Ask your doctor if the x-ray is necessary. Be certain that you or your child's gonadal area receives some type of protective shielding when the gonadal area is being x-rayed unless the shield will interfere with the diagnosis. There is usually some type of leaded shield such as a leaded apron for dentalx-rays. If you change doctors, ask that your old x-rays be sent to your new doctor. If you are referred to another doctor, make sure that any x-rays already taken for your current problem are sent to the new doctor.
Diagnostic results are equal if proper film processing is maintained.
As a general statement, less is better. The following is for a short-term test only.