Gina Heslop
Vabbing is a trend that became popular on TikTok, where people apply their vaginal secretions to pulse points like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, similar to how you would apply perfume.
The idea behind this trend is that vaginal fluids contain pheromones, which are chemical signals that supposedly make a person more attractive to others. Influencers claim that vabbing helps them get more dates or attention from the opposite sex.
The trend gained attention when influencer Mandy Lee shared a TikTok video saying vabbing helped her attract people, whether for a date or a one-night stand. She advised applying the fluids behind the ears, on the wrists, and on the neck.
Her video received over 1.5 million views before being removed by the platform. Many other users also shared their experiences, claiming that vabbing made them more desirable.
What Do Scientists Say?
Despite the trend’s popularity, scientists say there is no solid evidence to support vabbing’s claims. Pheromones are well-known in the animal world.
Animals use them to mark territory, signal danger, and attract mates. For example, a female moth can release pheromones that attract males from far away.
However, in humans, the situation is different. According to a study on body odors and attraction, research is mixed on whether human pheromones significantly impact sexual or romantic attraction.
Neuroscientist Professor Erick Janssen from KU Leuven in Belgium explained that while pheromones in animals affect behavior and partner selection, there is no strong evidence to support this effect in humans. He referred to vabbing as a “fad” and questioned the validity of the claims.
Sex expert Edwina Caito agreed, stating that while humans do secrete some sex pheromones, the amount in vaginal secretions is not enough to create a powerful effect.
She suggested that the positive effects of vabbing might be more about the placebo effect. When people believe they are more attractive, they may feel more confident, which can naturally draw others to them.
Risks of Vabbing
Though vabbing might seem harmless, it does carry some risks:
1. Hygiene Concerns: Inserting unclean fingers into the vagina can introduce harmful bacteria, potentially causing infections like bacterial vaginosis, thrush, or even pelvic inflammatory disease. These conditions could lead to unpleasant symptoms and might even affect fertility.
2. STI Risks: If a person has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), there is a chance of spreading it through bodily fluids. For example, if someone with an STI applies their fluids to their skin and another person comes into contact with it (such as through kissing or touching), there is a small chance of transmission.
3. Social Etiquette: Many people find the practice of vabbing uncomfortable or even disturbing. Some social media users expressed their disgust, with comments like “I’m honestly so revolted” and “I’m not touching a single person anymore.”
While vabbing might give some people a confidence boost, there is no scientific proof that it actually increases attraction through pheromones. The perceived effects could simply be due to feeling more self-assured, which naturally makes a person more appealing.
If someone still wants to try vabbing, it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene and consider how others might react. Ultimately, science suggests that vabbing’s claims are more hype than fact.
