Triggers may not be the same for everyone, and doctors are not certain how much lifestyle choices have to do with outbreaks of herpes symptoms. If you think something triggers your symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor about it.
Your Immune System
The common cold and sunlight seem to trigger outbreaks of oral herpes (cold sores), but no proof exists that they trigger genital herpes outbreaks.
It’s possible that having a weakened immune system does, too. People whose immune systems are weakened, possibly by an immune disorder like Multiple Sclerosis, tend to have outbreaks more often than people with normal immune functioning do.
Trauma to the body, such as having surgery, or a car accident may also make herpes symptoms appear.
Hormones
Hormonal changes, like those that occur in the menstrual cycle, can affect genital herpes outbreaks. No one knows why yet.
Stress
Managing stress in healthy ways may help reduce how often you have a genital herpes outbreak. Ongoing stress lasting more than a week seems to trigger genital herpes outbreaks more than any other lifestyle factor.
Here are five steps you can take to manage stress better:
1. Get enough sleep
2. Balance your diet
3. Exercise
4. Reach out
5. Relax
Although persistent stress may lead to outbreaks, the little stressful events and annoyances you face in your daily life do not appear to be stressful enough to trigger genital herpes symptoms, unless you have an underlying condition.
The Factors of Sex
Some people find that the friction of sexual intercourse irritates the skin and brings on symptoms. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce irritation.
Don’t use one that contains the spermacide nonoxynol-9, however. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate mucous membranes, such as the lining of the vagina.
Oil-based lubricants are bad, too. They weaken latex, making condoms more likely to break.
Even if the friction of intercourse seems to be a trigger for your symptoms, it probably won’t cause a flare-up every time you have sex.
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