Can I spread HSV-1 to someone who has it, to a different area?

[Makaze]

I have been in a monogamous relationship for over a decade. She has cold sores and about 6 years ago I contracted it in my genital area. Is it possible for my HSV-1 to infect her genitals even though she has HSV-1 in the form of cold sores? Or do her anti-bodies protect her?

I bring this question up because it has been 6 years since my last outbreak, and we never got answers then.

[auntiejessi]

It is extremely unlikely that you would transmit it to her genitals. Ghsv1 doesn't shed that often, and in the absence of an outbreak, her antibodies would protect her from whatever shedding you may be doing. I would avoid genital to genital contact if you have an actual outbreak, and oral to oral contact if she has an outbreak on her mouth, but other than that, you all should be fine. :)