Let’s be honest, getting a herpes outbreak can be a real nuisance. However, it is not as terrible as what people assume or as frightening as what the internet shows. No doubt outbreaks can be slightly uncomfortable, but they can also look different for everybody. When I am having an outbreak or feel one coming on, I usually get one or two bumps that look like an emerging pimple. They get red and irritated, but mine do not get to the point where they form blisters and look like a pimple that’s about to pop! However, an outbreak shows up for you, still doesn’t make it any less better when it does happen, so let’s talk about potential triggers in your daily life.
Genital herpes outbreaks are often triggered by various factors, and these triggers can vary from person to person. Some common triggers include:
- Stress:Emotional or physical stress can weaken the immune system, making it more challenging for the body to control the herpes virus. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, reading, or getting some sunshine may help minimize outbreaks. I understand life can be stressful, so that is why it is important to do things to minimize stress levels. Some people have the most outbreaks within their first year of getting HSV, but for me it was when I was working my first corporate job and dealing with the stress of being a manager. I was taking the antivirals every day and kept having reoccurring outbreaks monthly! I can’t even express how annoying and defeating this felt. First, I was breaking down mentally then physically in a continuous, miserable cycle. It felt like a stress rash that kept coming and going. I had to walk around a lot for my job, so this was getting extremely uncomfortable and annoying to deal with. This was when I felt like having herpes started to really affect my daily life and I couldn’t ignore it any longer. My fear of not having a normal life like other people was becoming a living nightmare. It wasn’t like I could just quit my job to be stress free, and not have to worry about a herpes outbreak. So, I had to make some changes. I started to eat differently (I will make a post about this next), exercise more, and spent more time in nature. I also dove into what nutrients I needed to help manage my stress better and optimize my overall health.
Stress management supplement
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2. Illness or Weakened Immune System: Having other illnesses or conditions that compromise the immune system, such as the flu or HIV, can contribute to the recurrence of genital herpes outbreaks. The stronger your immune system, the healthier you are. Less outbreaks will occur when you are healthy.
Check out these gummies that really helped build up my immune system, stress management, detox my body, and beyond!
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3. Menstruation: Some individuals experience outbreaks around the time of their menstrual periods. Hormonal fluctuations may play a role in triggering outbreaks.
I have found evening primrose oil and vitex berry to be a great natural alternative for balancing women’s hormones.
Evening Primrose Oil https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00014DAAC/?tag=solliv-20
Vitex berry
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4. Trauma or Injury to the Genital Area: Physical trauma or irritation to the genital region, such as vigorous sexual activity or friction, can trigger outbreaks in some individuals,
5. Sun Exposure: Some people report that prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light can trigger outbreaks. Using sunblock on the genital area may help reduce this trigger. I live in a super-hot place, am always in the sun, and use tanning beds sometimes. I have not really noticed that this caused any outbreaks for me personally, but also, I have HSV2, and that area is not directly exposed to sun when I am in it. However, I have gotten outbreaks from the sauna. Since the sauna is dry heat and extremely detoxing, I think it can be too harsh on my body when I am in it for too long or do it too often
6. Fatigue and Lack of Sleep: Poor sleep patterns and fatigue can weaken the immune system, potentially leading to an increased likelihood of herpes outbreaks. Sleep is so important to your overall health mentally and physically. Don’t neglect your beauty sleep.
7. Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients may impact overall health and the immune system's ability to control the herpes virus. Our diets do not contain all the essential vitamins and minerals our body needs to properly function, let alone fight off a virus. That is why I recommend taking multivitamin daily.
Multivitamin for Women
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Multivitamin for Men
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CBYG1L0/?tag=solliv-20
8. Alcohol and Drug Use: Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use, vaping, especially stimulants, can contribute to weakened immunity and trigger outbreaks.
9. Other STIs: Having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may contribute to the recurrence of genital herpes outbreaks. Chlamydia can also be asymptomatic, so make sure to get tested regularly if you are sexually active. Bacterial vaginosis is another one to look out for. I got BV, then immediately got a herpes outbreak. I did not even know I had it because I had no symptoms. That whole month I could not figure out why I had minor outbreaks happening until I got tested for STDs and was positive for BV. (Bacterial vaginosis is not always passed from a partner, it can also just be from having an imbalance in your vagina’s pH).
Vagina Health-After sex care-pH balance products
vagina soap for sensitive skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVDR7HXV/?tag=solliv-20
Boric acid HP
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pH Balance probiotics
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10. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or contraceptive use may influence the frequency of outbreaks in some individuals.
It's important to note that some individuals may not identify specific triggers, and outbreaks can occur without an obvious cause. Understanding and identifying personal triggers can be helpful for managing and reducing the frequency of outbreaks.
While antiviral medications can help control and manage genital herpes, lifestyle factors also play a crucial role. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and practicing safe sex are essential components of minimizing the impact of genital herpes outbreaks. If you have genital herpes and are concerned about triggers or managing outbreaks, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.