Does radioactive iodine cross the placenta?

Radioiodine also crosses the placenta, where it can be taken up by the fetal thyroid gland. It is generally recommended that women do not become pregnant for 6 to 12 months after RAI treatment.

Does Rai affect fertility?

In particular, the ovaries may be particularly sensitive to the radiation from radioactive iodine and this may lead to future problems with fertility. In women, radioactive iodine therapy has been associated with irregular menstrual cycles, earlier menopause, and delayed pregnancy.

Why is radioactive iodine contraindicated in pregnancy?

Radioactive iodine should never be administered to pregnant women, because it can cross the placenta and ablate the fetus’s thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism. Similarly, breastfeeding is a contraindication, in that the radioisotope is secreted in breast milk.

Is Rai treatment safe?

Radioactive iodine (RAI) is treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer. The term “radioactive” may sound frightening, but it is a safe, generally well-tolerated, and reliable treatment that targets thyroid cells so there is little exposure to the rest of your body’s cells.

Can radioactive iodine cause birth defects?

A higher risk of birth defects was only seen when pregnancy occurred within 6 months after treatment with radioactive iodine therapy. There was an increased risk of premature birth in both radioactive iodine therapy and surgery group if pregnancy occurred more than 24 months after treatment.

Can you have kids after Rai?

Currently, the American Thyroid Association recommends women to wait at least 6 months to become pregnant after radioactive iodine therapy.

How long does RAI stay in your system?

The RAI that is not taken up by the remaining thyroid tissue is eliminated from the body through your perspiration, saliva, feces, and urine. Most radiation from the RAI is gone in about one week.

How can I protect my thyroid from radiation?

KI (potassium iodide) is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine that can help block radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland, thus protecting this gland from radiation injury.

Can thyroid grow back after Rai?

How Well It Works. In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.

When is Rai used for treatment of thyroid disorders?

No special radiation precautions are necessary after a thyroid scan or RAIU using I-123. I-131 can also be used to take pictures of the thyroid gland, although it is rarely used due to the harmful effects it has on thyroid cells. WHEN IS RAI USED FOR TREATMENT OF THYROID DISORDERS?

Can a woman get pregnant after radioactive iodine therapy?

Women who receive radioactive iodine therapy are generally advised to avoid pregnancy in the 6-12 months after treatment, due to the risks of radiation to the eggs within the ovaries. In women, one way of measuring ovarian reserve (i.e. the ability to achieve a pregnancy) are blood levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).

What are the side effects of radioactive iodine ( RAI )?

It is generally recommended that women do not become pregnant for 6 to 12 months after RAI treatment. 2,12 Side effects of RAI ablation include neck pain and tenderness from radiation-induced thyroiditis, transient increase in thyroid hormone levels, and worsening of Graves’ ophthalmopathy. 2,12 Patrick S. Swift MD,

What are the risks of radiation during pregnancy?

Using a fetal dose estimate from pelvic CT of 2-5 rad [7, 8], this implies an increased risk of childhood cancer of up to 2 times baseline for a standard pelvic CT. The relationship between the risk of carcinogenesis and gestational age at the time of radiation exposure is more controversial [9].