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06 September 2008

Answer to Question #1772 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Conception after exposures

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

What period of time should a male patient being treated for Graves' disease abstain from conceiving children? Assume a maximum of 30 mCi of ¹³¹I.

The general period recommended for males receiving radioiodine therapy to avoid conceiving a child is four months. This is discussed specifically in a report by the European Commission in 1997 which states:

"Conception within four months of treatment with radioactive iodine could result in harm to theunborn child. The advice is therefore to avoid pregnancy during these four months. Since thespermatozoa of male patients can also be damaged, they should be advised not to father children for four months after administration of I-131."

Michael G. Stabin, PhD, CHP

Answer posted on 20 March 2002. 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.