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The Effects of Ionizing Radiation in Female Reproductivity

Exposure to ionizing radiation can occur in nature, in the workplace or during medical treatments. The radiation comes from radioactive materials such as x-ray tubes, high frequency ultraviolet and gamma rays, and particle accelerators. Because of its many uses in construction, medicine and research, exposure to ionizing radiation is a common occurrence. If used improperly, ionizing radiation is a health hazard, particularly on the female reproductive system.

  1. Background

    • Most evidence indicates that women exposed to ionizing radiation may suffer adverse reproductive effects. Radiation is present in many workplaces and in medical treatments such as cancer therapy. Health care workers, atomic workers and dental personnel are often exposed to ionizing radiation in the workplace. Other sources of exposure include x-rays and radiation treatments used to kill cancer cells and treat tumors. X-rays and gamma rays can cause infertility, miscarriage, low birth weights and developmental disorders in women and children. The consequences of long term exposure include infertility, menstrual disorders, miscarriages, birth defects and childhood cancer.

    Prior to Conception

    • Exposure to ionizing radiation can lower sex drive. It can also damage eggs or sperm by producing mutations, or changes, in the genetic material of eggs and sperm. These mutations, which can be inherited, can result in birth defects, stillbirth or miscarriage. The latter results when damaging effects are so severe the fetus cannot live. The germ cell damage caused by radiation can make conceiving children difficult or impossible. While some mutations have little visible effect, the changes are permanent and can be passed to future offspring. They can also cause diseases, including cancer, in reproductive organs. All of these effects can result in difficulty conceiving.

    During Pregnancy

    • Radiation levels can have serious effects on developing embryos. A fetus can be harmed by radiation during any point in the pregnancy, although the effects of exposure vary at different times. Prolonged exposure to radiation by the mother can cause low birth weight and birth defects in the infant. Birth defects can include physical abnormalities and behavioral or learning problems. Developmental disorders may include mental retardation.

    Summary

    • Women of child bearing age should talk to their doctors about the possibility of reproductive effects, before undergoing any intentional radiation exposure or cancer treatment. Women concerned about the exposure of their unborn children to radiation from x-rays, fluoroscopy or radiation therapy should consult with a medical physicist to determine the level of exposure. While some therapeutic procedures involve high levels of radiation, most routine x-ray exams expose the female or unborn child to less than 5 rem, a level of radiation that should not increase the risk of complications. According to Radiation Answers, reproductive problems result from radiation dosages of more than 10 to 20 rem.

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