There have been rumours of a new STD called Blue Waffle Disease circulating around the internet, with many online communities and forums discussing the supposed STD. If you have heard about the rumours and might be wondering about their authenticity, we are here to address the much-discussed topic and put our feet on it.
What is Blue Waffle Disease?
We would just like to put it out straightaway that Blue Waffle Disease is not real, so nobody is at risk of contracting it. While there is some photo “evidence” that showcases the disease causes discolouration of women’s genitals, it simply does not exist.
The Blue Waffle Disease apparently get its name from the vulva turning blue. Apart from physical discolouration, the disease supposedly displays signs and symptoms, such as burning sensation and discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse, vaginal irritation, foul smell, and unusual discharge.
While it is now known that the disease is all but just an online myth, the bluish tinge of the vulva, more precisely the labia, is a normal physiological appearance. In fact, the images that you might find online might actually be about an actual STD that you should be cautious of, taking appropriate steps to avoid it.
Blue Waffle Disease is not new. In fact, it first came into “existence” as early as 2010 when the initial images, and rather off-putting ones, started to circulate the internet. The mere appearance of the images got the online community talking and being concerned about the rise of a potentially new STD.
Actual STDs resulting in such symptoms
The most disturbing sign of Blue Waffle Disease is the vulva turning blue. While such a physical change may seem out of place, it is actually a normal phenomenon. There are many factors that may lead to discolouration, such as fluctuating hormone levels, pregnancy, and even puberty. The change in colour is, on its own, not an issue.
However, the hoax itself includes several genuine STD symptoms that call for concern. They include:
- Irritation or itching around the vagina
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- A swollen or discoloured vulva
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia do display signs similar to the one described in Blue Waffle Disease. The troublesome thing about both STDs is that they are asymptomatic and do not display any signs and symptoms until it is too late. Some common signs of gonorrhoea and chlamydia are a burning sensation and pain during urination and sex, abnormal vaginal discharge, and swelling of the genital.
Pain and discomfort during urination and sex can also be caused by genital herpes. While there is no known cure for the viral infection yet, the fortunate news is that there are effective management solutions available.
While not an STD, bacterial vaginosis can also cause symptoms similar to Blue Waffle Disease. It usually happens when there is an imbalance of the vagina’s microbiome, causing bacteria to overgrow.
Hence, it is imperative to know that while Blue Waffle Disease does not exist, there are several STDs that cause similar signs. Since the signs are non-specific, you will not know what you are suffering from unless you get an STD test. If fact, we highly recommend individuals go for annual STD testing as there are rare undetectable ones that impact fertility.
Conclusion
This is why the need for effective sex education is crucial – to prevent myths, such as Blue Waffle Disease, from proliferating. Increasing sexual awareness is also vital. Everybody plays a part in protecting not only themselves but also their sexual partners. With adequate and accurate information available from STD clinics, such as Elyon Clinic, staying clueless about sex is just not the way to go.
Here at Elyon Clinic, we aim to educate not only our patients but also the general public on the need for healthy sexual awareness. Whether you are single, dating, married, or playing it casual, the need to be aware of your sexual health is imperative. Our team of medical professionals are ready to answer your queries and suggest related testing to ensure a healthy reproductive system. Contact us at https://elyonclinic.com.sg/ to find out more!
