NHS X-ray operators have been told to ask men if they're pregnant before carrying out X-rays - according to reports.

       Several hospitals have reportedly introduced inclusivity guidelines to check whether anyone between 12 and 55 is pregnant, regardless of gender - the Telegraph reports.

       The guidance was first introduced after a trans man, who did not know they were pregnant, underwent a CT scan.

       The radiation from several regularly used scans, including X-rays and MRIs, can be dangerous to unborn children.

       The Telegraph reported that some radiologists had had male patients leaving appointments in protests at the question, with some women also upset at having to explain why they could not get pregnant.

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       The “inclusive pregnancy status guidelines for ionising radiation” were developed by the Society of Radiographers (SoR) - with several hospital trusts across England already using variations of them.

       Dr Louise Irvine, a GP, said it should be possible to accurately record a person's gender on medical records and that the guidelines "muddy the water".

       Speaking to the Telegraph, she added: “Given that it is impossible for anyone of the male sex to become pregnant, there is no need to ask male people if they might be pregnant, and thereby avoid a lot of embarrassment and upset.

       "If someone identifies as transgender or non-binary, and their records indicate they are biologically female, then they can be respectfully asked about the possibility of pregnancy."