Can radiation treatment or cancer cause birth defects?
” Sperm production does get affected by radiation treatment. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that it may cause birth defects. Radiation therapy affects the chromosomes in the sperms. There is no permanent damage though. In case your husband has undergone any radiation therapy, it is best if you avoid trying for a baby for at least three months. This way any changes in sperm production and quality will return to normal. However, if your husband has had prostrate or male breast cancer, then there are chances of your baby getting it. “Can medications be harmful?” In case your husband happens to take medications for diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, again, it will affect the sperm count and quality, but none so grave to affect the baby. “Is age a factor with men?” “Yes. Just like it is for women, a man’s sperm quality decreases gradually as he ages. However, there are no studies to prove that it can cause abnormalities in the baby,” says Dr. Parikh. Having a c
