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11 October 2008

Answer to Question #2206 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Conception after exposures

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I had an IVP Exam (Intravenous Pyelogram) and a few abdominal/pelvic x rays to diagnose a possible kidney stone three days before the conception date. Could this have had any effect on my sperm that may result in defects on the baby?

It is extremely unlikely that your radiation exposure will have any effect on your child. No one can say with absolute certainty, but all data strongly suggest no effect. For example, there has been no statistically significant increase in genetic abnormalities in offspring of the nearly 100,000 Japanese atomic bomb survivors. Abnormalities have been seen in animals exposed to high doses. They can be detected only by increased incidence. There is no qualitative difference between radiation-induced and spontaneous abnormalities. That is, there is no way to determine whether a specific abnormality was caused by radiation or would have happened without it.

Conclusion: No human data has found a genetic effect of radiation. All of our risk estimates have come from extrapolation from animals, usually rodents. There is no reason for concern in your case.

S. Julian Gibbs, DDS, PhD

Answer posted on 9 April 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.