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Screening information for Transgender and Non-binary individuals - About AAA screening

Who: Some people aged 65(and over 65 if you ask)

When: One-off test

Test: Ultrasound

AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) screening can save lives by finding a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta (main blood vessel) in the abdomen.

Contact Wales Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (Need to link this contact page)

Things you need to know about AAA screening

If you were assigned male at birth, you are six times more likely to have an AAA than someone who was assigned female at birth.

A ruptured AAA is less common in a person assigned female at birth, on average this happens 10 years later than in a person assigned male at birth.

If you are registered with your doctor as male, you will be invited for AAA screening.

If you were assigned female at birth you can choose whether or not you would like to attend for screening.

If you are not registered with a doctor as male, you will not be invited for AAA screening.

If you were assigned male at birth it is important for you to be screened. You will need to contact your nearest screening office to arrange a suitable appointment.

AAA screening involves having an ultrasound scan of your abdominal aorta. You will not need to undress but you will have to lift up your top. If you wear a binder, the screener may be able to do the scan without you having to remove this.

General information

Let the Wales Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme know if you would like your appointment at the beginning or end of the clinic.

If you are worried about going for AAA screening or if AAAs run in your family speak to your doctor. If you find talking to your doctor difficult you may want to get support from someone you trust to do this for you.

Taking part in screening is your choice. If you do not want to be invited for AAA screening you will need to contact your nearest screening office, who will explain how you can opt out.

Who is most at risk of an AAA?

An AAA can happen to anyone but it is most common in people assigned male at birth and aged 65 or over.

You are more at risk of developing an AAA if you:

  • have high blood pressure;
  • have high cholesterol;
  • have a family history of AAA; or
  • smoke.

Signs and symptoms you should look for

There are usually no signs and symptoms of an AAA. The easiest way to find an AAA is by having a simple ultrasound scan of the abdomen.

For more information, visit the AAA screening page.

Page last reviewed: 21st January 2026