HSV-1 infected, can i have kids ?

Hi Dr. ! I have just got my STD test results and i am just  HSV-1 positive and rest are all negative. I am about to marry and my questions is that can i have kids. I am scared to tell my partner about it too as my partner and my kids will be infected with this virus. Please need your valuable suggestions. Thank you !

[apollosunshine]

HSV 1 is the common herpes virus that causes cold sores.  It can be transmitted in many ways, not just through sexual contact (kissing, for example).  It *can* cause genital herpes - for example if you are shedding the virus and perform oral sex on your wife, she may get the HSV1 virus on her genital area.  From what I understand, they look very similar on the genitals and have similar symptoms (HSV1 and HSV2).  
  
So - yes, you should definitely tell your wife - but stress that it's just the cold sore virus, even though it can manifest on the genitals.  Some people estimate that 80-90% of people in the US have this virus, even if they don't ever show symptoms.  
  
And to answer your question - yes, you can have children safely, just like any other time.  Your kids will not be transmitted the virus by you (semen does not carry the virus from what I understand).  However, if your wife is infected or becomes infected with either the HSV1 or HSV2 virus, she should let her doctor know when she becomes pregnant.  There is a small risk that the mother can pass the virus to a child as it is being born if symptoms are present, and the doctor may prescribe anti-viral medication to suppress her symptoms, or a c-section.  
  
Either way, keep googling for information.  Wikipedia has a lot of helpful info.  I have been reading a lot over the last couple of days and found many sites with good info.  some I would suggest:  

Mayo Clinic website
Webmd.com
wikipedia

just search on each site for HSV1

It shouldn't be an issue to your wife that you have HSV1, if she understands that it's the same as having cold sores.

[Male28LA]

Thanks for the reply Apollosunshine !

Life was so great all these years and this stupid thing spoiled all the fun. I still got lot of questions in my mind but i try not get distract from it for my daily life. I am happy that i can kids and all, atleast thats a relief ! but feel a heavy guilt for my wife's part.
All i wish and pray is that this HSV-1 may not lead to genital Herpes / HSV-2 . Wonder if there is any cure for HSV-1 (i doubt it though). Also what are these 80-90% of people in the US who have this virus are doing ? Are they just ignoring and moving on or getting some treatment. I dont even what kind a doctor to go & my last question is "will my health insurace give / continue / raise premium to my coverage knowing the fact that i am HSV-1 positive.

Thanks for sharing Apollosunshine ! are you a doctor or sth ?

[gracefromHHP]

Hsv1 stays hsv1 regardless of its location. It can never turn into hsv2.

Has your intended gotten tested for herpes too?

You don't mention any genital symptoms so it's likely your hsv1 is oral.  http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm is a terrific place for more info on oral herpes. If your gf also has hsv1, it's almost a non-issue in this relationship.

grace