The world of Internet and social media is full of bizarre trends. Here’s one: Vabbing. A portmanteau of the words vagina and dabbing, it involves using vaginal fluid and dabbing it on the body like a perfume to attract the opposite sex! Though there is no scientific evidence to back this claim, vabbing has been trending online for a while. But mind you, there is a risk of introducing harmful bacteria to the skin while applying vaginal secretions on the wrists or the back of the ears. Curious to know if vabbing really works? Read on to know all about vaginal dabbing and if it is worth trying.

What is vabbing?

Vabbing is short for vaginal dabbing, which is a practice where women apply their own vaginal secretion or vaginal discharge as a form of perfume or scent. This practice is based on the belief that the natural pheromones and scent produced by the vagina can be appealing or attractive to others when applied to the skin as a fragrance, says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Madhu Juneja. She warns that the safety and efficacy of using vaginal secretions as perfume have not been scientifically validated.

According to research published in the Reproductive, Female and Child Health journal in 2023, pheromones play a key role in mate selection among animals, including human beings. But it is still not known if vaginal fluid is a sex-attractant pheromone that can be used as a perfume.

How does vabbing work?

Vabbing typically involves collecting vaginal secretions from the vaginal opening or inner labia using a clean finger or applicator and then applying these secretions to the skin as a form of perfume or scent. The exact method of vabbing may vary depending on individual preferences and practices.

Vaginal secretions are naturally produced by the vaginal glands and may vary in consistency, texture, and scent depending on factors such as hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycle, and overall vaginal health, says the expert. Some women may find their vaginal juices to have a subtle or pleasant scent, which they may choose to use as a fragrance. However, it is essential to exercise caution when collecting and applying vaginal secretions externally.

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What are the benefits of vabbing?

Here are some potential benefits of vabbing:

• Some people may appreciate the natural scent of their vaginal secretions, believing it to be unique, subtle
• Vaginal secretions contain pheromones, which are chemical compounds that may play a role in attraction, says the expert. Some believe that vabbing can enhance their natural pheromone scent and potentially attract sexual partners.
• Vabbing may serve as a way to embrace and celebrate their femininity, sensuality, and bodily autonomy.
• It can be a natural, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic perfumes, as it utilises the body’s own secretions rather than commercially produced fragrances.

Is vabbing healthy?

The safety and health implications of vabbing, or applying vaginal secretions as a perfume, are not well understood and have not been scientifically validated. While some women may perceive vabbing as a natural and harmless practice, there are potential risks and considerations to be aware of, including the possibility of infections and disruptions to vaginal health.

1. Infection risks

The vagina is a self-cleaning and self-regulating organ with its own unique microbiome, which consists of a balance of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. Introducing vaginal secretions externally, such as by applying them to the skin as a fragrance, may disrupt this delicate ecosystem and increase the risk of infections. Harmful bacteria or pathogens present in vaginal secretions could potentially lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or infections if introduced to the skin or mucous membranes, explains Dr Juneja.

2. Hygiene considerations

Collecting and applying vaginal fluid externally requires careful hygiene practices to minimise the risk of contamination and infection. Practicing proper hand hygiene and cleansing the external genital area before collecting secretions can help reduce the risk of introducing harmful bacteria. It is also important to use clean and sanitized applicators or tools if collecting secretions for vabbing.

3. Potential irritation

Vaginal secretions can vary in consistency, texture, and pH depending on factors, including your periods. Some women may be more sensitive to certain components of vaginal secretions, and applying them externally could potentially cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or discomfort.

If you want to try vabbing, exercise caution. It is important to prioritise vaginal health and hygiene and to consult with a doctor if you experience any concerns or symptoms related to vaginal health or well-being. If you are interested in exploring natural fragrances or scents, you may consider using commercially available perfumes or essential oils that are specifically formulated for external use and have undergone safety testing.