Introduction
You may have heard whispers of a shocking Tiktok trend called “vabbing” going on at some gyms. Vabbing - short for vaginal dabbing - is the practice of applying vaginal secretions as a type of natural perfume.
Proponents believe the vagina’s pheromones will make them more sexually attractive and boost their confidence. But many find vabbing unethical and just plain strange. So what’s really going on here? Why is this garnering attention and could it become the next big thing or fade away as a curiosity?
What is Vabbing?
At its core, vabbing, or vaginal dabbing is rubbing small amounts of secretions from the vagina onto the skin to use as a body spray. Techniques range from applying vaginal fluid directly upon leaving the gym shower before dressing to storing secretions like discharge to apply to the neck and wrists as perfume later on. Users cite the natural musky scent as an enticing perfume that harnesses the attraction power of vaginal pheromones.
Reasons for dabbing vaginal fluids (aka “vabbing”) include:
- Boosting self-esteem and confidence at the gym around the opposite sex
- Harnessing the power of pheromones to become more sexually attractive
- Enhancing their natural aroma
- Reconnecting with their primal, sexual energy
Why Do People Vab at the Gym?
Advocates believe that mysteriously alluring scent lurking in natural vaginal secretions contains pheromones that spark sexual attraction from the opposite sex. After a workout, vabbing allows them to harness this effect right when pheromones are highest and attractiveness matters most - post-workout around the other sex. Vabbing here can serve as a confidence booster amongst sweaty peers.
But debate continues in biology over whether human vaginal fluids actually contain pheromones that trigger sexual arousal in others. Still, vabbing fans report the placebo can alone feel empowering. As 18-year old Lila told Allure in an interview:
“Honestly, I just feel sexier and livelier when I vab. Even if it doesn’t impact guys, it puts me in this primal headspace.”
Does Vabbing Actually Work?
As mentioned above, scientific evidence showing vaginal fluids trigger sexual arousal as human pheromones remains limited. Since vabbing has only recently trended, direct studies on its effects don’t yet exist. With no definitive data, personal accounts become hearsay.
And although general pheromone colognes claim to boost attraction, systematic reviews find these products offer no significant effects. So whether direct vaginal secretions offer greater allure still requires research. The placebo impact, however remains strong amongst adherents who feel more confident.
Potential Benefits of Vabbing at the Gym
Lack of data aside, vabbing fans cite multiple perks that suggest why the practice persists:
Confidence Boosting
The placebo impact of vabbing alone offers a pre-workout or post-shower confidence boost on par with spraying a favorite perfume. Feeling sexier and readier to take on the weight room or talk to that cute gym crush can improve motivation.
Increased Attention
Anecdotally numerous vabbing practitioners say they detect more looks of interest and approaches from the opposite sex on vabbing days, suggesting an allure effect.
Natural Scent
The human body emits its own signature smells reflecting health cues and genetic compatibility. Vaginal fluid smells signal reproductive fitness. Vabbing puts forth these natural scents.
Potential Downsides of Vabbing at the Gym
Despite obsessive enthusiasts, vabbing also raises issues around safety, consent and simple courtesy:
Hygiene Concerns
Improper vaginal hygiene raises risks of infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections transmitting to Gym surfaces. Sweaty exercise equipment offers prime conditions for germs to spread.
Unwanted Attention
Though supporters vab hoping to get sexual attention, quantities or scents too strong could prompt unwanted harassment. This imposes on others comfort zones.
Scent Imposition
In too large amounts, vabbing smells imposed could overwhelm people not consenting in close gym quarters This can feel as violating as blaring loud music.
Best Practices for Vabbing at the Gym
Within sex positive circles, vabbing remains an experiment in pheromone power. But in wider social settings like gyms, consideration for others wins over imposing personal trends.
Best practices include:
- Using sparing amounts of vaginal fluids so smells don’t overwhelm
- Mixing with light conventional perfumes rather than applying directly
- Maintaining impeccable hygiene before vabbing to prevent infections
- Considering setting - only vabbing in sexually charged venues like swingers clubs
Ultimately, vabbing fans much gauge context and consent.
The Future of Vabbing at the Gym
Will vabbing break through as a cutting edge trend or fade as a fringe fad? Time will tell whether the practice manages to balance its allure promises with proper etiquette.
Early adopters say interest continues rising in sexually progressive circles. But complaints of imposition or clubs citing hygiene could see bans enforced. Criticism casting vabbing as just the latest modern indulgence towards more radical self-expression seems inevitably on the way as well.
Proponents hope the practice finds balance as a novel boost towards confidence and intimacy amongst willing partners rather than a pressured imposition in already body conscious gym settings.
Key Takeaways
In summary, remember:
- Vabbing means applying vaginal fluids as a scent enhancer
- Scientific proof it functions as human pheromones remains unproven
- Anecdotally, fans report placebo confidence boosting effects
- Stigma and imposition on others without consent dimishes its empowerment promises
- With balance, vabbing may find fans as an intimate option among willing partners
How much this controversial trend manages to walk that thin line has yet to play out on the gym floor.
