What is blue waffle disease?
Blue waffle is a fictitious sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is said to disfigure and turn the vagina blue. The myth first surfaced in 2010 and quickly went viral after a New Jersey councilwoman cited it as a health risk to women’s.
The bogus STI name was derived from the word “waffle,” which is a slang term for vagina. People continued to spread misinformation about the fictitious disease after the blue waffle photo went viral on the internet.
People frequently claimed that the STI could only affect the vaginal organs and cause blue-colored labia, bruising, and lesions. The photograph may appear frightening and convincing, but the condition is not real. Blue waffle disease is not only absent from reputable medical texts, periodicals, and websites, but it has also been debunked by prominent doctors.
Is blue waffle disease real?
There is no such thing as blue waffle disease. There is no such infection, despite photographic “evidence” of a person’s blue-colored vulva.
Fake news can emerge from anywhere on the internet, and rumors spread quickly. The study, that false rumors reach more people than the truth and spread faster.
The internet is full of false information about this fictitious condition, and its definition varies between websites.
Despite the fact that there are many reliable and trustworthy sources of information about sexual and reproductive health on the internet, the persistence of blue waffle disease rumors highlights the dangers of misinformation.
It also demonstrates that many readers are unaware of what causes STIs or how they spread between individuals.
How the Blue Waffle Hoax Started
The myth of blue waffle disease started as a bait-and-switch meme. The pranksters posted an image of a blue-colored waffle with the text: “Bet you can’t find me on Google image search.” Those who took the bait were shocked to find a photograph of a blue-tinted, apparently diseased labia. The name was inspired by the slang term “waffle,” which means “vagina.”
The disease, which the pranksters claimed was sexually transmitted, was said to cause vaginal lesions, itching, burning, and a smelly discharge—in other words, all of the symptoms associated with STIs such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.2
While the image of the blue vagina could have been doctored, it is more likely that the vagina was stained with gentian violet. (Gentian violet is a blue antiseptic dye that is occasionally used to treat yeast infections.)8
Medical evidence debunking the myth did little to calm social media panic. Some even claimed that if left untreated, blue waffle disease could eventually turn a person’s body blue.
The symptoms of blue waffle disease
Blue waffle is a “sexually transmitted disease” characterized by “bacterial growth on the vagina,” which causes a woman’s vulva to turn shocking shades of blue, according to the website. “Multiple sex partners,” “unprotected sex,” and “poor personal hygiene” are said to be the causes of the disease (Just like all those scary middle school rumors).
Although the site states that “no treatment is currently available,” it does provide tips on how to avoid or mitigate blue waffles. “A proper diet is essential,” says the author, and “tea tree oil may help a little.”
“It’s a disease that has already claimed 90 lives, and it’s here in Trenton,” she declared. “At this point, blue waffle disease is thought to be a virus that is ten times more powerful than the AIDS virus.”
The April Fool’s Day timing is a red flag. Blue waffle disease is a misogynistic hoax based on the term “waffle.” Despite the fact that blue waffle does not exist, it is widely spread on the internet.
What causes Blue Waffles disease?
The blue waffles disease is caused by the growth of various microorganisms and parasites in and around the vaginal area. Other factors that can contribute to the occurrence of blue waffles disease are listed below.
Unprotected sex: having unprotected sex with your partner is one of the primary causes of blue waffles disease. Aside from having sexual adventures with multiple partners, exchanging sex toys can also lead to the disease’s occurrence. People frequently use masturbation toys for pleasure, but using unclean toys can cause the disease. This disease can be caused by a minor cut or scratch in the vagina, either from intercourse or from the use of toys.
Poor sanitary habits: women who are lax in maintaining proper sanitary care are more likely to contract this disease. Using the same sanitary napkins for more than 12 hours, or wearing the same underwear for several days, can result in the growth of microorganisms that cause blue waffles.
Oral sex is the most common way for this disease to be passed from male to female or vice versa. Immune system compromise: a weakened immune system reduces the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. As a result, the risk of blue waffles disease multiplies many times in females with weakened immune systems.
How are blue waffles treated?
Before beginning treatment for blue waffles disease, the patient must provide the doctor with a detailed medical history. Before beginning treatment, the doctor would physically examine the female genitalia for spots. The doctor would prescribe a different treatment based on the severity of the disease.
Anti-fungal ointment/lotion: If the blue waffles disease is in its early stages, the doctor will prescribe an anti-fungal lotion to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Antibiotics: If the disease is advance and spreads quickly, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics such as penicillin. A doctor may advise intravenous antibiotic use for faster relief.
Perineal care: the presence of moisture in the vagina can result in the rapid spread of microorganisms. As a result, keeping the vagina dry and clean is essential for a quick recovery from the disease. In such a case, the doctor may prescribe a lactic acid-based feminine wash. This helps to keep the vaginal pH stable. Loose undergarments: The doctor would advise the patient to wear loose undergarments because proper air circulation prevents further irritation of the affected area.
Blue Waffle Disease Prevention?
Blue waffles disease can be avoided by taking the following precautions.
- Tight pants should be avoided.
- Never have sex with your partner without protection.
- Every few hours, the sanitary napkins should be changed.
- It is best to avoid having sex with multiple partners.
- After the intercourse, the vagina must be thoroughly cleaned.
- To boost the immune system, a healthy diet must be consume.
- The sex toys must be clean and never share with friends.
- After consulting with a doctor, multivitamin supplements should be taken.
- To keep the vagina dry, use medicated vaginal powers. The market is flooded with medicated vaginal powers.
- Tea tree oil, which has strong antimicrobial properties, can be massage into the vagina and then washed away.
The Importance of Sex Education
The blue waffle phenomenon exemplifies people seeking sex education on the internet and accepting false information as the truth.
Blue waffle disease has been debunked by sex educators across the United States as nothing more than an urban legend, but rumors continue to circulate on the internet.
Because of the prevalence of these rumors, children and teenagers may require a more comprehensive sex education trusted Source.
Inadequate sex education is one of the primary causes of the high prevalence of STIs among young people. Without proper knowledge of STIs and how to avoid them, young people may turn to the internet for information, only to find false information.
There are several other reasons why STIs affect young people more than older people. These include an increased likelihood of having multiple sexual partners and an increased risk of incorrectly using condoms.
The Bottom Line
Blue waffle disease is a bogus STI that allegedly mimics the symptoms of vaginal infections and real STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. According to hoaxers, it also turns the vaginal area blue.
The prevalence of rumors about this fictitious disease suggests that people are not receiving adequate sex education. People may seek answers and believe false information on the internet if they are not properly informed.
Comprehensive sex education is require to ensure that educators provide young people with the facts and assist them in understanding how to protect themselves and others from STIs.
