You’ve probably used perfumes, body creams, deodorants and lotions that allow you to enhance your scent on a date, but would you be able to go to the extreme of using your vaginal secretions to seduce? While it may seem a bit strange, this is called vabbing, the new trend on TikTok. Meanwhile, are social media trends getting crazier?
Every month a lot of challenges and trends come out on TikTok. Some are creative and fun, some are unsubstantiated, and at worst some can be dangerous. Vabbing is one of the strangest trends you might never think you’d see on social media, but it’s been grabbing attention in recent weeks.
Vabbing: between weird and natural
Have you ever wondered if your body odor makes you more attractive? The perfume industry has been betting on this for years, but in an artificial or additive way. However, some people are leaning towards the natural, even if that includes turning to genital fluids.
This unconventional technique has started to gain traction with women around the world in recent weeks, after becoming a TikTok trend. However, it is not new, there are books that mention the strategy and magazine articles that talk about the experience. Before vabbing became a trend in 2022, it was mentioned in the Secret Keepers Club podcast in 2018 and was included in the Urban Dictionary in 2019.
@cannabichem stitch w/ @Mandy Lee ♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose
Vabbing comes from the words ‘vagina’ and ‘dabbing’. The theory says that vaginal secretions, strategically worn on the wrists and neck (just like a perfume), can attract a potential mate. The concept involves pheromones present in vaginal secretions, but in practice there is no scientific basis to support this theory in humans.
To date, studies on pheromones indicate that in humans these do not work the way they do with animals, due to the lack of a sensory organ that serves to process the signals. This makes chemical communication lose power in humans, at least in this aspect, as far as science knows so far.
Public acceptance and rejection
Opinions are diverse. Between mockery, rejection, messages of disgust and support, this trend has been one of the most used by many women looking for a partner. The videos on social networks from all sides have not been long in coming.
Although experts say there is no scientific basis for proving its effectiveness, some women have been encouraged to experiment. Stories include descriptions of dating, how partners went crazy for them and how the seduction method is showering them with compliments on potential romantic interests.
Vabbing became popular after TikToker Mandy Lee shared how the strategy can supposedly help in the dating world. Later, other users on TikTok such as Jewlieah have been advocates and promoters, attesting to the success.
@jewlieah ♬ original sound – jewlieah
Doctors, including gynecologists, have come out to talk about it. Most are of the opinion that the procedure has no effect, but if anyone ventures to do it, they should take certain hygiene precautions: wash hands, avoid contact of the dabbed parts with other people, not have any STIs to ensure vaginal and general health.
A confidence boost
Although it doesn’t seem to work the way many people think, apparently vabbing can help you gain confidence. Sex relationships expert Tacey Cox thinks this technique could work for people on a psychological level — and thought so two decades ago, when she wrote about a similar seduction strategy in her first book.
Another sexologist who has been open about the subject is Carlen Costa. She said she has used the technique for 20 years.
“I employ vabbing or encourage vabbing and recommend it as part of a mating ritual with a current lover that already loves your juices,” she says. “It drives people wild and I love it so much… I have zero shame about how I show up in this world, thank you very much.”
Some relationship experts believe the technique could work as a placebo. Meaning the mind could be focused on the objective of seducing, and this psychological aspect is very important to feel more attractive and be ready to connect with someone.
According to sexologists, believing this can work – and also knowing you did something you consider sensual – could encourage you to be more flirtatious, engage in conversations, have eye contact and feel self-confident. In the end, this translates into achieving the desired effect. Another positive point that some experts see is making peace with natural body odor without feeling embarrassed.
Ultimately, vabbing is a very personal choice. As long as you guarantee your hygiene and do not harm another person, you can try whatever makes you feel more sensual and powerful — however, I do not personally recommend this technique.
Image: Maria Talks