although condoms really help herpes can be transmitted to any genital or oral surface not just the penis that is covered by a condom. herpetic lesions can occur on the area around the base of the penis the testicles the anal area and certainly in or around the mouth/nose. when your girlfriend has active herpes this is the most contagious period.
can i get gental/oral herpes from my girlfriend who has gental herpes if i use a condom?