Head Radiation May Have Links to Female Infertility

New information from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital indicates what many doctors have speculated all along – that women who undergo radiation (especially of their head areas) may suffer from infertility later in life.

The study suggests a direct correlation between even relatively low doses of radiation and ovary egg production; the former essentially destroys the latter, leading to infertility.

This isn’t entirely new in terms of information – it’s long been known that infertility can result from high doses of radiation to the head (as well as other parts of the body).  But until now, there hasn’t been a significant link made between lower doses of radiation and infertility.

What does this mean? 

Essentially, that females who go through radiation for conditions such as cancer are likely to have fertility issues later in life.  This is the reason that plenty of physicians are now making suggestions to girls and their families that eggs (ova) be collected and frozen prior to radiation and chemo treatments in order to preserve the possibility of the patient having a biological child in the future.

Follow RSI on Twitter!