The gonads are the primary reproductive organs, playing an essential role in producing offspring. In males, the gonads are the testicles or testes, which are responsible for producing sperm. These are some of the most radio-sensitive areas of the body and can be easily damaged, potentially leading to infertility from frequent or over-exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays.
Considering this, lead was chosen for use in safety or protective garments due to its high density and atomic number, making it effective in attenuating ionizing radiation. This makes it highly effective for shielding vital organs and sensitive tissues from harmful radiation.
This realization led manufacturers of lead aprons to incorporate lead gonad shields into special safety equipment for male doctors and male patients with reproductive potential who are exposed to ionizing radiation during investigational and surgical radiology practices. These aprons with gonad shields are designed to protect the gonad cells from the harmful effects of radiation exposure.
Lead gonad shields for males are designed to be placed outside the body, below the symphysis pubis (the joint between the left and right pelvis) to completely cover the gonads. There are three basic types of lead gonad shields: contact shields, shaped contact shields, and shadow shields. They work by blocking harmful X-rays and gamma rays from reaching the testicles during diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy, and surgeries involving radiation exposure. These shields are used to block both stray radiation (radiation that falls outside the field of view) and primary radiation (radiation within the primary beam path).
Those concerned about the risk of infertility, cancer, or other serious health issues caused by gamma-ray or X-ray exposure should note that the amount of radiation during medical imaging is minimal and unlikely to cause significant damage. The radiation dose needed to cause fertility issues is 100 times greater than the dose typically used in medical imaging. Therefore, the lead gonad shield should be worn by male doctors and patients only when their reproductive organs or gonads fall within the beam path or are within 5 cm of the primary beams—unless the shield compromises the diagnostic or therapeutic value of the procedure. In this way, males can preserve their fertility without impacting their reproductive or overall health.