MENSTRUAL CHANGES AND PREGNANCY OUTCOMES AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPISTS EXPOSED TO NON-IONIZING RADIATIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive exposure to radiofrequency (RF), electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from the diathermy devices could result in adverse pregnancy / reproductive outcomes. Aim of Work: to assess the menstrual changes, hormonal profile and pregnancy outcomes among female physiotherapists exposed to non-ionizing radiations. Materials and Methods: a prospective study, included 120 female workers at the physiotherapy departments with 160 healthy controls (non-exposed), who were allocated into two groups: pregnant (50 physiotherapists and 75 controls) and non-pregnant (70 physiotherapists and 85 controls). Outcome measures in the pregnant group included pregnancy outcome while in non-pregnant group were menstrual irregularities, abnormal uterine bleeding and abnormal hormonal profile. Results: There was a highly significant difference between the exposed pregnant and controls regarding low birth weight (p 0.05). Conclusion: female physiotherapists have no increased risks for menstrual irregularities, abnormal hormonal profile or adverse pregnancy outcome except for low birth weight which needs future research.