Do mammograms hurt?

[Anonymous]

I don’t even find them uncomfortable.

I was so nervous before my first one, and afterwards I thought “was that all?”

But it varies a lot by your body shape and size.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My problem is the positioning makes me faint (it’s some kind of reflex, I have no idea why). I finally learned you can ask to sit down and they use a rolly chair/stool that is height adjustable. It makes it so much more comfortable for me. Still an awkward position but I don’t have the stress of worrying I’m going to pass out.

Vasovagal syncope

This.

It’s the machine pressing on your belly.

? The machine never presses on my belly. It's at upper torso level. I do feel pressed against the machine, and my 32B breasts are manipulated to fit into it, but there's no belly involvement. Maybe you had a different machine?

[Anonymous]

Lol what is up with the not as much as chemo comments? Getting a mammogram doesn't prevent cancer . . ..

[Anonymous]

30DDD, uncomfortable yes, awkward, absolutely. Painful? Never

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lol what is up with the not as much as chemo comments? Getting a mammogram doesn't prevent cancer . . ..

I’m not the person who posted that, but if you catch BC early enough, you might be able to avoid chemo.

[Anonymous]

I find it painful, but it’s over so fast! Take Advil about an 45-60 minutes before. It helps.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, all!

[Anonymous]

My first was incredibly painful and I felt faint from the pain. The tech was awful and kept tightening and tightening even after I said I was in pain. My breasts were sore for 2 weeks after. For my next I went to a different facility that has the curved plat3s and I followed the advice to schedule for 10 days after a period. It was painful but much better.

if you’re in a lot of pain, stop them and stop the procedure! I wish I had that first time! Can always go somewhere else. It might help the tech learn to be better at their job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t say it’s painful but mildly uncomfortable. The good news is it’s over super quick. Most of mine are no issue at all and I think I have had around 20. For reference, I have anxiety about most doctors and medical procedures but not a mammogram.

This describes my experience (NP) very well.

[Anonymous]

I put off having my first mammogram until I was in my late forties due to hearing (as well as reading about!) how much they hurt.

And on the day of my appointment I was having major anxiety too.

But I was pleasantly surprised.
There was zero discomfort or pain involved.

And I have a low pain tolerance.

[Anonymous]

OP, I am sorry you have heard everyone’s opinion about a mammogram. Luckily, I don’t think the internet was invented when I had my first mammogram! I would say it is mildly uncomfortable and isn’t long lasting pain. Do not stress about this. Please report back after your experience. It will console others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My problem is the positioning makes me faint (it’s some kind of reflex, I have no idea why). I finally learned you can ask to sit down and they use a rolly chair/stool that is height adjustable. It makes it so much more comfortable for me. Still an awkward position but I don’t have the stress of worrying I’m going to pass out.

Vasovagal syncope

This.

It’s the machine pressing on your belly.

Yikes. I hope my belly is never this big!!!

This is mean. I posted about the chair. I’m a fit and thin person, but regardless, passing out while your breast is in a clamp is scary and painful. It happened at my first mammo and made each one afterward very stressful until I learned I could ask to sit. I don’t know why it happens to me but no tech has seemed surprised when I bring it up so I’m not the only one.

[Anonymous]

Why hasn't techology done better at women's healthcare? Why are so many routine checks painful?

[Anonymous]

I find Pap smears more uncomfortable, if that's a good baseline for you. Though mammograms take longer.

I have small boobs and I have always wondered if this makes it harder, because it's harder to get a good scan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why hasn't techology done better at women's healthcare? Why are so many routine checks painful?

Women are less likely to complain about pain/discomfort during tests than men are (and less likely to avoid a test because of pain/discomfort). But also, even if women do complain, their complaints are more easily dismissed as exaggeration or someone being oversensitive.

Our culture is set up to discount women's pain. Even women do it to each other. Women might even be worse about it, TBH.