Blue Waffle Disease – Fact or Myth

Bianca L. Boyd
Bianca L. Boyd
October 9, 2023
3
min read
Technically reviewed by: 
Adele Morris
Blue Waffle Disease – Fact or Myth
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In 2010, rumors of a new sexually transmitted disease (STD) called blue waffle disease circulated online. The condition’s name came from the slang term, waffle, which refers to a vagina. This disease allegedly caused women’s vaginas and vulvas to turn bright blue. Shocking pictures of blue waffle disease also appeared on the internet fueling the conspiracy.

Is the blue waffle STD fact or fiction? We uncover the truth behind this internet sensation and explore other vaginal conditions women may experience.

Is Blue Waffle Disease Real?

At first glance, blue waffle disease seems plausible. The most infamous blue waffle disease picture shows a convincing close-up of a blue–colored vagina covered with lesions. Additionally, an official-looking website described the disease as an incurable bacterial infection that causes severe burning, bulging genitals, and pain.

Despite this so-called evidence, blue waffle disease is a myth that medical experts have thoroughly debunked. Sexuality educator Dr. Emma Chan speculates that pictures of blue waffle disease may actually show genital warts or vulval cancers. Another explanation is that the photos were simply faked.

Additionally, misogyny contributed to the urban legend’s spread. Blue waffle disease allegedly only affected women with multiple sexual partners, not men. No pictures showed male genitalia with blue waffle disease.

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Recognizing Real Vaginal Conditions

Blue waffle disease is fake, but women can develop many real vaginal conditions. Some of these disorders will resolve on their own, but others require medical treatment. Here are three of the most common vaginal conditions.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the natural bacteria levels in the vagina get thrown out of balance. Experts don’t fully understand why some women develop BV, but this condition may be linked to douching or sexual activity.

Symptoms of BV include:

  • Watery gray or white vaginal discharge
  • Itching inside or around the vagina
  • A fish-like odor
  • Pain during urination

BV can sometimes go away without treatment, but a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat it quickly. Learn about treatment options for BV in this article.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan parasite. Only 30% of infected people have symptoms.

Signs of trichomoniasis in women include:

  • Inflamed or itchy genitals
  • Painful urination
  • Green, white, or yellow discharge

A doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics to treat trichomoniasis.

Yeast Infections

A yeast infection is caused by excessive growth of the fungus Candida in the vagina. This common condition affects around 75% of women during their lifetime.

Symptoms include:

  • Burning and inflammation of the vulva
  • Painful urination
  • Discomfort during sex
  • Thick, odorless white vaginal discharge

You can treat a vaginal yeast infection with over-the-counter products like creams and suppositories. However, a doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis to ensure you don’t have another disorder, like an STI.

Protect Your Health With Vaginal pH Balance Tests

Blue waffle disease is a myth, but monitoring your vaginal health closely for real conditions is still essential.

Clinical evidence shows that almost half of the women make a wrong self-diagnosis for vaginal infections. Learn to differentiate between common infections in this article and consider using a vaginal pH test to make the right diagnosis.

Vaginal pH test strips allow you to detect common vaginal infections from the comfort of your home. Click here to learn more about how the Vaginox pH balance test can help you safeguard your health.

References

[1] Birth by the Numbers Staff, “12 Things You Should Know About Blue Waffle Disease,” Birth by the Numbers. [Accessed July 5, 2023].

[2] CDC Staff, “Bacterial Vaginosis,” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. [Accessed July 5, 2023].

[3] CDC Staff, “Trichomoniasis,” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. [Accessed July 5, 2023].

[4] E. Chan, “Internet disinformation: The blue waffle myth,” School of Sexuality Education. [Accessed July 5, 2023].

[5] J. Eske and B. Weber, “Is blue waffle a real medical condition?” MedicalNewsToday. [Accessed July 5, 2023].

[6] OASH Staff, “Vaginal yeast infections,” Office on Women’s Health.  [Accessed July 5, 2023].

About the Author
Bianca L. Boyd

Bianca L. Boyd is an audiologist and healthcare content writer passionate about understanding how various body biomarkers can provide insight into human health. With a degree in audiology, Bianca has dedicated her career to helping individuals with hearing impairments. She has always been fascinated by the ways in which the body can give us clues about our overall health and well-being.

As a healthcare content writer, Bianca has found a way to share her knowledge and expertise with a wider audience, helping to educate and inform people about the importance of maintaining good health. She is thrilled to be working with Diagnox, a company that shares her passion for improving the lives of others.

In her spare time, Bianca volunteers her time and efforts to animal rescue, working to help animals in need find loving homes and receive the care they deserve. With a strong sense of community and a deep commitment to making a positive impact, Bianca is dedicated to making a difference in the world.

About the Reviewer
This blog was
Technically reviewed by: 
Adele Morris

Adele Morris served as the editor and proofreader of this blog, displaying her exceptional editorial skills and expertise in the field.

The blog was also reviewed by the Diagnox content team. Diagnox Staff consists of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, content writers, and healthcare professionals with an expertise to create and review high-quality, informative, accurate, and easy-to-understand content for both professionals and everyday readers. Our staff follows strict guidelines to ensure the credibility and authenticity of the information, reviewing them independently and verifying them by various scientific and technical sources to ensure accuracy. Our review team believes in delivering knowledge free from bias to improve public health and well-being.

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