Reproductive effects of low to moderate medical radiation exposure

In plain language

This review estimates that interventional cardiologists receive about 50 to 100 microSv gonad dose under the apron per procedure, adding up to 0.5-1 Sv over a career, but evidence linking such doses to reproductive harm remains inconclusive.

At a glance

Type of study: Narrative review
Who was studied: Interventional cardiologists, Interventional radiologists, Patients
Topics: Pregnancy and reproductive health Dosimetry and monitoring Patient dose DNA and cellular effects
Summary based on: the abstract

What it found

In interventional cardiologists, gonad dose under the lead apron is similar in magnitude to the shielded thyroid dose, about 50 to 100 microSv per cine-angiography procedure, and up to ten-fold higher for complex procedures.
Key figures: median 50 to 100 microSievert per procedure; ten-fold higher for complex procedures
Cumulative gonad exposure over a 30-year career is estimated at 0.5-1 Sv.
Key figures: 0.5-1 Sv over 30 years
Epidemiological evidence on reproductive effects at low-to-moderate doses is inconclusive and inadequate for evidence-based advice.
Interventional cardiology and radiology staff have professional exposures two to three times higher than diagnostic radiologists.
Key figures: two-to three times higher
Biomarkers of reproductive health (hormones, sperm quality, sperm DNA damage) are proposed for future research.
Key figures: < 1000 mSv

Limits to keep in mind

Narrative review summarised from the abstract only; dose figures are estimates compiled from other studies, and the health evidence reviewed is described as inconclusive.

IU Health Handbook of Fluoroscopy Safety (Guideline or consensus statement)
Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology (2022, Narrative review)
Radiation-Induced Noncancer Risks in Interventional Cardiology: Optimisation of Procedures and Staff and Patient Dose Reduction (2013, Narrative review)

How this summary was made

ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.

Prepared November 3, 2026.