The G-spot, squirting, and female ejaculation are sources of much debate and interest. You can hardly enter a sex shop without noticing G-spot sex toys, talk about orgasms without hearing about that elusive G-spot, or watch porn without fountains of squirting. Yet, the science is divided and there is much confusion and differing opinions on what is what, and whether the G-Spot even exists. Female ejaculation is also generally misunderstood. So, here is a brief article based on what the science has to say about this topic. Hopefully it will put a few things into a more clear light.
The Origins of the G-Spot
The term G-spot is named after Ernst Gräfenberg. He was a German gynaecologist, who first suggested the existence of the G-spot in 1950 (although he did not call it that). The actual term G-spot or Gräfenberg-spot was coined in the early 1980s by researchers who were investigating female ejaculation. Later studies, literature reviews and a comprehensive anatomical study published in 2017, have however failed to prove the existence of the G-spot as an anatomic entity.
Despite of lack of scientific evidence for its existence as a specific anatomical structure, there is anecdotal evidence going back as far as 2000 years of the existence of a sensitive area in the vagina. This area, according to historical erotic writings, induces sexual pleasure and can lead to expulsion of fluids when stimulated.
Scientists speculate that it may be due to the close proximity of the clitoris, the urethra and the vaginal wall that this happens and there is talk of the clithoro-urethro-vaginal complex rather than than the G-spot to refer to this area. In fact the clitoris and the vaginal wall are two sides of the same structure. The consensus appears to be that more research is needed.
We don’t need science to tell us whether there is a spot or not to experience pleasure. The G-spot area may not be a proven anatomical structure, but ask any woman who has experienced pleasure from this area, and it is clear that something is there.
Squirting vs Female Ejaculation
It is clear is that some women expel fluids with orgasm and some don’t, and these fluids can be of different nature. Also here has there been confusion both in science and popular media, with different opinions on the origins and composition of these fluids and discrepancy in what terminology to use. So, what do we actually know?
We know that women can expel fluids from the vagina, the urinary bladder and the female prostate during sexual activities.
Four fluids that women can expel during sexual activity
- Lubrication fluid originates from the vagina.
- Female ejaculate is the secretion of a thick, milky fluid by the female prostate (Skene’s glands) during orgasm. According to research not all women have a prostate and not all women expel this fluid. The female ejaculate is of very low volume (a few millilitres only) and consists of high concentrations of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), fructose and glucose.
- Squirting is NOT the same as female ejaculation but has often been named as such. Female ejaculation is often used for both the thick ejaculate fluid as well as the more voluminous squirt, which is confusing. Squirting is very different from the ejaculate fluid. Gushing, as it is also called, is the expulsion of a typically clear fluid from the urinary bladder. According to research it has the same biochemical composition as urine or diluted urine, but women who squirt know that it is different in smell, taste and colour. The squirting fluid can also be contaminated with prostate secretion. The squirting comes in much larger volumes than the ejaculate, typically in amounts of 15-110ml per gush, and there can be repeated gushes. Squirting occurs when the G-spot area is stimulated.
- Finally a fourth fluid could be expelled. This is actually urine and it is in the case of urinary incontinence during sexual activity, so called “coital incontinence”. This is an involuntary leakage which is not the same as squirting.
Based on this the two main fluids we typically talk about and confuse are female ejaculate and squirting fluid.
Pleasure as a Process not a Goal
It has become popular with G-spot stimulation and squirting but not all women squirt. In fact according to research it is unusual. Why this is one can only speculate in.
I firmly believe that many women are capable of much more than they are aware of and only fulfil a fraction of their pleasure potential. Many women struggle with self-esteem, feeling good about themselves and embracing their sexuality. In my personal experience squirting requires a high level of arousal. If you are not quite feeling it, or are inhibited in your sexuality in some way, it is probably not going to happen. That said I know some women who can do it very easily so I think the mechanics of it are individual. You can learn it for sure but that said chasing spots is not the point.
I do disagree with the term squirting orgasms because the squirting does not have to occur simultaneously with an orgasm. It can, but squirting can occur independently from an orgasm.
I wonder if we create pressure on women to have these G-spot orgasms and to squirt fountains with all the toys and porn out there. If you haven’t discovered that you have a G-spot or squirted, let me assure you that you are completely normal! This being said I encourage all women to explore their bodies.
The main thing to remember is that sexual arousal, pleasure and orgasm originates in the brain. Sexual pleasure is a process, not a goal. Be self-compassionate, accept and love yourself, allow yourself to receive love, and feel deserving of pleasure! Then the rest will fall into place. More on that and G-spot pleasure tips in another article!
Sources
MD, Joanna & BA, Sue & MD, Frank. (2010). The History of Female Ejaculation. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 7. 1965 – 1975. 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01720.x.
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