Hi Cupido,

First question--how do you know you don't already have herpes?  Many people
infected with type 1 or type 2 herpes never have symptoms.  So, before you
worry too much about how to protect yourself, make sure you don't have it
already by getting a herpes blood test.  Herpes tests are NOT included on
standard std screenings.

There are medications that your girlfriend can take which will cut down on
the amount of time she is contagious.  The medication can be expensive so
perhaps you can offer to pay for half of it.

Herpes needs skin to skin contact in order to transmit so limiting how much
skin touches is a good thing.  That is why condom help.  However, condoms
only protect the part that is covered.

As to what you should do, well, that's up to you.  Really nice, wonderful
people are difficult to come by sometimes so you have to way your options.

Take care,
ar