The Pregnant Urologist

Abstract

The latest statistics show that females constitute 15% of UK Urology consultants and 30% of Urology trainees. This number is set to rise with females accounting for 60% of recent medical school intakes (1). Having young female trainees will result in a larger number of trainees working during pregnancy. Furthermore Urology as a specialty involves potential risks to the developing foetus and mother from both ionising radiation in theatre and from exposure to the potentially harmful 5 α reductase inhibitors, Povidone-iodine surgical scrub, cytotoxic chemicals such as Mitomycin, along with long working hours and on call duties.