2007-02-13 04:09:33 · 12 answers · asked by utgrrl7798 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
The experience is different from one woman to another. If you think about the amount of time spent in compression (approx. 15 seconds for each of the normal 4 images = 60 seconds), even if it is very painful, it may save your life. Pretty small price to pay, I think. If your breasts are normally tender, the exam will be more uncomfortable for you. If you don't experience tenderness, the exam is actually pretty easy. It is a good idea to consider a few things if you have tenderness. First off, schedule after you have started your menstrual period (if you are still menstruating). Prior to the start of your period, the breasts are more tender. Also, avoid caffeine products (or cut down) for a week prior to your mammo. Caffeine will make your breasts more tender. It also won't hurt to take an Ibuprofen prior to your exam. Remember, screen mammography not only saves lives, but can improve your quality of life if you find an early breast cancer.
Edited:
I just read the response above mine, and right on! I have had patients come in for their first mammo who have a large mass which they have been aware of for some time, BUT they never got a mammogram because their "friends" all said how painful the exam was. In fact, one woman, in that situation, was dead in less than a month. What great friends she had. Woman who complain and b**ch and exaggerate are not doing their fellow women any favors!
2007-02-14 08:11:16 · answer #1 · answered by Lissacal 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
PLEASE!!! We have to stop perpetuating this stupid idea that mammograms are painful! Don't women realize that by repeating this opinion they are putting the lives of other women in jepordy? As some of the women had the good sense to say, mammograms are uncomfortable, they are not painful. This belief actually keeps some women from having mammograms! Doesn't that mean anything to those of you who want to complain about such an important, necessary, wonderful, lifesaving test? Doesn't it bother you at all to know that because you want to be a sissy about something so important, some woman might not schedule a mammogram and end up dying of breast cancer? Do you think that you could find someone who has breast cancer who would tell you that a mammogram was more painful than breast cancer? I doubt it. For crying out loud, get a sense of perspective here. Painful compared to what? Compared to dying? Compared to chemotherapy? Compared to telling your children that you are dying? We are so lucky that we live in a world where this test is available to us. Instead of appreciating that we want to worry about a few seconds of discomfort.
The next time a woman asks you if mammograms are painful tell her that they can be uncomfortable for the few moments that they take and be sure to mention that they can literally save your life. That is a far more truthful, helpful and accurate answer.
Women need to be tougher if they are going to protect themselves from this awful disease and wimping out when it comes to having a mammogram is not the way to do it!
(Sorry for the strong opinion but this is an emotional issue for many.)
2007-02-13 06:09:02 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Trinity 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to paraphrase an famous saying "Painful is as painful does." Having a mammogram is uncomfortable to me, but not painful. Some of that depends on your pain threshold, and some on the size of the breast. Admittedly, you are having your breast squeezed between two panes of glass, but it is not like slamming them there. It is a gentle pressure that is relieved the second that the x-ray is taken. If you fall into the category of low pain threshold, with little breasts, it might hurt you as well. However if you are afraid to do this. think about how much having breast cancer would hurt. First the many many tests that would have to be done, the surgery, the recovery, etc etc
2007-02-13 04:18:01 · answer #3 · answered by cat14675 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Strangly enough, I am a guy, and I have had a mammogram.
I was suspected at age 17 to have had cancer in the very small amount of breast tissue I have, and I was submitted to a mammogram test.
Yes, they are very painful.
2007-02-13 04:13:18 · answer #4 · answered by royalpainshane 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes but they are a necessity. There is however a new type of screening called a digital mammogram. It is supposed to be pain free. I would ask your Dr. if this is an option for you and available in your area.
2007-02-13 04:13:36 · answer #5 · answered by CountryGirl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In order to get a good view of the breast tissue for a mammogram, they squish your breast between two plates. It hurts as much as that sort of thing would.
2007-02-13 07:19:27 · answer #6 · answered by aqx99 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had one, and while it was slightly uncomfortable, it wasn't painful. If you have a well-trained person doing it, she will show you how to stand and how to best place your breast on the table to where it won't be painful. The key thing is to remain calm and relaxed.
Good for you for doing the test! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
I wish you well!
2007-02-13 04:14:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on who is administering it, yes it is painful but the pain goes away after the pressure is released.
2007-02-13 04:17:06 · answer #8 · answered by clm 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are not painful for me. Some women say they are but for me they don't hurt. Yes there is pressure but no pain for me.
2007-02-13 04:13:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not the ones I perform. I have a very gentle touch. Let me know if you need my address.....
2007-02-13 04:12:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋