Table of Contents
What causes herpes to recur?
Triggers for recurrence — Illness, stress, sunlight, and fatigue can trigger recurrent herpes outbreaks. In women, menstrual periods may trigger an outbreak. When did I become infected? — The first time a person has noticeable signs or symptoms of herpes may not be the initial episode.
How do you prevent herpes from coming back?
How can I prevent genital herpes?
- Use condoms. Condoms are the best way to prevent STIs when you have sex.
- Get tested. Be sure you and your partner are tested for STIs.
- Be monogamous.
- Limit your number of sex partners.
- Do not douche.
- Do not abuse alcohol or drugs.
Does herpes come back in same spot?
Since the same group of nerves goes to the genitals, thighs, lower abdomen, rectum and buttocks, it is possible to get a recurrent outbreak of genital herpes anywhere in these areas. Each outbreak may not be in the exact same place as the first outbreak. This does not mean that the herpes has spread.
How many times does herpes come back?
Genital herpes might come back 4 to 6 times a year at first. After a few years, the herpes sores hurt less. They come back less often.
What should you not do when you have herpes?
Use latex or polyurethane condoms, and avoid sex during symptomatic outbreaks. Do not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex when you have sores on or near the genitals, anus, or mouth. Do not kiss or have oral sex when you have a sore on the lips or inside the mouth. Do not share your towels, toothbrush, or lipstick.
Can you have two herpes outbreaks in a row?
Some people only get a few outbreaks, while others get many. People can have many outbreaks in a row and then go months or years without one.
Can stress bring on herpes?
Researchers discovered that the more persistent stress reported, the greater the likelihood of a herpes outbreak the following week. Also, an increased recurrence rate occurred after participants experienced their highest levels of anxiety the previous month.
Will my herpes outbreaks ever stop?
While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely. Even though the virus hangs around in your body for life, it doesn’t mean you’ll be getting sores all the time.