Influence of 131I therapy on fertility and offspring in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

ABSTRACT

For patients with DTC,the side effect of 131I therapy on fertility and offspring is an important issue since genital tissues are highly sensitive to radiation.Exposure to 131 I radiation may result in transient impairment of gonadal function in male patients caused by elevated levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone,low sperm count and motility.In female patients,exposure to 131I radiation may be complicated with delay of menstruation,oligomenorrhea and transient cessation of menstrual period.Most of these symptoms may resolve within one year after 131 I therapy.A slightly earlier menopause is the only reported long-term side effect of 131I therapy on ovarian function.Currently available data do not indicate that exposure to 131I may cause permanent infertility in male patients with DTC.For female patients with DTC,131 I therapy does not affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes beyond one year.