Ovarian Shielding during Pelvis Radiography: Risk Versus Benefit

Radiography of the pelvis is one of the most common and more frequent radiographic examinations ordered, especially in children [1]. It is estimated that annually a million pelvic radiographs were documented in the UK [2] with frequency of 39 per 1000 of population [3]. Since the 1950s, much focus has been placed on pelvis x-ray examination due to it is associated with direct gonad irradiation [3,4]. The gonads in the pelvic region are particularly sensitive to the effects of radiation [2]. Irradiating the germ cells within the gonads can result genetic mutations and malignant changes which has the potential to expresses in future generations [5,6]. Although the radiation dose associated with a singular pelvic x-ray is relatively low [2], its stochastic risk to the population should not be underestimated due to its wide application. Therefore, it is essential that the dose is kept “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA).