QuestionI recently had an upper gi series, no lead apron was used, because they could not view the small bowel if a lead apron was to be used(apparently common practice). I am hoping to ttc. Is there any time frame I should wait after this Xray? I am concerned about effects of radiation on my eggs.(birth defect)
AnswerDear Tracy,
I do apologize for the delay in answering your question. My son was "T-boned" in a wreck last week. I forgot all about coming back online for these questions... I'm sorry for that.
You are perfectly fine to try to conceive following the upper GI series. We are exposed to radiation all the time and even during pregnancy, XRays are sometimes necessary and babies are born healthy. In the United States, the average person is exposed to an effective dose equivalent of approximately 3.6 mGy (360 mrad) (whole-body exposure) per year from all sources. It has been recommended that pregnant women have occupational exposure not exceeding 5 mGy (500 mrad) during the entire pregnancy. If you had an upper GI series, the exposure was likely about 50 to 400 mrads - depending upon that facility, machine, radiographer, etc,....
But trying to conceive is not a problem, as far as radiation exposure from this test would be concerned.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
