The Truth About Your (And Everyone Else’s) WAP
And What Cardi B got wrong
By: JV, Senior Adult Sexuality Educator, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s WAP is stirring quite the proverbial macaroni pot. As a Sexuality Educator, I feel compelled to first and foremost share what a treat it is to have a Summer 2020 sex-positive anthem gifted to the world by Black femmes amid these challenging times. Now, I have a job to do. A job that requires me to decipher lyrics at the hypothetical socially distant BBQ while others get to enjoy songs like WAP. Think Khia’s ‘My Neck, My Back’ and my personal sense of urgency to warn folx about the risk of UTIs caused by moving bacteria from the anus to the vagina or my joy to hear the lyrics to Yo Gotti’s ‘Down in the DM’ convey consent and communication when I heard “Snapchat me that pussy if it’s cool.”
To start, WAP, or wet ass pussy, refers to one’s ability to self-lubricate via the Bartholin’s glands of the vagina. During arousal, these glands may produce fluid, which may help to reduce friction. Vagina-owners can experience discharge on a regular basis and the discharge can vary in the amount, consistency, and color. If any of the previously mentioned characteristics of the discharge are not what the individual considers “normal” or typical for them, scheduling a visit with a health care provider can help to address any concerns.
In addition, while general wetness can be normal to the individual, DAP or the inability to self-lubricate is also very common. Reasons for vaginal dryness can include being on certain medications, dehydration, hormonal changes, and stress to name a few. It’s for these reasons that I say: lube is our friend, steadfast rules for how bodies should be characterized are not. Body-friendly, condom-friendly, or sex toy-friendly lubricants (there are several types of lubes to consider depending on the material of the toy) can help reduce otherwise painful friction during sex. Let’s work to normalize the use of lube in our sexual tool kit along with consent and communication.
Lastly, I simply must address a video post gone viral in which @IamCardiB talks about vaginal PH balance. As thrilled as I am that the video’s content serves as a conversation starter about vaginal care and hygiene practices, there is a bit of misinformation. In the video, Cardi advises viewers to brush their teeth before performing oral sex, especially considering if they’ve eaten BBQ ribs or a bacon egg and cheese. Brushing your teeth actually causes tiny incisions or cuts inside the mouth, therefore brushing your teeth 30 minutes before or after performing oral sex can actually increase one’s risk of exposure to an STI. Similarly, penetrative sexual activity can also cause these sites of incisions, yet another reason to introduce and use a lubricant during solo or partnered sex. Rinsing your mouth can serve as a harm-reducing alternative to brushing, okuuuuuuurt!
JV is a Newark native, first generation child of immigrants, sex positive sexuality educator. Within their 11 years in this field, they’ve become particularly passionate about discussing environmental racism and language justice.
