The “blue waffle disease” STI is a myth. In 2010, internet pranksters made up claims that it turns the vagina blue and produces symptoms like itching linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
To show that blue waffle sickness is actual, they even went so far as to upload a picture of what seems to be blue labia (fleshy folds surrounding the vagina).
There are several internet resources for health knowledge. However, the assertions made about blue waffle disease are wholly untrue.
There are several internet resources for health knowledge. However, the assertions made about blue waffle disease are wholly untrue.
Real Sexually Transmitted Infection
Many believed that the blue waffle sickness was genuine because the pranksters asserted that the ailment resulted in vaginal sores, itching, burning, and a foul discharge. The following are STI-specific signs and symptoms:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) symptoms include spotting or bleeding during sex, vaginal redness and swelling, itching, discharge, a “fishy” odor, and burning after peeing.
- Redness, swelling, itching, discharge, pain when urinating, pelvic or lower back pain, discomfort during sexual activity, bleeding during sex, and irregular menstruation blood are just a few of the symptoms of chlamydia.
- Gonorrhea symptoms include difficulty urinating, lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort, pain during sex, bleeding after sex, and bleeding between periods.
- Symptoms of genital herpes include redness, swelling, itching, burning, blistering, discharge, and pain when urinating.
- HPV brings on both genital warts and vaginal pain.
What Led Up to the Blue Waffle Hoax
The blue waffle disease hoax was first circulated through a bait-and-switch meme. Jokes about “bet you can’t find me on Google image search” were sent with a photo of a blue waffle. The target of the prank was shocked to see a picture of blue labia that alluded to a disease. The term “waffle,” a slang term for “vagina,” inspired the name.
According to the con artist, the condition had all the typical gonorrhea and chlamydia symptoms, such as vaginal ulcers, itching, burning, and an unpleasant discharge.
Even if it’s possible that Photoshop invented the blue vagina, gentian violet staining looks more natural. (The blue antibacterial dye gentian violet is sometimes used to treat yeast infections.)
Despite medical evidence disproving the claim, social media users became more anxious. Untreated blue waffle sickness has also reportedly been seen to change a person’s skin tone over their whole body.
Councilwoman Kathy MacBride of New Jersey fell for the “blue waffle” trick in 2013 and took action to address the phony health issue.
The Fallout from the Hoax
Even though it could have seemed innocent at first, the prank was effective in its goal of creating unease and terror. These frauds have given rise to a phenomenon known as “Munchausen by Internet,” in which people fabricate illnesses to get attention or engage in cyberbullying.
The fact that so many people fell for the joke primarily reflects the pervasive idea that sexually active women are “abnormal” and deserve the treatment they get. Despite being a sexually transmitted disease, blue waffle sickness only afflicted females.
Contrary to common thought, passionate boys and young men show out their “blue balls” with pride. Men are advised to have regular intercourse to avoid getting “blue balls.”
It stands for a culture that still regards women as less valuable than males because of their sexual prowess.
Practical jokes’ ability to provoke anxiety and suffering is proof of how rapidly erroneous information may spread, having an influence on people’s mental health as well as their understanding of the facts surrounding STIs.
Checking for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms don’t happen very often. Condom-free sexual conduct or other STI risk factors increase your likelihood of having an STI even if you don’t show any signs.
Whether or whether you are experiencing symptoms, get medical attention if you think you may have been exposed. Testing is the only method to determine whether you have a sexually transmitted illness. Your doctor will inform you if you are tested within the “window period” when false negative results are most typical so that you may entirely avoid testing.
The CDC has issued the following recommendations for testing American women for STIs:
- Young women who engage in sexual activity should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia annually.
- Women over 25 who are sexually active and have risk factors. Additionally, yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea testing are encouraged.
- Pregnant women at high risk should have prenatal testing for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
- Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be able to get an HIV test as part of routine medical treatment.
A Word From Uf52
The so-called “blue waffle” sickness does not exist. It won’t result in blue genitalia and is not a sexually transmitted illness.
However, you should see your doctor, a women’s health center, or a free STI clinic if you have genital changes like lumps, blisters, or discharge. These symptoms and indicators might point to an STI that requires medical care.
The ability to identify the signs of a sexually transmitted virus and the knowledge and skills needed to avoid getting one are two sides of the same coin. You may avoid being a victim of internet scams by only believing data from reputable organizations like the CDC.
