What Is Blue Waffle?

Blue waffle, also known as blue waffles sickness or waffle blue disease, is a made-up STI. Nothing you see about it online is true, even photographs of people who claim to have it. 

This hoax began many years ago, when someone shared an online image of a vivid blue vulva (the exterior of a vagina). According to the anonymous poster, it was the result of a STI that only affects women and has no cure. People started referring to it as "blue waffle disease" because "waffle" is a slang term for vagina. 

Aside from a brilliant blue vulva, other purported symptoms of this made-up disease are:

Itching

Burning

Discharge

Strange or intense vaginal odor.

"Blue waffle" is not a real thing; no recognized health condition can turn your genitals blue. However, symptoms like these can indicate that you have another problem going on down there. For example, you might have vaginitis. This is a typical vaginal irritation that is easily addressed. Alternatively, you could have a true STI: These symptoms could indicate gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis. 

Many clinicians now use the term "STI" rather than "STD" (sexually transmitted disease). It is more accurate and carries less shame. But there is no distinction between the two names.

STIs are very frequent. More than 25 million cases occur in the United States each year.

If you suspect you have a STI, see your doctor immediately. They can order tests. If your answer is positive, the test will also tell you what type of STI you have.  

 STIs do not go away on their own. Antibiotics can entirely treat some infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other STIs, such as herpes and HIV, are incurable. They will remain in your body, but you can treat them with antiviral medications. This can alleviate your symptoms and prevent you from transmitting the STI to your sex partners.

When you're diagnosed, you'll have to tell everyone you've had sex with in the previous three months. This can feel really difficult. However, it is critical that your partners get tested and, if positive, get treatment as well. Your doctor can help you decide what to say.

If untreated, STIs can lead to other health problems. If you are pregnant, they can be harmful to your baby's health.

"Blue waffle" is an example of an online scam that has deceived people for many years.  It is a made-up sexually transmitted infection, or STI, that is supposed to have no cure and only affects women. 

While the story is not true, it serves as an excellent reminder to carefully research any health or medical material you come across, especially online. Stories that are stunning or surprising tend to circulate quickly and are difficult to debunk. Check out what you're reading by looking for unbiased, trustworthy sources with current information. 

If you suspect you have a STI, visit your doctor. They can test you and recommend a treatment that works.

How is medical misinformation spread?

According to studies, fraudulent claims propagate faster on the internet than true ones. This could be because bogus news is more entertaining, or it elicits a stronger emotional response, such as fear, disgust, or astonishment. In either case, you are more inclined to spread fake news.

Social media makes it difficult to combat misinformation. If you "like" a fraudulent claim or view a video, you'll see more of them on your feed. You will not find postings or videos debunking them or presenting a proven, scientific point of view. 

Where can I get accurate medical information?

Use a reliable scientific source. Business websites are those that end in.com. They frequently try to sell you something, whether it's a product or a service. When researching medical information, seek for a website that finishes in:

 Domain extensions include.gov for government websites,.edu for universities or schools, and.org for nonprofit organizations.

Trustworthy information will include:

Current information

Expert advise (for example, it comes from an MD, PhD, registered nurse, or someone who is an expert in their profession)

A source list, such as the names of scholarly papers that support their argument.

A medical review, which indicates the information has been reviewed by other professionals.

How can I verify medical information?

Check a claim on your own:

Separate facts from opinions. We are bombarded with so much data every day that it is easy to lose sight of the distinction. 

A fact is something that can be confirmed or proven false using outside evidence. For example: "A car has four wheels." 

An opinion cannot be proven accurate or wrong because it is based on one's personal opinions. ( "All new cars are too big." )

Compare the information. Don't believe everything you see on social media. Search for the assertion on two or more scientific websites. Is there any scientific proof to back this up? 

Talk to your doctor. Bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. If you don't understand their response, you can ask, "Can you explain that in a different way?" You can also request more information in the form of handouts or links to other websites.