One or more outbreaks of genital herpes per year occur in 60-90% of those infected with herpes virus. About 40% of the persons infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 will experience six or more outbreaks each year.
Genital herpes recurrences are less severe than the primary infection. However, woman still experience more severe symptoms and pain than men. Constitutional symptoms are not usually present. Blister will appear at the same sites during each outbreak. Usually there are fewer blisters, less pain, and the time period from the beginning of symptoms to healing is shorter than the primary infection. One out of every four women experience painful or difficult urination during recurrent infection. Both men and women may develop lymphadenopathy.