Yes, herpes outbreaks tend to recur in the same location where the initial infection occurred. If you first experienced herpes symptoms in the anal area, you're more likely to have future outbreaks in that same region. This is because the herpes virus lives dormant in the nerve cells that supply sensation to the area of the initial infection.

However, it's important to note that viral shedding (when the virus is active and potentially transmissible) can occur in both the initially affected area and nearby regions due to connected nerve pathways. This means that even if your outbreaks primarily occur around the anus, you could still experience viral shedding in the genital area.

If you're experiencing recurring outbreaks, I encourage you to speak with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized medical advice and discuss treatment options, such as suppressive therapy, which can help reduce both outbreaks and viral shedding.