Doctors warn the 'vabbing' trend could cause thrush or infertility

TikTok has been the origin of many strange social media trends over the years, such as the Gentleminions phenomenon, the penny challenge, and 'famous relative' checks.

But 'vabbing' might just be the strangest trend yet.

'Vabbing' is a mish-mash of the words 'vagina' and 'dabbing' and is a practice that sees people with vaginas take their genital secretion and then dab it on their skin in lieu of perfume.

The idea is to use one’s natural scent and pheromones to attract romantic attention.

And, according to TikTok users, it works.

Dmitrii Pridannikov / Alamy

One TikTok user said: "Vabbing 100 per cent works. I got offered two free drinks at the pool and then a guy literally came back and gave me [a gift]."

Another user said: "I've been doing it for 20 years.

A third added: "That thing is witchcraft [for men]."

The trend has amassed approximately 13 million views on the social media platform, according to estimates by The Independent.

Multiple health experts have come forth to yell 'no' to the unsanitary practice.

Fortis Hospital Gynaecologist Uma Vaidyanathan told the Indian Express that the trend has 'no scientific basis at all' as humans don’t experience the same basic scent instincts in the same way that other animals do.

Women’s Health spoke with Hana Patel, a doctor and female health specialist in south London, who warned people against contemplating trying the trend.

"There is the potential to get an infection. We have bacteria and fungi on our skin, and if we upset the vagina’s natural balance, it can cause a localised infection," Dr Patel said.

But those aren't the only risks that vabbing may pose to a person's health.

Science Photo Library / Alamy

London gynaecologist Paraskevi Dimitriadi told the Daily Mail that if certain bacteria is already on the fingers and then inserted into the vagina it can lead to a myriad of issues, including bacterial vaginosis, thrush, or even pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Now, PID is where it can get really nasty, because the infection can spread from the cervix to other organs and can even lead to infertility.

"We secrete the same pheromones throughout the glands of our body," Dr Dimitriadi said, as per the Daily Mail.

"We have pheromones in our sweat. We also secrete pheromones through urine and we don’t put that on our bodies.

"There is absolutely no need to use your vaginal discharge on other parts of your body to attract a partner."

Topics: Health, Social Media, Viral, Weird, Sex and Relationships

Helena Pantsis