Recurrence triggers
It is not completely understood why HSV is reactivated, but certain triggers may be responsible for the symptoms of genital herpes recurring. For example, friction in your genital area during sexual intercourse may cause a recurrence. Other possible triggers include:
- being unwell
- stress
- drinking excess amounts of alcohol
- exposure to ultraviolet light, for example, using sunbeds
- surgery on your genital area
- having a weakened immune system (the body’s natural defence system), for example, as a result of having chemotherapy (treatment for cancer)
