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Does Radiation Affect Reproduction?
When I was younger my mother had stage 4 thyroid cancer . Because it was just my mother and myself I helped take care of her during radiation when she would come home. She informed me then that I shouldn't be around her too much because the radiation could effect my reproductive system . I have been trying to get pregnant and I want to know what are the chances that the radiation did hinder my reproductive system?
Tue, 10 Apr 2012
Hello,
It is natural that you are apprehensive about radiation.
The following facts should be considered to determine if you could have exposed yourself to more than allowable radiation.
It is a routine that patients administered high dose of radioiodine are kept in isolation ward till the external radiation exposure is well within safe limits.
How long did you spend time with your mom after she was discharge? If it was a few minutes to 30 minutes at a time, it is fine. Alternatively, if you slept in the same room as your mom, you might have got exposed to more radiation.
The chances that the radiation you got exposed to, will affect your reproductive system is very rare. Actually, the reproductive system of the person treatment is only rarely affected because of treatment.
I treat thyroid cancer patients with radioiodine. My advice is to just relax.
It is natural that you are apprehensive about radiation.
The following facts should be considered to determine if you could have exposed yourself to more than allowable radiation.
It is a routine that patients administered high dose of radioiodine are kept in isolation ward till the external radiation exposure is well within safe limits.
How long did you spend time with your mom after she was discharge? If it was a few minutes to 30 minutes at a time, it is fine. Alternatively, if you slept in the same room as your mom, you might have got exposed to more radiation.
The chances that the radiation you got exposed to, will affect your reproductive system is very rare. Actually, the reproductive system of the person treatment is only rarely affected because of treatment.
I treat thyroid cancer patients with radioiodine. My advice is to just relax.
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