Expert: Scott Roseff, MD, FACOG - 1/15/2008

Question
Hi, my husband and I are both 30 yrs. old.  We have been trying to conceive for about 2 yrs now.  He had Graves disease when he was a teenager and did 2 doses of radiation iodine treatments when he was 16 yrs. old and went into a thyroid storm and has been hypothyroidism since then and takes Synthroid daily.  Can the radiation that he had 14 yrs. ago affect his sperm today?  Also, can him having hypothyroidism affect his fertility eventhough he takes medication?  I forgot to ask my Gyn Dr. today when I went.  As a starting point, my husband is doing a semen analysis next week and I am having a total pelvic ultrasounds next week as well.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Tara,

Radioactive iodine can potentially affect sperm for a few (around 2) years after treatment.  If his thyroid is well-controlled, then hypothyroidism per se shouldn't be a factor.

I hope this makes sense and helps,
Good luck!
Dr. Roseff, Director - Palm Beach Center for Reproductive Medicine
PERSONALIZED/Individualized Successful care by a Board Certified Reproductive Medicine specialist in a warm and caring setting....  Visit us in Wellington, Florida!
www.reproendo.com/different.htm
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