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11 October 2008

Answer to Question #38 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 just began trying to get pregnant last month. My rheumatologist asked me to get x rays done if I was not pregnant; i.e., wait for my period. I did get my period and have since (third day of my menstration) had the x rays done. They were of my hips and pelvic region, my spine, and my feet. There were several taken of each area--I was in there for about 1/2 hour. What I want to know is, is it safe to try to conceive with my next ovulation? Someone in an alternative natural health practice said that I should wait until after my next period to try to concieve as there may have been eggs exposed to the radiation. Have there been any studies/research on this?

I contacted a person who is an expert on the irradiation of the oocytes (eggs). There is no evidence that there are any effects at doses used in diagnostic procedures such as the one you had so if there is any risk it would be very low. However, he recommends that to be prudent you wait three months to conceive. If you wish to have more information I can give you his name and phone number and you can talk to him personally. Gen Roessler, Editor HPS Web Site

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