Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : October 11, 2017 3:58 PM IST
Just like your first internal exam or your first PMS breakdown, the first mammogram can be one of those things that can get you highly hysterical. Yes, you may not like the idea of having your breasts squished between metal plates, mammogram along with self-exams is key to detect breast cancer in early, more treatable stages. So what happens when you go for a mammogram? You go topless and the lab technician positions each of your breasts on the machine but how mammogram feels is a completely different experience. We got a few women to tell you what mammogram actually feels like.
A downright awkward experience
My mom is a breast cancer survivor so I make sure that I get a mammogram done every year. But more than the pain, having a stranger handle your boobs can be really awkward. I would like to sum mammogram as a few minutes of discomfort , says Akshita.
Small breasts hurt more
There was so much squishing but it did not hurt so much. And since I have tiny breasts, I think it needed more handling and caused more pain. So if your boobs are small, be ready for some muscle pulling , says Eva.
It was nothing like the torture others claim
My friends told me that mammogram was painful but my doctor handed me very gently and patiently. Yes they smoosh your breasts and it is uncomfortable for sure, but it is nothing like the pain others claim it is , says Jayshree. Here's everything you want to know about mammography.
It really pulled my skin
While it wasn t the level of pain you experience during childbirth, my breasts were handled and smashed and it really pulled my skin. I was tender all the way up till my neck after the mammogram. My advice for you would be to just relax and chat and think that the test is for your own good , says Mamta.
It is not a big deal
It is fairly easy. Just two squeeze images between two plates on each breast. Just follow the instructions and it is quick. I think the only uncomfortable part is when your skin stretches around your breasts. If your breasts are very sensitive, do not go during your menstrual cycle as your breasts are more sensitive during that time. Here are 10 tips to detect breast cancer early.
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