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19 March 2010

Answer to Question #2201 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 am 43, trying to conceive, and considering having a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Are my ova at a greater risk of harm from HSG x-ray exposure due to my age?

I know of no data linking radiation risk to ova/ovaries to age. Any radiation effect on preconception ova would be in the class of genetic effect, i.e., effect expressed in future generations from offspring of the exposed individuals. Available data, mostly from rodents, indicate that female mammals are much less sensitive than males to genetic effects of radiation. It is not totally clear whether this information applies to humans. Therefore, if your physician feels that a hysterosalpingogram might be helpful in assisting your conception, you should not be concerned about a radiation effect. The World Health Organization now estimates that slightly more than 10% of babies born worldwide carry some genetic defect, ranging from trivial (like an inconspicuous birthmark) to serious. Any increase from your radiation would be at worst about 0.000001%—impossible to detect.

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.