A woman in her 30s has revealed that she is hooked on vabbing, a viral dating trend where vaginal fluids are applied as a “love potion,” claiming it helps attract men—even though she has never been in a romantic relationship.
What Is Vabbing?
The term vabbing combines “vagina” and “dabbing” and involves applying vaginal secretions to pulse points like the wrists, neck, or behind the ears. The belief is that these natural fluids contain pheromones that can subtly increase attraction.
While it may sound unusual, vabbing isn’t entirely new. The concept has existed for years, but sexologist Shan Boodram coined the term and popularized it. She has openly shared using the method for over a decade to boost her confidence and enhance attraction.
“Every time I try it, I feel like an enchanted goddess with a delicious secret,” Boodram explained in Refinery29, referencing her 2019 book, The Game of Desire. “Vaginal fluids, especially around ovulation, can act like a natural confidence booster.”
How Vabbing Went Viral
The trend exploded on TikTok, where influencers and dating enthusiasts showcased the technique. A notable viral clip by TikToker Mandy Lee claimed:
“If you vab, you can attract dates, a one-night stand, or even free drinks all night. Just swipe it on—clean enough, not perfect.”
Before being deleted, her video had over 1.5 million likes and inspired countless users to share their own vabbing experiences. Another TikTok user, @jewlieah, posted about trying it at the gym, insisting: “It worked!”
On X (formerly Twitter), others echoed similar sentiments, claiming the practice really influenced attraction.
The Science Behind Vabbing
Experts urge caution. Vabbing is based on pheromones, chemicals used by animals to communicate, mark territory, or attract mates. For instance, female moths release pheromones to draw males from miles away.
But in humans, research on pheromones’ effect on sexual attraction remains inconclusive. A study on body odor and mating found: “Pheromones play a significant role in animal communication, but their influence on human romantic and sexual behavior is still debated.”
Sexual wellness expert Edwina Caito told Cosmopolitan: “Humans secrete pheromones, but there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that vaginal fluids create a true ‘pheromone perfume.’”
Neuroscientist Professor Erick Janssen of KU Leuven called vabbing a “fad,” stating: “Pheromones aren’t something we consciously detect, and I seriously question the validity of these claims.”
Confidence May Be the Real Secret
So why do so many people swear by vabbing? Experts suggest it’s confidence, not chemistry.
“Even if pheromones don’t actually make someone more attractive, believing they do can make you act bolder and more confident,” Boodram explained.
Mike Hall, writing for The Skeptic, called it a “sexual placebo effect”: “Women who vab feel more attractive and irresistible, which may increase their success in dating and social situations.”
Health Considerations
Medical professionals warn of potential hygiene risks. Dr. Paraskevi Dimitriadi, a London-based gynecologist, told the Daily Mail:
“Using unclean fingers to collect vaginal fluids can harm tissue or spread infections like bacterial vaginosis or thrush. This not only risks your health but will not help attract partners.”
Personal Account: Addiction to Vabbing
At the center of this trend is Cassy, featured on TLC’s My Strange Addiction. She admitted the practice has become a daily ritual:
“I’m addicted to vabbing,” she said. “Maybe someone will walk by and say, ‘Hey, you smell good.’ I don’t even know if I smell like that, but I keep hoping it will attract a man.”
Cassy laughed, noting that while she’s never been in a romantic relationship, the ritual gives her a sense of empowerment and personal confidence.
Bottom Line
Whether seen as a dating hack, confidence booster, or viral fad, vabbing remains controversial. Experts recommend prioritizing hygiene and personal safety over any potential attraction benefits.
Do you think vabbing is a confidence trick or a dating secret? Share your thoughts and experiences with this unusual viral trend!