Do Vaginas Have Protein?

If there's anything I know, it's that getting nutritious sources of protein — whether it's from eating ground beef, chicken, salmon, or a protein shake — is a must. After all, "protein is the most satiating macronutrient," nutritionist Vanessa Liu previously told POPSUGAR. It keeps you full, helps you build muscle, and even helps repair cells. But if you're one of the 4,400 people per month googling "do vaginas have protein?," I think it's time we set the record straight.

For those of you who aren't familiar, this rumor has been circulating on social media for a while. But while it sounds amazing in theory, is it too good to be true? With the help of ob-gyn Felice Gersh, MD, founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, and ob-gyn Cindy Duke, MD, owner and medical director of Nevada Fertility Institute, here's the truth behind whether there is protein in vagina.

When asked if cunnilingus would be a sufficient way for people to contribute to their protein intake, Dr. Gersh responded saying, "Not in the least." She explains that the material in vaginal secretions includes "large numbers of bacteria, cervical mucous, cells [that were] shed from the vaginal and cervical walls, liquids that have passed through the vaginal walls containing electrolytes, and a small additional quantity of protein, largely a type of antibody called secretory immunoglobulin."

While the word "protein" is included in Dr. Gersh's description, do not be fooled: "The minimal amount of protein someone would actually consume during oral sex would add nothing to their nutritional status," Dr. Gersh confirms.

If anything, "vaginal fluid is actually mostly made up of carbohydrates and other compounds," says Dr. Duke. But still, she reiterates, "There isn't any nutritional value in this bodily fluid that would be beneficial or significant to another's person's dietary intake."

For the record, I think encouraging partners to go down on each other is amazing. But encouraging that by saying snacking on vagina could help you reach your protein goals? It's unfortunately just not valid. So if you're interested in eating more protein, start incorporating more protein-rich foods in your diet (think: eggs, chickpeas, or even, this high-protein mac-and-cheese dish). As a reminder, you should aim to hit at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight, according to registered dietitian Jim White, a certified exercise physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine who previously spoke to POPSUGAR. That's approximately seven grams for every 20 pounds of bodyweight.

But most importantly, if you have a question about what does or doesn't qualify as a sufficient source of protein, don't take advice from what you hear about on TikTok or other social media. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist instead. And while I'm always looking for reasons to encourage people to go down on their partner, let their pleasure or yours be the only motivation you need.