‘Sex stunt’: Wild new way people are picking up

Women are embracing an unconventional method to attract the opposite sex – but some people think it’s “disgusting”.

A viral new dating trend has taken over single women’s TikTok algorithms everywhere – and it promises to enhance your sex appeal and attract a partner.

The trend centres around the concept of “vabbing,” a blend of the words “vagina” and “dabbing,” which involves using vaginal fluid as a perfume to entice men.

American TikTok creator Mandy Lee originally popularised the term, amassing 1.5 million views on her video that showed her followers exactly how to do it.

She applies the vaginal secretions behind her ears and neck like perfume, based on the theory that pheromones play a crucial role in attraction.

However, experts have warned that the evidence supporting this trend is lacking.

People are now ‘vabbing’ to attract men. Picture: TikTok/Mandy Lee

Does vabbing actually work?

“There is no evidence that this actually works, as there is still no research to show that human beings have pheromones,” Georgia Grace, Certified Sex & Relationships Practitioner, Somatic Therapist, and author, told news.com.au.

“I would describe the vabbing trend as a sex stunt or a phenomenon that has gone viral on social media, particularly TikTok, alongside traditional media, with some people – including a few sexologists – claiming to have vabbed in the past, despite the lack of research or evidence to suggest that this actually works.”

Ms Grace believes the trend’s virality is likely due to its shock factor, noting that it’s “pretty interesting” to see someone apply their fluids to their neck or wrists and suggest they are attracting a partner.

Yet, despite the lack of scientific backing, she believes there could still be potential benefits.

“Perhaps there’s something to say about sex positivity and body positivity,” she notes.

“I know that many people really enjoy connecting with their bodies and their genitals. It can be fun and empowering for people to think or feel that they’re using their own bodily fluids to attract others.

“So perhaps it could be considered more of a placebo – feeling confident you’ve done something like this, which could make you more confident – and there’s so much research to suggest the power of a placebo.”

So what are pheromones, and how do they work?

Vabbing is based on the science of pheromones, a way of communicating through smell.

Bodily secretions, such as vaginal fluids, contain pheromones that can transmit a variety of information about a person, including their genetic makeup.

In the animal world, different pheromones can trigger different behavioural responses.

But while pheromones play a vital role in animal communication, research has yet to confirm whether they play a significant role in human sexual and romantic compatibility.

Georgia Grace, a Certified Sex & Relationships Practitioner, says there’s no scientific evidence to suggest vabbing works to attract a partner. Picture: Supplied

Are there any dangers of the trend?

The trend has been criticised online as “unhygienic” and “disgusting,” becoming the subject of many comedians’ jokes and memes.

But despite historical stigma surrounding vaginas and vagina smells, there are no known risks associated with the vabbing trend.

That said, some people might want to reconsider participating in it.

“For someone who may have Bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is now considered an STI, it could lead to an intense and strong smell coming from the vagina.

“So for someone with BV, maybe they won’t want to do it, because it can smell quite intense.

“And if anyone is noticing strong, or intense smells from their vagina, or changes in the way that their vagina is smelling, it’s really important to go see a doctor to see what’s going on.”

Another consideration is the importance of safer sex practices.

If there are herpes outbreaks, it’s highly contagious, so it’s crucial not to touch the affected area or expose the wound to any other body part.

People have mocked the trend online. Picture: TikTok/stiffsockshighlights

Is there a way for people to participate in the trend safely?

If you’re just doing it on your own body, vabbing is generally quite safe, Ms Grace says.

“I think just to keep in mind that there will always be these sort of salacious ideas around sex,” she says.

“If it’s your thing and it makes you feel confident and sexy – and it’s a bit of fun and exploration – then cool, go for it.

“But it’s always really useful to fact check your information because there is no proven evidence to suggest that this works.”

Originally published as ‘Sex stunt’: Wild new way people are picking up