If my girlfriend does not have herpes and I do can I go down on her

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. I am assuming that you are asking if you can spread the herpes virus to your girlfriend? And I am assuming you have been diagnosed with genital herpes, correct?

Genital herpes is a common STD caused by two viruses, herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2.

It is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease. Fluids found in a herpes sore carry the virus, and contact with those fluids can cause infection. You can also get herpes from an infected sex partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected because the virus can be released through your skin and spread the infection to your sex partner(s).

Citing the CDC, The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting herpes:

Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results;
Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex.
Herpes symptoms can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered by a latex condom. However, outbreaks can also occur in areas that are not covered by a condom so condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes.

Hope this answers your question.
Maryann