In many people with genital herpes, certain trigger factors are known to set off an outbreak. By being aware of these factors, you can anticipate recurrent outbreaks and practice safer sex to help protect your partner. You may also be able to try and avoid 'triggers' for another outbreak.

If you are taking 'episodic' treatment - i.e. taking anti-viral medication as soon as an outbreak starts - then the earlier you take the medication after initial symptoms appear, the more effective it is. So if you know that something in your daily life is making you more vulnerable to a recurrence, you can make sure you have your antiviral medication available if you should need it. (Some people take 'suppressive' treatment every day to help reduce the number of outbreaks they have.)

See Also - Living with genital herpes
     How to avoid spreading the disease

See Also - Treatment
     Treatment

Some common trigger factors
People who experience recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes have reported that the following factors can trigger another outbreak:

• Stress - emotional or physical
• Other illness, injury or surgery, which weakens your immune system
• Hormonal changes such as menstruation
• Skin irritation (including friction from sexual intercourse)

Many of these trigger factors are an unavoidable part of modern life. However, you can take some control over your condition by keeping yourself in general good health. Proper diet, adequate sleep, good hygiene and relaxation should make you less susceptible to recurrent attacks.