Science Vs: Squirting – What's Really Happening?!
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Wendy Zuckerman
Guest: Comedian Annie Letterman
Producer: Emily Forman
Featured Expert Guests:
- Professor Carolyn Pukal, Sexual Health Researcher, Queen University, Canada
- Dr. Samuel Salama, Gynecologist, American Hospital in Paris
- Dr. Nan Wise, Neuroscientist and Sex Therapist
- Dr. Miyabi Inoue, Urologist, Japan
- Professor Helen O'Connell, Anatomist
Introduction to the Topic
Wendy Zuckerman opens the episode by introducing the topic of squirting, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of whether squirting is simply urine or a different physiological phenomenon. She brings on comedian Annie Letterman, who shares her personal experience with squirting, expressing both fascination and frustration with the common misconception that squirting is merely pee.
Notable Quote:
Annie Letterman [00:45]: "For me, I feel like it's kind of a... it's an inspirational tale. And I was just really surprised. Cause I've had people in my past try... I wasn't trying. And then the levies broke."
Cirque du Squirrel: A Quirky Performance
To kick off the discussion, Wendy and Annie describe their experience attending a unique show called Cirque du Squirt in Brooklyn, New York. The highlight includes a vibrator race and a sensational performance by Lola Jean, the world record holder for squirting, who impressively expelled 1.35 liters of fluid on stage.
Notable Quote:
Annie Letterman [02:45]: "It's not pee is, it's yellow, it smells like pee. Like, you know, it's a distinct thing. It just seems like a completely different, it's a different consistency than pee."
Understanding Squirting: Survey Insights
Wendy shares results from an informal survey with nearly 16,000 responses, revealing:
- 30-45% of women with vaginas reported having experienced squirting.
- 60% believe the fluid is primarily urine, with some variation.
- The remaining respondents were uncertain or believed it was another type of ejaculate.
Notable Quote:
Annie Letterman [05:18]: "I feel like the people that say it's pee are always men too. I don't want them to be right. I feel like they're downplaying our squirt."
Scientific Investigations: Is It Pee or Something Else?
1. Dr. Samuel Salama’s Study:
- Conducted ultrasounds on seven systematic squirters.
- Findings revealed that during arousal, participants' bladders filled unexpectedly.
- Post-squirting ultrasounds showed empty bladders, suggesting the expelled fluid was urine.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Samuel Salama [22:18]: "There's only pee in the bladder. This is pee. Oh, no."
2. Dr. Miyabi Inoue’s Experiment:
- Injected blue liquid into the bladder of five squirting women.
- All but one expelled blue fluid during squirting, confirming the fluid originated from the bladder.
Notable Quote:
Annie Letterman [24:51]: "This is like the maxi pad commercials where they use the blue to show you."
3. Professor Carolyn Pukal’s Insights:
- Highlights historical acceptance of female ejaculation.
- Suggests the female prostate (Skene's glands) plays a role but accounts for only a small portion of the expelled fluid.
Notable Quote:
Professor Carolyn Pukal [10:00]: "I think it's a superpower. Seriously, like, it is magical. It's super magical to me."
Historical Perspective: Female Ejaculation Through the Ages
Wendy delves into the history of female ejaculation, citing medieval texts from China, India, and Europe that recognized and celebrated female squirting as a natural and essential part of procreation. These texts described the fluid as "sperm," necessary for conception.
Notable Quote:
Wendy Zuckerman [10:42]: "When the woman's red ball grows, it is said to move swiftly and spray. The man then draws her ejaculate into his penis..."
Anatomy of Squirting: The Female Prostate
Professor Helen O'Connell discusses the elusive nature of the female prostate (Skene's glands), emphasizing its complex structure and minimal size. Despite its small volume, its secretions contain proteins similar to those found in male semen, hinting at a nuanced role in squirting.
Notable Quote:
Professor Helen O'Connell [31:38]: "It's a lot more like saliva. It's thick and milky."
Male Squirting: A Lesser-Known Phenomenon
The episode briefly explores squirting in individuals with penises, revealing that 7% of surveyed men reported experiencing squirting-like fluid expulsion. Studies indicate that, similar to women, men can expel urine and possibly prostate fluid during arousal.
Notable Quote:
Wendy Zuckerman [43:58]: "It was 7% said yes."
Practical Tips and Personal Experiences
Annie Letterman shares practical advice for those interested in experiencing squirting, emphasizing clitoral stimulation and relaxation over forceful techniques aimed at the G-spot. Lola Jean underscores the importance of relaxing and not forcing the process to ensure it remains pleasurable.
Notable Quote:
Annie Letterman [46:25]: "You got to get a clit sucker. You got to get a clit sucker vibrator."
Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity of Squirting
The episode concludes with reflections on the multifaceted nature of squirting. While studies indicate that much of the expelled fluid is urine, the presence of prostate-specific proteins suggests a more complex interplay of bodily functions. The guests advocate for a positive and pressure-free approach to squirting, encouraging individuals to explore their bodies without fear or shame.
Notable Quote:
Lola Jean [50:00]: "Chase the pleasure. Don't chase the squirt."
Final Thoughts
"Science Vs" successfully demystifies the phenomenon of squirting by blending scientific research with personal anecdotes and historical context. The episode underscores the importance of understanding female sexuality through a scientific lens, challenging misconceptions, and promoting a healthy dialogue around sexual experiences.
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