Even if a patient with genital herpes has no symptoms, the virus can still be present on the skin or mucous membranes. Engaging in sexual activity during this time can potentially transmit genital herpes to a partner. This period is known as asymptomatic shedding or viral shedding. The virus may be spread during this time, but for most people, the risk of transmission is relatively low.
For both male and female patients, if genital herpes is not treated, there is an average of 11 days per year when symptoms may recur and about 5.5 days per year of asymptomatic viral shedding.