Healthy Communities

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Signs and Symptoms

Transmission

It is unclear what causes the imbalance in vaginal bacteria that leads to BV. However, some behaviors can increase a woman’s risk of BV:

Complications

Prevention

Testing and Treatment

NOTE: BV can recur after treatment.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is an STD caused by two types of viruses. The viruses are called herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2

Signs and Symptoms

Transmission

Genital herpes is spread by:

Herpes can also be spread from one area of the body to another via contact with or touching an infected area.

Viral shedding may occur in the absence of blisters, so transmission is possible when lesions are absent. Most transmission occurs in absence of sores.

Complications

Genital herpes can:

Genital herpes and pregnancy

Prevention

Avoiding vaginal, oral or anal sex is the best way to prevent STDs.

Testing and Treatment

Office Address Phone Fax
STD Prevention 4815 W. Markham St., Slot 33
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-661-2408 501-661-2082

Public Health Accrediation Board
Arkansas Department of Health
© 2017 Arkansas Department of Health. All Rights Reserved. www.healthy.arkansas.gov
4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
1-800-462-0599