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Sexually Transmitted DiseasesRecurring genital herpesIn genital herpes, after invading the skin or mucous membranes, the virus travels to the sensory nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Even after the skin lesions have disappeared, the virus remains inside the nerve cells in an inactive state. In most people, the virus reactivates from time to time. When this happens, the virus begins to travel along the nerves to the skin, where it multiplies on the surface at or near sites of the original infection, in genital or oral secretions. This shedding is infrequent, however, and usually lasts only a day, but it is sufficient to infect a sex partner.The frequency and severity of the recurrent episodes vary greatly. While some people recognize only one or two recurrences in a lifetime, others may experience several outbreaks a year. The number and pattern of recurrence often change over time for an individual. Scientists do not know what causes the virus to reactivate. Although some people with herpes report that other illness, stress, or menstruation brings on their recurrences, they are often not predictable. In some cases, exposure to sunlight is associated with recurrence.
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