Around 2010, whispers of “blue Waffle Disease” started to spread. Around 2010, whispers of “blue waffle disease” began circulating online.
Online users claimed that it was a sexually transmitted disease (STI).
Blue waffle disease, while it’s obvious that there is labia in this picture, isn’t real. The picture is a pervasive, fake meme.
We dispel the myths surrounding blue waffle disease and explain how STIs can be acquired and how to test for them.
What’s the Blue Waffle Disease hoax?
The claims supporting the photo were nearly as alarming as the actual image. Blue waffle disease was an STI only found in women with vaginal problems. Another common belief was that this fictional STI only developed in females with many sex partners.
Named after the slang terms “waffle”, which means vagina, and “blue waffle”, which refers to a serious vaginal disease. Blue waffle disease is a rumored cause of blue discoloration, bruising and lesions.
It turns out that the medical community does not recognize any diseases that have that name or cause those symptoms. However, several STIs can cause lesions and discharge in sexually active people.
Sexually transmitted real infections
While blue waffle disease is not real, there are many other STIs. You must know the risks of getting an STI if you are sexually active. It may be worth checking your genitals for signs of an STI.
These are the symptoms and signs of the most commonly contracted STIs.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV).
BV is the most common type of vaginal infection among women aged 15 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is due to an imbalance in bacteria normally found within the vagina.
Although it is unclear why people get it, certain activities that alter the vaginal pH balance can increase the risk. Douching and having multiple sex partners are two examples.
Sometimes BV doesn’t cause symptoms. If it does cause symptoms, you might notice:
- Vaginal discharge is thin and white to grayish.
- A fishy smell that becomes more severe after sex
- Vaginal pain Itching or burning
- a burning sensation during urination
Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be common in any sex. It can be transmitted via oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
Chlamydia, if not treated, can lead to serious complications and impact female fertility. Although it can be curable, you and your partner must receive treatment.
Many people with chlamydia do not experience symptoms. Symptoms can take up to several weeks before they appear.
Some symptoms of a vaginal infection include:
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation when you urinate
The following symptoms can affect the testicles or penis:
- The penis can be released
- Urinating can cause a burning sensation
- Pain and swelling in either one or both of the testicles
You may notice that anal or chlamydia spreads from another area to the rectum, such as the vaginal if you are experiencing:
- rectal pain
- Discharge from the rectum
- Rectal bleeding
Gonorrhea
This STI can be contracted by anyone sexually active. Gonorrhea is a condition that can affect the genitals and rectum. It is passed by oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Gonorrhea can cause no symptoms. It depends on the place and the sex of the person experiencing it.
Someone with a penis might notice:
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Yellow, green, or white discharges from the penis
- Pain and swelling of the testicles
Someone with a vegina might notice:
- Urinating can cause pain or burning
- Vaginal discharge is higher
- bleeding between periods
- pain during sex
- Lower abdominal pain
Rectal infections can lead to:
- Discharge from the rectum
- Pain
- itching
- rectal bleeding
- painful bowel movements