DOCTORS ISSUE URGENT WARNING ABOUT GROSS NEW TREND ‘VABBING’

TikTok has a knack for turning the most unexpected ideas into viral sensations, sparking trends that can be equal parts fascinating and bewildering. Among the latest to capture attention—and raise a few eyebrows—is something known as “vabbing.” Part beauty hack, part social experiment, vabbing is a unique trend where women use their natural scent in an unconventional way, claiming it works wonders as a personal “perfume” for attracting potential partners.

Advocates of vabbing say it taps into an ancient, primal appeal, while others can’t decide if it’s a breakthrough in confidence or just another bizarre internet fad. But is there any science to back it up? And is it as effective as some TikTok users claim? In a world where traditional beauty products are set aside for the unexpected, vabbing is leaving viewers both intrigued and perplexed. Curious about the origins, the science, and the public’s take on this unconventional practice? Read on to explore what’s driving one of TikTok’s boldest trends yet.

The Origins and Appeal of Vabbing

The term “vabbing” is a portmanteau of “vagina” and “dabbing,” describing the practice where individuals apply their vaginal secretions to pulse points—such as the wrists and behind the ears—in lieu of traditional perfume. This unconventional method aims to harness natural pheromones to attract potential partners.

The concept gained traction in 2019 when sexologist Shan Boodram introduced it in her book, The Game of Desire. Boodram, who has practiced vabbing for over a decade, asserts its effectiveness in enhancing attraction. She explains, “If copulins [chemicals secreted by the vagina] are used as perfume, then it will attract anyone traditionally attracted to women with vulvas.” Boodram further describes the personal empowerment she feels, stating, “I am certain that every single time I employ it, it makes me feel like an enchanted goddess with a delicious secret.”

The trend saw a resurgence in 2022 when TikTok user Mandy Lee posted a video advocating for vabbing as a means to attract attention. In her now-deleted video, Lee claimed, “I swear if you vab, you will attract people, like a date, [or a one-night stand]. Or you’ll just get free drinks all night.” This endorsement sparked widespread interest, leading to numerous TikTok users sharing their experiences and testimonials.

One such user, Julia Sena (@jewlieah), documented her vabbing journey, noting instances where she received free drinks and gifts after practicing vabbing. In a video with over 3.9 million views, she remarked, “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but vabbing works.”

The appeal of vabbing lies in its promise of leveraging one’s natural scent to enhance attraction, offering a personalized alternative to synthetic perfumes. For many, it represents a blend of curiosity, empowerment, and a desire to explore unconventional methods in the realm of dating and attraction.

Is There Science Behind Vabbing?

The practice of vabbing hinges on the belief that human pheromones—chemical signals secreted by the body—can influence sexual attraction. In the animal kingdom, pheromones play a well-documented role in communication and mating behaviors. For instance, certain insects release pheromones to attract mates from significant distances. However, the existence and impact of pheromones in humans remain subjects of ongoing scientific debate.

Dr. Alexandra James and Dr. Andrea Waling from La Trobe University note that while bodily secretions like vaginal fluids contain compounds that might convey information about a person, the evidence regarding their effect on human attraction is inconclusive. They state, “While pheromones play an important role in how animals communicate with each other, research is divided as to whether pheromones play a significant role in sexual and romantic compatibility for humans.”

Some studies have explored the potential influence of specific compounds, such as androstadienone and estratetraenol, on human behavior. However, these studies often face methodological challenges, and their findings are not universally accepted. Dr. Tristram Wyatt of the University of Oxford emphasizes this uncertainty, stating, “We do not yet know if humans have pheromones.”

Moreover, the human vomeronasal organ (VNO), responsible for detecting pheromones in many animals, is largely considered vestigial in humans. This suggests that even if pheromones are present, our ability to detect and respond to them may be limited.

Practical Guide: Dos and Don’ts for Safe Vabbing

If you’re considering trying vabbing, it’s essential to prioritize hygiene and safety to minimize health risks. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Dos:

• Maintain Cleanliness: Before collecting vaginal secretions, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. This practice helps prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria into the vaginal area. Dr. Dimitriadi from the Centre for Surgery emphasizes, “If you use dirty fingers inside your vagina to collect discharge, you can not only potentially traumatize the tissue in your vagina but also spread infection.”
• Apply to Appropriate Areas: Dab the secretions on pulse points such as the wrists, behind the ears, and the neck—areas where you’d typically apply perfume. This method aims to utilize body heat to diffuse the scent.
• Be Mindful of Your Health: If you have any vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, it’s advisable to avoid vabbing. These conditions can cause malodorous discharge, which may not have the intended effect. Dr. Dimitriadi notes, “If you have bacterial vaginosis or thrush, your discharge can be malodorous and will not help you attract a partner.”

Don’ts:

• Avoid Vabbing During Menstruation: It’s best to refrain from vabbing while on your period, as menstrual blood may alter the natural scent and could be less appealing.
• Do Not Use Unclean Hands: Always ensure your hands are clean before and after the process to prevent potential infections. Dirty fingers could introduce bacteria, leading to conditions like bacterial vaginosis or thrush.
• Avoid Sensitive Areas: Do not apply vaginal secretions near sensitive areas such as the eyes or mouth, as this could cause irritation or infection. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a gynecologist at the Yale School of Medicine, advises caution, stating that placing vaginal discharge on mucous membranes, like near the eye, could potentially spread infections.

Public Reactions and Cultural Impact

The vabbing trend has ignited a spectrum of reactions across social media platforms, particularly TikTok. Some users advocate for its effectiveness in attracting potential partners, while others express skepticism or outright disgust.

Proponents of vabbing share personal anecdotes highlighting its perceived success. TikTok user @jewlieah documented her experiences, noting instances where she received free drinks and gifts after practicing vabbing. In a video with over 3.9 million views, she remarked, “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but vabbing works.”

Conversely, many users express skepticism regarding vabbing’s efficacy and raise hygiene concerns. Some health professionals caution against the practice due to potential health risks. Dr. Dimitriadi from the Centre for Surgery warns that using unclean fingers to collect vaginal secretions can introduce infections, potentially leading to conditions like bacterial vaginosis or thrush.

The vabbing phenomenon reflects broader cultural conversations about natural beauty, body autonomy, and unconventional methods of attraction. It challenges traditional norms by encouraging individuals to embrace their natural scents as a form of empowerment. However, the trend also underscores the influence of social media in propagating unverified practices, highlighting the need for critical evaluation of such trends.

The Curiosity and Controversy of Vabbing

The vabbing trend exemplifies the dynamic interplay between social media influence and personal experimentation in contemporary beauty practices. While some individuals report positive experiences, attributing increased attention from potential partners to this unconventional method, the scientific community remains skeptical about its efficacy. Experts like Dr. Alexandra James and Dr. Andrea Waling from La Trobe University highlight the lack of conclusive evidence supporting the role of human pheromones in sexual attraction, stating, “Research is divided as to whether pheromones play a significant role in sexual and romantic compatibility for humans.”

Health professionals also caution against potential risks associated with vabbing. Dr. Dimitriadi from the Centre for Surgery warns that improper hygiene during the practice can lead to infections, emphasizing, “If you use dirty fingers inside your vagina to collect discharge, you can not only potentially traumatize the tissue in your vagina but also spread infection.”

As with many viral trends, vabbing underscores the importance of critical evaluation and informed decision-making. While the allure of natural attraction methods is compelling, individuals should consider both anecdotal experiences and scientific perspectives. Ultimately, personal empowerment and confidence stem from choices that prioritize well-being and authenticity.