Recurrence

We can't repeat often enough that genital herpes affects everyone differently. Some people carry the genital herpes virus without ever having symptoms, while others only get them once.

The more common pattern, though, is that the symptoms reappear from time to time. (If you have had a swab taken and tested positive
for herpes, your doctor should be able to tell you which type of the virus you have. HSV-1 is less likely to cause repeated outbreaks than HSV-2.)

Although some people’s repeated outbreaks can be very painful, they are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. They may also become less frequent and even milder as time goes on – or as some trigger factor is taken out of the equation.

If you have repeated outbreaks, you may be able to work out what triggers them. But even if you can't, you’re likely to find there are warning signs that symptoms are about to reappear. The most typical of herpes is a tingling sensation, but you may also feel itching or burning pain.

The impact of each outbreak can be reduced by taking antiviral therapy from the first sign that symptoms are about to appear. You can also take daily tablets to help prevent symptoms coming back as often or at all.