Yes, Lucia makes some great points. I wonder if and how any of the scientific studies cited accounted for the women studied being in a relaxed state. 'White coat hypertension' is a known phenomenon, and I wonder if there isn't a corollary here that accounts for under reporting in some cases.
While we're on the subject, no one has commented on SweetLilMissy's last two comments, which did a much better job of delving into the nuances and details of the current science on the matter. (Thank you btw, SLM. Very on point and informative. IFL science too.
) Regardless of the accuracy of the surveys or the issues raised above, and in the spirit of sex positivity and not shame, feeling good about one's own sexuality should include being aware and taking agency for one's own sexual health and well being.
This little snippet from the conclusion stated in the paper SLM cited (
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12166) has a crucial point to make (bold text my emphasis) when it comes to that subject (sexual health and squirting):
" FE was objectively evidenced only in tens of cases but its reported high prevalence is based mostly on subjective questionnaire research.
Pathophysiology of squirting is rarely documented.CI is a pathological sign caused by urethral disorder, DOA, or a combination of both, and requires treatment. An in-depth appreciation of these similar but pathophysiologically distinct phenomena is
essential for distinguishing normal, physiological sexual responses from signs of illness.
For those of you that don't grok the all science talk, the two bolded sections roughly translated are "There isn't a lot of science on the combined effect of mental and physical influences on squirting.." and "What appears to be squirting, which can be a normal and healthy sexual response, can also or instead be a symptom of a medical problem."
I want to say that understanding what can be going on there and discussing it openly and without shame or concern with a medical professional should be part of sex positivity and awareness, but in doing so I should point out and recognize my own HUGE privilege in that area;
- I live in a country with free universal health care.
- I live in a province in that country where sex, sexuality, gender identity and issues are are protected by a strong human rights code, and doctors are legally compelled to follow that code.
-I live in a large city in that province where all of the above services are easily and readily available, and can be obtained anonymously outside of one's regular doctor/urologist/nephrologist/OBGYN if desired.
I understand that many don't have any or all of that, and that 'seeing a doctor' in some situations can be impractical or have serious unwanted repercussions on privacy, well being, and finances. My heart truly aches for those of you that have to go through that. How can anyone be expected to feel completely good about themselves when getting professional help as needed can be stressful and expensive if not impossible?