X-rays, one of the types of ionizing radiation, are most frequently used in medical imaging and radiation therapy. In medical imaging, radiologists utilize X-rays to detect fractures, infections, injuries, or any foreign object in soft tissues.
Unfortunately, radiologists and healthcare/veterinary workers who are daily exposed to X-rays while operating X-ray machines or caring for patients receiving radioactive materials end up suffering from medical problems, including reproductive health issues.
How X-ray radiation is a notable reproductive hazard?
Here are some ways by which X-ray radiation can impact reproductive health:
- Damage of reproductive organs - When a male or a female receives a large dose of X-ray over their genitals, they are at high risk of suffering from infertility, DNA mutations, and cancer.
- Damage of the uterus or cervix - The frequent X-ray radiation exposure of the cervix or uterus of a female can make pregnancy challenging.
- Damage of ovary or testicles - Radiation damage to ovaries can destroy the eggs, disrupt the production of eggs, and reduce egg quality. In males, radiation exposure to the pelvis, lower spine, or abdomen can affect sperm integrity, count, quality, or motility.
- Pregnancy complications - Miscarriages, birth defects, low birth weight, and other reproductive health issues are common when a pregnant woman is prolonged or over-exposed to X-ray radiation.
The possibility of reproductive problems from X-ray radiation exposure doesn’t mean that men or women (especially pregnant women) necessarily avoid working in the X-ray department/ diagnostic radiology of a medical facility. They just need to wear proper X-ray radiation protection to avoid being exposed to high radiation doses and suffering from reproductive health issues.
What is X-ray radiation protection?
X-ray radiation protection refers to shielding the body to protect it from the harmful effects of X-rays. It includes wearing personal protective equipment that encompasses lead aprons, thyroid collars, lead gloves, gonad shields, and safety goggles as well as maintaining a distance of a minimum of 3 meters away from the X-ray source.
How can healthcare workers at radiology laboratories protect their reproductive health?
First of all, every healthcare worker at the radiology laboratory or hospital settings must be well-informed about the potential risks of X-ray radiation exposure, recommended dose limits, and local policies. They must wear lead aprons, specifically gonad shield /ovarian shield to maintain good reproductive health. Covering the reproductive organs and other body parts with lead-containing shielding materials helps minimize X-ray doses in such areas by blocking the radiations outside the field of view.
