a medical perspective" or "The myth of the virginity - from a queer perspective"