The female body is a complex system indeed, but Dr. Mehmet Bekir Şen is keen to simplify our understanding of its workings as he broke down exactly what female ejaculation is.
Specialising in labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, the Istanbul-based gynaecologist posted a detailed tweet about female ejaculation this week after a fellow X user claimed that women squirt urine when they climax.
"Ppl not knowing that squirt is pee is frying me," they inaccurately wrote.
In his lengthy explanation of what female ejaculation actually consists of, Mehmet put to bed a few common misconceptions about the physical manifestation of pleasure.
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"Female ejaculation, or squirting, is a real biological phenomenon, though it's surrounded by myths," he noted. "It's not entirely urine, but the expulsion of a clear fluid during intense sexual arousal."
Prepare to be educated on something you may not have expected on a Tuesday afternoon...
What is female ejaculation?
According to the doctor, female ejaculation is 'directly related' to the 'degree of activation of the parurethral glands of Skene', which are the 'functional counterpart of the male prostate'.
Often dubbed the 'female prostates', Skene’s glands are two small ducts on either side of the urethra and help lubricate the vagina and protect it from certain infections, Cleveland Clinic explains.
"'Squirting' comes from a specific gland," he continued. "When the G-spot (a highly vascularised area in the urethro-vaginal space) is stimulated with sufficient intensity and pressure, these glands become more active.
"Skene's glands secrete a clear fluid that accumulates in small sacs and is expelled through the urethra in a jet-like manner during orgasm due to the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles."
How does it differ from urinating?
This fluid is totally transparent and has a 'different chemical composition' than wee, according to the doc.
It contains glucose, urea, creatinine and PSA, but in 'very different concentrations' than the stuff that comes from the bladder, studies indicate.
Yet on the occasion, this can be joined by 'varying amounts of urine', says Mehmet.
"The expulsion of the fluid is accompanied by strong contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, acting as a 'pump' to release the accumulated fluid," the medic claimed.
How common is it?
As for how likely a woman is to squirt during sexual activity, there are no promises here.
Mehmet went on to clarify: "Not everyone experiences squirting. The intensity of stimulation, individual anatomy, and psychological relaxation are key factors."
It is, however, considered a 'normal and healthy sexual response', not to be confused with urinary incontinence.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Health, Sex Education
Dan Seddon