The levels of radiation used in x–ray procedures are so low that they pose only minimal risk to patients. As a precaution, some patients may be asked to wear a lead apron to shield sex organs from exposure to radiation. At very high doses, radiation can damage a woman’s eggs or a man’s sperm.

High doses of radiation can also be harmful to a developing fetus. Therefore, women who are or may be pregnant should be sure to inform their physician or x–ray technologist of their condition. It may be necessary to take certain precautions to protect the fetus.

Precautions that can be taken in an x–ray procedure include:

• Ask the physician how an x–ray will help. Patients have a right to understand why a physician believes an x–ray is necessary. If it is medically necessary, it should not be refused, as the small risk of radiation is much lower than the risk of not having a condition properly diagnosed. Patients should not insist on having an x–ray if it is not medically necessary.
  
  
• Ask for gonad shields for x–rays of the lower back, abdomen or area near the sex organs. These lead shields can protect a man’s testicles or a woman’s ovaries from radiation, which protects reproductive cells. This shield should be considered for any patient who may have children in the future. In some cases – such as in x–rays of the gonads – these shields are not an option.
  
  
• Keep track of x–rays with an x–ray record card. Patients who have x–rays taken should record the date, type of exam and where the x–ray is kept. In some cases, these old x–rays can be used instead of taking new x–rays. Each family member should have an x–ray card.
  
  
• Some x–ray procedures require the patient to swallow a contrast medium. In rare cases, patients experience an allergic reaction to this dye. Patients with a history of such reactions should inform their physician or x–ray technologist.