The Internet is a fast, accessible, and reliable source of information as long as you know where to look. Unfortunately, there is a lot of false information circulating in this medium. The so-called Blue Waffle disease has been one of the most controversial topics in recent years. Should we worry?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a real danger worldwide and affect millions. Some studies establish that men are more prone to suffer from them. However, women develop more symptoms.
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Is Blue Waffle disease actual?
The only certainty about Blue Waffle disease is that it is a fictitious pathology; that is, it is not real. The whole situation with the supposed disorder began in 2010 when an image of a vagina was circulated, accompanied by various texts and memes.
The name of the disease refers to the blue coloration it could generate in the female genitalia. The Blue Waffle consisted of an STD that affected only women, causing vaginal lesions, burning, itching, and a foul odor. In the original image, you could see an inflamed vagina with blue pigmentation.
All the supposed symptoms of the disease are the combination of manifestations of other pathologies, such as vulvovaginitis or candidiasis. Both images are widespread in women and may not be related to the sexual act.
The goal of the rumor was always to create a joke and confuse teenagers. The terror was so great that some civil associations demanded information from government entities about the pathology. Blue Waffle disease also made it possible to denigrate women with an active sexual life, considering them abnormal.
Without a doubt, it is a joke that got out of control in a very short time and caused intrigue and fear in the youngest. Fortunately, today there is accurate and reliable information, which makes it possible to prevent the spread of STDs.
Some of the most common STDs
Even though Blue Waffle disease is not accurate, multiple STDs can generate symptoms very similar to those described. In this sense, seeking medical attention immediately in the presence of the signs we will mention is essential.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a fairly common STD caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. The incidence of this disease may vary depending on the population studied. It is more common in sexually active young women, according to a study in the journal Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology.
The symptoms are very varied. There may even be asymptomatic cases. The main signs women develop are abnormal and smelly vaginal discharge, a burning sensation when urinating, and pain during sexual intercourse.
Fortunately, it is a treatable disease that can be cured with antibiotics. However, timely medical attention is essential to avoid complications.Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another STD caused by a bacterium. However, the etiological agent is Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection is widespread in young people and tends to cause symptoms similar to those described in Blue Waffle disease.
The bacteria can infect the vagina, penis, mouth, and anus. In vaginal infection, symptoms are mild at first. However, it tends to cause changes in menstrual bleeding, painful urination, and increased vaginal secretions.
Gonorrhea can cause multiple complications in women, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Fortunately, there is an effective treatment, so using specific antibiotics will eliminate the bacteria from the body.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is an STD caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2. The main route of transmission is through sexual contact of any kind with an infected person since the viral agent is located in genital secretions. According to studies, the infection is widespread, affecting up to 12% of young people.
P painful sores on the penis, vagina, anus, or thighs characterize genital herpes. However, it can also present with pain or itching, especially when the ulcers are inside the vagina and are not obvious.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV infection is an STD caused by different types of the human papillomavirus. This infection’s primary clinical manifestation is warts in the affected mouth, genitals, or anus. Women with the infection should maintain adequate medical control since it increases the probability of suffering from cervical cancer. The Papanicolaou test is the one that allows early detection of HPV infections.
Always verify the information available on the Internet
A few years ago, the Blue Waffle disease situation highlighted the importance of verifying any information you read online. There are many malicious people whose only intention is to publish false information to create confusion and fear.
The best way to verify this type of information is to look for a scientific article that supports the content. Specialized search engines, such as Google Scholar, have millions of articles on various topics in all languages.
On the other hand, STDs continue to be a latent danger, so it is important not to underestimate what they represent. In this sense, it is always important to practice safe sex using condoms correctly.