CT scan safety?

I have a medical dillema,

I'm not sure I really want to know but does anyone know what the safety issues around CT scans are?

I had an ultrasound today and they found what looks to be a cyst in my kidney and it needs to be investigated. Apparently it's nothing to worry about, though I'm not sure if my GP is just trying to keep me from worrying ?

Anyway, I am almost mid cycle, ready to ovulate in a few days time and hoping to get pregnant this month, just like I do every month.
So, I now have to have a CT scan, you cant have them when pregnant so if I do get pregnant this month I'd have to wait 9 months to investigate but I wonder if I rush off to have the scan early next week could I be doing any harm to the folicles or egg/s even if fertilisation hasn't yet occured.


I called the radiology place to ask about the procedure as I've never had one before. They said not to do it when pregnant and I may or may not need to be injected with some liquid stuff (which I imagine might not be good around time of conception?) I've heard of it but dont know much else.

I really don't want to miss a month but I also do not want to be worried about this silly cyst. My Gp says don't worry, BD and do the CT on CD1 next month if I'm not pregnant but was a bit flip about what to do if I am lucky and I am pregnant next month.
I dont know what to do?

Any ideas, experiences or theories?

sassba.

CT scans will emmit more radiation than the regular xrays, and some contrasts could be harmful to the foetus, some contrasts are radioactive (but not nessarrily used for CTs, but other medical immaging), so that could be an issue re: conception as it might take some time for your body to eliminate it.
The contrast used for CTs are generally iodine based, so if you are allergic to iodine, iodated dye or shellfish, you might have an allergic reaction.

If the kidney cyst is more sinister, pregnancy hormones could stimulate its growth leading to a more complicated situation later on.

I would be inclined to trust your doctor, and get scanned on CD1, if you don't get PG. If you do get PG you might just need the cyst monitoring during the pregnancy, then deal with any further problems as they arise.

I hope this has help a little.

Thanks charlotte!

Lots of information there. I think I'd avoid getting a scan while pregnant, unless it was really crucial.
I have googled the cyst issue since I posted here last. It looks like it should be ok to wait.

I'm slightly worried about the scan exposure on egg pre conception, while ttc.
So....... I just have to hurry up and decide weather I do the scan on monday and skip ttc this month or chance it forget the scan for now and get bd-ing this weekend (My Dh has been fluey this week so today will be the start of trying for this month) and hope all turns out ok.

Thanks again, sassba

I am sooo stressed.
My Doc says I do have to have the ct asap. I am now on CD 3.
Problem is I picked up a book that had info about pre conception, in it they say, do not get X-rays for at least 4 months prior to conception! I feel sick, I dont want the test but i am scared that if it is something more serious I would be stupid not to sort it out pre pregnancy.
Maybe we will wait out this month, even if it's just to make me feel less worried?
Just had to vent.
sassba

I was at work last night and spoke with one of the radiographers about saftey of CT scans and conception.
He said, that there is no evidence that xrays or CT's cause problems regarding conception, though not advised for pregnant women.
Though it would be worth mentioning to the radiographer performing scan about your concerns and plans. They might be able to reduce the intensity of the scan to the minimum power and scan as little of your pelvic region as possible, and you could request a lead gown to cover your reproductive organs, (if the scan does not have to go that low,), which if scanning your kidneys and knowing there anatomical position I would assume you would be able to do.
Regarding the CT contrast, it is expelled from your body very quickly, most of it when you do your first wee, so drink plenty of water afterwards and flush your kidneys.

I'm a nurse in an Emergency Department, I am around xrays alot, we do what we can to protect ourselves, by wearing lead gowns, standing behind lead shields or stepping out the room. I always make sure I'm further away that the person taking the xray (they do it all day avery day) I figure I'm not exposed as much as they are. Though once I fall pregnant I will hang up my lead gown and step out of the traumas. Many of my collegues have babies, about 80% of them giving birth to girls. 1 nurse even had triplets (all girls).
It is wise to be careful, and know your facts. I have never heard you need to avoid xrays 4 months prior to conception though.

I hope this helps you.

this is just me but i would rather put off ttc for the month and get checked out. haveing a healthy body for your child would be much better then getting half way in to the pregnancy and finding out something has to be done about the cyst

Hi Charlotte,

Thanks so much for all your advice.
I wrote at length about my experience yesterday on my TTC journal (if you are interested, it's not very inspiring).
The short of it is that I had the Cat scan and iodine injection, I am all clear as far as the "lesion" goes. Boy was i in a fray over it yesterday!
I think I will have a TTC break this month, I am on CD4 now so if I skip this cycle then it'll be six weeks or so till we can start again. I figure that is a reasonable amount of time between the exposure and new eggs coming on.
I did tell the radiographer that I was TTC but they offered no lead protection, maybe you cant have them with CT? I had a hell of a headache all night, I wondered if Cat scans could cause that? Probably not, I'd say it was the thai take away we got as a treat, maybe they do sneak in msg. Anyway, off topic.:)
Basically it's over and done with and now that I am clear i am pretty darn relieved.
I am seeing my Gynie next week and if he said not to skip this cycle then I will probably cave and go for it this cycle.
Thanks again,
sassba