Is Blue Waffle Disease a Real STI? 

Since its creation in 2010, the notorious "blue waffle disease" photo of a scabbed, infected, blue-tinted labia has continued to circulate on the internet. This picture may look convincing, and unsuspecting people may believe it is real and worry they could get the disease.

However, blue waffle disease is a hoax and is not a real sexually transmitted infection (STI) that turns the labia or vagina blue. Here's what you need to know about this fake condition, real STI symptoms, and STI prevention.

What Is Blue Waffle Disease?

Blue waffle—"waffle" referring to a slang term for vagina—is a fake STI. The internet hoax claimed that the fake STI turns the labia blue and mimics some symptoms of real STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

People often claimed this fake STI could only affect vaginas and also cause bruising and lesions. The photos may look terrifying and convincing, but the condition is not real.

Not only is blue waffle disease absent from reputable medical texts, periodicals, and websites, but medical experts have debunked it. Dr. Anita Ravi, MD, a family medicine physician based in New Jersey, confirmed that the disease was not real in a 2017 speech posted on the Annals of Internal Medicine website.

"It is a well-known, elaborate internet hoax with somebody who has extensive, beautiful photoshopping skills," Dr. Ravi explained in the presentation. Christine Greves, MD, an OB-GYN at the Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology at Orlando Health in Florida, also confirmed for Health that she has never heard of the disease and that it is not real.

Fictional Blue Waffle Symptoms Resemble Real STIs

Some STIs and vaginal infections have similar symptoms to the fictional blue waffle disease. However, no STI or vaginal infection can cause a blue-colored labia like in the fake photo.

Herpes simplex virus-2, or genital herpes, can cause blistering sores and ulcers that eventually become scabs. A vaginal yeast infection can also cause redness and swelling outside the vagina. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can also have symptoms similar to vaginal infections, such as abnormal discharge and discomfort.

If you're experiencing discomfort, itching, or any other symptom on or around your vulva or vagina, Dr. Greves advised getting checked out by a healthcare provider. You won't be diagnosed with blue waffle disease, but tests might show signs of an STI or another condition.

How To Prevent STIs

Ways to prevent STIs include avoiding vaginal, anal, or oral sex and getting vaccinations for certain STIs like hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). There are also ways to reduce the chances of getting an STI, which include:

• Practicing monogamy, if you decide to do so
• Reducing the number of sex partners you have
• Using external condoms

STI Testing

See a healthcare provider about STI testing if something in your genital area doesn't feel right or you notice abnormal discharge. "If someone is having STI symptoms, regardless of whether they were recently exposed or not, it is important that they see their doctor," said Dr. Greves. "Sometimes symptoms do not present immediately."

Most routine STI testing involves taking blood or urine samples. However, depending on the length of the infection, these tests may not always be accurate. To confirm STIs, a healthcare provider may also do a swab test. This involves swabbing the vagina or cervix during a pelvic exam to test the cells or grow bacteria in a lab setting to detect an infection.

STI test results can take anywhere from a few hours to two weeks, depending on the type of test and the lab. However, swab results typically take longer than blood or urine testing.

A Quick Review

Blue waffle disease was identified as an STI, but the disease is not real. Some of the fictional disease's symptoms mimic signs of other STIs, such as sores, swelling, and discomfort. No STI will turn your vagina or labia blue.

There is always a risk of getting an STI if you are sexually active, but STI testing can help you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment options.