TikTok is known for strange trends, with many unusual dances, challenges, and experiments. Recently, a new trend called “vabbing” has become popular among women on the platform. This involves using vaginal fluids as a kind of perfume to attract sexual partners. However, scientists aren’t convinced that this works.
Vabbing for romance
Throughout history, women have tried different methods to attract a partner, from love potions to cooking meals. But now, a new TikTok trend is gaining attention. Women are adding something called “vabbing” to their routines. Vabbing is the practice of using vaginal fluids like perfume, and they claim it helps them attract a sexual partner.
Shan Boodram, a sexologist, wrote a book called *The Game of Desire*, where she talks about vabbing. She says she’s been doing it for 15 years and believes it works. Boodram explains that chemicals from the vagina, called copulins, can act like perfume to attract people who are drawn to women. She also says vabbing makes her feel confident and empowered.
Then, a woman named Mandy Lee posted a video on TikTok about vabbing, and it got over 1 million views. In the video, she said, “I swear if you vab, you’ll attract people, like for a date, a one-night stand, or even just get free drinks all night.” Other people who had been vabbing for years shared their stories, saying it worked for them. For example, TikTok user @jewlieah said she vabbed every day for a week and had success.
Does it work?
Scientists know that pheromones play a big role in how animals communicate. For example, rabbit pheromones help baby rabbits find their mother’s nipples. Dr. Alexandra James and Dr. Andrea Wahling from La Trobe University explained that while some scientists believe pheromones work this way in animals, others are not so sure.
“Bodily fluids like vaginal secretions contain pheromones, which can share information about a person, such as their genetics. In animals, pheromones can trigger certain behaviors. While pheromones are important for animal communication, scientists are still unsure how much they affect human sexual and romantic attraction.”
What to avoid when vabbing
If you’re thinking about trying vabbing, there are some important things to consider. Dr. Dimitriadi from the Centre for Surgery says that vabbing isn’t harmful, but you must make sure your hands are clean. Using dirty fingers can harm the delicate tissue in your vagina and may spread infections, leading to serious issues like pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also cause bacterial vaginosis or thrush, which can result in unpleasant-smelling discharge, making it less likely to help attract a partner.
Here are the sources you mentioned:
1. Naftulin, Julia. “TikTok users are ‘vabbing’ — wearing their vaginal juices as perfume to activate their natural attraction. A scientist says that makes no sense.” *Insider*, August 4, 2022.
2. Petter, Olivia. “The disgust over ‘vabbing’ is just another way to demonise women’s bodies.” *Independent*, August 7, 2022.
3. Davies, Joe. “EXCLUSIVE: Doctors warn dangerous ‘vabbing’ TikTok trend that sees women use vaginal discharge as PERFUME could cause thrush or even infertility.” *Daily Mail*, August 11, 2022.