Describe blue waffle:
The term blue waffle disease began around 2010 when an image of blue-tinted, pus-covered, lesion-filled labia circulated online. People said it resulted from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). however, the disease isn’t real.
STD vs. STI— what is the difference?
While they may have similar sound names, there is an important distinction between a sexually transmitted disease and a sexually transmitted infection. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease spread from partner to partner through sexual contact.
STDs can be spread through various sexual contact points, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Examples of common sexually transmitted diseases include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and genital herpes. For a person to be diagnosed with an STD, they must be experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted bacteria, virus, or parasite.
On the other hand, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) refers to the actual infection and passing on of the contagious pathogen. In most cases, people have an STI rather than an STD which is one of the reasons why medical practitioners have switched to using this terminology when diagnosing their patients. Additionally, the term “infection” comes with a lot less social stigma, as infections are perceived as situations that can be cured, while the word “disease” can imply a more terminal and severe diagnosis.
Not all sex is risky
With the causes of sexually transmitted infections on the rise, it can seem like there is no way to date without a high level of risk. But this doesn’t have to be the case! Like other infectious diseases, STIs have a list of risk factors that can increase your risk of contracting an infection, including:
Inconsistent use of protective barriers during sex (condoms, dental dams, etc.)
Increased number of sexual partners
Lesions or breaks in your skin barrier
The severity of your partner’s infection (higher viral or bacterial load increases your chance of infection)
Symptoms
Blue waffle disease is not a real condition. According to online rumors, blue waffle disease turns a person’s vulva blue. However, this is impossible. The other supposed symptoms are possible. A person’s vagina and vulva may become sore or irritated, and their discharge may look and smell different than usual. However, these symptoms indicate the possibility of a real STI.
Other common symptoms of STIs include:
Itching
Burning when urinating
Penile discharge
Genital sores
Abdominal pain
Treatment
The best course of treatment depends on the type of STI. Treatment may relieve symptoms, prevent them from flaring up again, or cure the infection. It is important to remember that an STI can be passed on to a partner during treatment. Some common treatments include:
Antibiotics
Antiviral medications
Lotions and creams
