TikTok serves as an ideal platform for various unusual phenomena. Numerous dances, trends, and experiments have emerged, many of which have sparked curiosity. Recently, a new trend has appeared among women on TikTok. A practice known as “vabbing” involves women applying vaginal secretions on themselves, claiming it acts as the perfect perfume to attract sexual partners. However, scientists remain skeptical about this idea.
Vabbing for romance
Throughout history, many concoctions have been created to assist women in finding partners, ranging from love potions to homemade meals. It might seem like they’ve tried everything, but a new trend on TikTok is gaining popularity. In these videos, women are incorporating a practice known as vabbing into their self-care routines. Essentially, ‘vabbing’ involves using vaginal secretions as one would use perfume. These women claim that it helps them attract sexual partners.
Shan Boodram, a sexologist, discusses this concept in her book, “The Game of Desire.” Boodram shares that she has practiced vabbing for 15 years and affirms its effectiveness in attracting partners. She writes, “If copulins [chemicals secreted by the vagina] are used as perfume, then it will attract anyone traditionally attracted to women with vulvas.” Boodram also expresses, “I am certain that every single time I employ it, it makes me feel like an enchanted goddess with a delicious secret.”
A woman named Mandy Lee shared a video on TikTok about vabbing, which quickly gained over 1 million views. In her video, she stated, “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.” Additionally, several long-time practitioners of vabbing commented on their experiences, confirming its effectiveness. For example, TikTok user @jewlieah claimed that she “vabbed” every day for a week and had success with the technique.
@jewlieah
Does it work?
It has been established for a considerable period that pheromones play a significant role in animal communication. For instance, the pheromones of rabbits assist a new mother’s suckling babies in locating her nipples. Dr. Alexandra James and Dr. Andrea Wahling from La Trobe University provided their insights on how pheromones function in animals. They state that “some scientists agree with the phenomenon, but others do not.”
Bodily secretions, including vaginal fluids, contain pheromones that can transmit various types of information regarding an individual, such as their genetic makeup. In the animal kingdom, different pheromones can elicit specific behavioral responses. Although pheromones are crucial for communication among animals, research remains divided on whether they significantly impact sexual and romantic compatibility in humans.
What not to do when vabbing
If you’re considering trying vabbing, there are several important factors to consider. Dr. Dimitriadi from the Centre for Surgery has confirmed that vabbing is not unhealthy. However, it is crucial to ensure your hands are clean. “If you use dirty fingers inside your vagina to collect discharge you can not only potentially traumatize the tissue in your vagina,” said Dr. Dimitriadi. “But, also spread infection, potentially causing something as serious as a pelvic inflammatory disease. Dirty fingers could also cause bacterial vaginosis or thrush.” She further stated, “If you have bacterial vaginosis or thrush your discharge can be malodorous and will not help you attract a partner.”