QuestionDr Ramirez,
I have read some of the questions about CT Scans/ x-rays and infertility. However, most of those concern what I would call a few scans.
Since the age of 14 I have had recurring kidney stones (the cause has not been able to be determined). As a result of this, I estimate I have been exposed to at least 16 CT Scans and countless x-rays (as well as radiation during surgery to remove the stones).
I was able to fall pregnant (very easily) with my son a few years ago, but do want to expand my family, and given the ongoing nature of my problem (and the approximately annual need for CT scans), was wanting to know your views on whether there are any other effective ways of detecting stones (they normally are very difficult to detect on ultrasounds and x-rays (hence the CT scans)), or on the problems this many CT scans can cause.
Also, are you aware of any specific studies into the use of radiology that I could be part of or enquire about.
Thanks
Erin from Australia
AnswerHello Erin from Australia,
My first comment, after talking with a Urologist friend of mine, is why you are having CT scan every year? Since it is already known that you have kidney stones, it doesn't make any sense to keep checking for them. Ordinarily, you would only have a scan if you have symptoms from a stone blocking your ureter. That would be done on an emergency basis, of course. I think you might want to go see a different urologist and get another opinion.
The other, non-radiological way to detect stones would be an MRI, but again, I don't see any reason for it. The standard method for finding kidney stones is a standard X-ray, or an IVP (intravenous pyelogram) where dye is injected through an IVF and then xrays are taken as it passed down both ureters. This can then detect the presence of a stone in the ureter.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
