Answer to Question #1854 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I had an abdominal x ray done yesterday. I did ask the x-ray technician for a lead apron to be placed over my testes to protect against unnecessary radiation but she said that is NOT necessary. Anyway, I know it might sound silly, but would the radiation from the abdominal x ray I had produce any side effects on my testes, affect sperm production, or produce any long-term problem with my testes?

A

A good question, but there's no need for concern. A single abdominal x ray will expose the testes to under 0.01 rad (rad is an abbreviation for "radiation absorbed dose"). Reference texts (Mettler and Moseley 1985; BEIR 1990) estimate the radiation dose necessary to cause temporary sterility at about 15 rad and to cause permanent sterility from 300 to 500 rad. They also note that any reduction in sperm count might not be evident for one to two months and the higher the dose, the longer the reduction in sperm count will last. You should be able to have a lead apron for protection if you request one. Keep in mind, though, that placement of the apron for an abdominal film can be tricky, especially if your physician is interested in something in the lower pelvic area. If the apron wasn't placed correctly and accidentally covered an area of interest, a second x ray might need to be done. Kelly Classic, Certified Medical Health Physicist References:

• Mettler FA, Moseley RD. Medical effects of ionizing radiation. Orlando, FL: Grume and Stratton; 1985.
   
• Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation. Health effects of exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1990.