Chronic exposure to X‑rays affects male fertility by which mechanism?

Chronic exposure to X‑rays affects male fertility by which mechanism?

• A. Enhancing sperm production
• B. Having no effect
• C. Interfering with sperm production
• D. Increasing testosterone

Answer: (C)

Chronic exposure to ionizing radiation like X‑rays mainly harms rapidly dividing germ cells in the testes, disrupting the process of spermatogenesis. Damage to spermatogonia and supporting Sertoli cells leads to reduced sperm production, causing oligospermia or azoospermia. Because spermatogenesis is a continual process, ongoing exposure lowers the output over time and can cause temporary infertility that may recover after stopping exposure, or permanent infertility if the stem cell population is severely depleted. While very high doses can also affect testosterone-producing Leydig cells, the primary effect of chronic X‑ray exposure on fertility is interference with sperm production rather than increasing testosterone or having no effect.

Chronic exposure to ionizing radiation like X‑rays mainly harms rapidly dividing germ cells in the testes, disrupting the process of spermatogenesis. Damage to spermatogonia and supporting Sertoli cells leads to reduced sperm production, causing oligospermia or azoospermia. Because spermatogenesis is a continual process, ongoing exposure lowers the output over time and can cause temporary infertility that may recover after stopping exposure, or permanent infertility if the stem cell population is severely depleted. While very high doses can also affect testosterone-producing Leydig cells, the primary effect of chronic X‑ray exposure on fertility is interference with sperm production rather than increasing testosterone or having no effect.