Routine Gynecologic Care

Mammograms can tell a woman much about her breast health, but they are an easy thing to avoid. In fact, about two-thirds of women expect mammograms to be painful, which plays a significant role in whether they choose to schedule them on time every year (or at all).

While it is true that mammography will not be as pleasant as enjoying a home-cooked meal, it does not have to be severely uncomfortable! There are many things a woman can do before and during her mammogram to make the process more comfortable.

From scheduling strategically to working with a trusted team, any patient can take charge of their mammography and see better (and more comfortable) results.

Schedule Before Problems Worsen

One way to improve the comfort of a mammogram is to schedule it as soon as a problem becomes noticeable (or even before any issues seem to exist). Waiting until the breast tissue itself becomes uncomfortable not only exposes a patient to a higher risk of breast cancer but also contributes to discomfort during testing.

A woman who is experiencing swollen nipples or who feels a large lump may feel more discomfort when these tissues are put under pressure with mammogram testing. This is why regular mammograms are important, as they can spot issues before reaching this point.

Wait Until After Your Period

Breast tissue changes throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle as hormones fluctuate. Immediately prior to and during a woman’s period, the breasts can be especially tender. It is smart to schedule a mammogram for the week after menstruation, when the breasts have recovered and are no longer as sensitive to touch or pressure.

Choose Water

While many women begin their days with coffee, this could be a less-than-ideal choice for mammogram day. Soon after consumption, caffeine functions as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing the blood vessels.

This narrowing (and the increased blood pressure that comes with it) is why some people experience headaches after drinking caffeine. However, it can also be a driver of discomfort during a mammogram.

Because the breasts experience higher blood pressure than normal, the force exerted by the mammography machine can increase this pressure to even greater levels, causing discomfort. To avoid this, be sure to drink water for a few days before the mammogram.

Try OTC Medications

It is safe to take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, before a mammogram. Studies show that women who took acetaminophen (Tylenol) one hour before their screening reported less discomfort than those who did not. Just be sure that taking this medication will not interfere with other medicines!

Stay Still

A mammogram exerts pressure on the breast tissue in specific ways to gain a clear picture. Remaining as still as possible helps to make sure the machine is putting pressure in the right places instead of pressing on a sensitive area.

If a patient needs help standing still, such as if they regularly use a walker, a good mammography team will always be happy to assist.

Communicate

Many women assume they should be quiet during their screenings so the technicians can work. However, women are encouraged to communicate with their team! If they are feeling discomfort, patients should let their practitioner know so they can adjust the positioning.

Get to Know Your Team

It can be very stressful to be poked and prodded by strangers, and this sense of unfamiliarity can lead to an increased sense of pain. From being tense to anticipating pain where none exists, patients face real consequences when they do not know the team they are working with!

Take time before a mammogram to get to know the people operating the machine or taking notes. By trusting those in the office, women can approach mammography with less tension and discomfort.

Do Not Fear a Mammogram

A mammogram does not have to be a cause for concern! Whether you have experienced an uncomfortable mammogram in the past or are nervous about your first time, it is important to choose a team that understands what you are going through.

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness’ all-woman team has been right where you are, and we know just how intimidating a mammogram can be with the wrong people. That is why we are eager to help our patients have a positive experience so they can approach their breast health with confidence. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule your appointment!

Birth control has come a long way throughout history. There have been many changes from the acacia leaves of ancient Egypt to the development of a once-a-day estrogen pill. As technology continues to advance, so too does the improvement of existing birth control options and the development of new and exciting contraceptives.

But what’s next for contraception? Researchers are working on a few key areas: accessibility, how long a method offers protection, and how easy it is to use. These factors increase the success rate through patient compliance while simultaneously making birth control easier for everyone.

Here are some innovations that could be coming down the pipeline soon.

The Monthly Pill

One of the most significant challenges doctors see among patients taking the once-a-day pill is that it is easy to forget. Whether a person misses a dose completely, takes it at the wrong time, or even loses the packet, their protection could be compromised.

In order to address this issue, doctors are working hard to develop a monthly pill. This single dose could protect for an entire month, reducing the failure rate due to patient behaviors while delivering something much more convenient.

A Long-Term Injection

Contraceptive injections are currently available, but patients have stated their dissatisfaction with how often they need to be administered. Most injections last no more than three months. However, innovations in contraceptive injections could produce a shot that lasts for six months or even a year. With fewer jabs, more patients are likely to consider this option.

A Dissolvable Patch

Not everyone wants to take pills, and an injection may not be the right fit for some. To provide an alternative, medical researchers are developing a patch that can be applied to the skin (usually on the arm). The patch contains microneedles too small to be seen by the naked eye (and thus too small to produce the discomfort of an injection).

When the patch is applied, these small needles enter the skin to provide exposure to contraceptive hormones. The patch can then be removed, leaving only the medication in the needles behind. The needles dissolve before the next treatment is due.

Biodegradable Implants

Contraceptive implants can currently be placed under the skin of the arm. However, they must be removed once their efficacy has decreased. Biodegradable implants could be left permanently in the body, where they will go away on their own rather than requiring a second procedure.

Pod IVRs

An IVR, or intravaginal ring, already exists as a birth control option. However, the current selection is limited; the ring contains the prescription, which is absorbed directly in the vaginal cavity, but flexibility in what that ring can contain remains limited.

Innovations are leading toward a “pod” IVR, which incorporates multiple pods of different types of medications. This allows for treatment targeted toward the patient’s specific needs in more controlled and varied doses, potentially with multiple hormones or medications.

An Adjustable Microchip

One of the most technologically advanced options on the table in the future is the microchip-based contraceptive. Researchers are considering an implantable, programmable device that could release contraceptives on command (e.g., when a patient is sexually active) and then be turned off at will (e.g., when the patient wants to get pregnant or when they are not sexually active).

While this can limit the long-term adverse side effects of many types of birth control, scientists have expressed some concerns about the microchip option. Women in abusive relationships could find that their partner turns the contraceptive off remotely to trap them in a pregnancy. Scientists also wonder if a device with a remote connection could be considered secure from outside influence. Development in this area is ongoing!

Male Birth Control

For years, people have been clamoring for a male birth control option, and development has finally made strides. YCT-529 is being studied as a pill option that prevents the development of sperm, and a gel option shows great promise in stopping sperm production faster than ever, which is one of the primary challenges that male contraceptives face.

Explore Birth Control Options

Medical technology has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent decades, and this advancement is not expected to slow down anytime soon. This can mean some great things for birth control for both men and women. To determine which type of contraceptive is right for you, and to stay on top of new options, be sure to keep up with your regular wellness visits and screenings!

Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to schedule your appointment or set up a mammogram to take charge of your health.

Mammograms remain an essential part of women’s healthcare throughout their lives. Some may hear their doctors encourage them to go in for a breast cancer screening as early as their 20s if they are predisposed to cancer development.

Still, most women will start screening around age 40. However, some women may find the concept of mammography intimidating, largely because they do not realize that some of the information they have about the process is, in fact, false!

Many common myths about mammograms are so widely circulated that telling the difference between fact and fiction becomes difficult.

Here are some common misconceptions about mammograms and how to debunk them using evidence-based science and data.

Myth: Getting a Mammogram Hurts

Every woman’s body is different, as is her pain tolerance compared to other people. Research into the potential discomfort associated with a mammogram demonstrates that, in general, less than 5% of women describe their experience as severely painful.

This study also discovered that when women were going into their first mammogram, they were even less likely to describe the process as painful. Researchers determined this was because they were not building up anticipation of how uncomfortable the procedure might be.

If you are getting ready for a mammogram, approach it with an open mind. This prevents your body from anticipating pain where none might exist and keeps the process more relaxed. A compassionate, helpful team can guide you through the procedure with your comfort in mind.

Myth: Mammograms Are Only for People With Family History

A person’s genetic history plays a role in the development of certain types of cancer, and breast cancer is one such variant. However, all women should be screened for breast cancer regularly, regardless of their family history.

Research has found that between 5% and 10% of patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer do have a familial component, such as other family members with breast or ovarian cancer.

This leaves a large portion of women who are diagnosed despite having no previous incidences of breast cancer in the family. Taking charge of your own health is a decision, regardless of what medical events have happened in your family’s past.

Myth: Dense Breast Tissue Prevents Mammography

Dense breast tissue can be harder to see during a mammogram, but it does not stop mammography from being useful! Skilled practitioners who have experience working with patients with dense breasts are still capable of spotting abnormalities in this type of tissue.

Additionally, studies remain ongoing into other methods that can supplement mammograms, such as ultrasounds or MRIs with contrast. These have been shown to increase the identification rate of cancer, including in women with dense breasts. If you have dense breast tissue, do not let that stop you from getting screened!

Myth: Self-Exams Are Enough

Many women perform regular breast self-exams at home, and that is a great thing. However, self-exams alone do not offer the highest detection rate for breast cancer. Research has gathered enough data to show that around 25% of women detect breast cancer on their own during self-examination.

Despite this, almost 50% of breast cancers are found during a mammogram. By combining these methods, women can see a significant increase in early detection rates. If you are doing self-exams, you are already making great progress. Do not forget to continue to care for yourself by getting screened.

Myth: Mammograms Increase Breast Cancer Rates

Some women have heard that mammograms actually increase breast cancer rates. However, this idea comes from confusion about the differences in correlation and causation. Women who have mammograms are indeed more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, because it was the mammogram that discovered it!

Similarly, suppose a woman never has a mammogram. In that case, she might not receive that breast cancer diagnosis, even if she does have breast cancer. Mammograms do not cause cancer, and this idea should not stop you from getting one.

Instead, it is important to know that about 66% of breast cancer diagnoses happen when the cancer is still localized (in a small area of the breast), thanks to women going in for their regular screenings. When cancer is at this small stage, the five-year survival rate is as high as 99%.

Embrace Your Long-Term Health by Scheduling a Mammogram

Mammograms are an important part of lifelong healthcare for women. However, at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, we understand that the mammography process can seem intimidating or confusing.

Our all-women team is happy to help you digest the mammography procedure so you always know what to expect. We approach each patient’s care with compassion and a goal of long-term wellness. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule your mammogram!

Breast cancer screening usually brings to mind mammograms, which are one of the main ways to identify breast cancer. While mammograms are an irreplaceable part of a smart healthcare plan, they should not be the only way to keep up with breast health. Performing breast self-exams is also an essential element to prevent the development of cancer by catching it while it is still in its most minor, most treatable stage.

Studies show that breast cancer can grow quickly; certain types can double in tumor size in as little as 25 days. This leaves a significant risk for those who use mammography as their only screening method. Uncover the role of self-exams in breast cancer screening and how to perform one on yourself so you can stay safe and healthy.

What Is a Breast Self-Exam?

A breast self-exam is the process of palpating (that is, feeling by using pressure and motion) the breast tissue to identify areas that have potentially changed or those that feel unusual.

What is considered normal will vary from person to person. Some women have especially dense breast tissue, while others maintain minimal fat in the breasts. This is part of why conducting regular exams is essential: it helps establish a baseline for comparison later.

Breast self-exams are recommended at least monthly, but many women do them once a week or more. They are easy to do while in the shower or lying in bed, so turning exams into a habit is simple. An exam should be done using the pads of your fingers, not the palms. Many women choose the shower because it makes motion over the chest area easier!

The Best Breast Self-Exam Technique

All breast exams should begin with a visual examination. In some cases, breast issues can be identified by sight before touch. Look at:

• The size of the breasts
• Breast symmetry (it’s all right if they are not the same size or orientation, but dramatic differences should be investigated)
• Any dimpling or puckered areas
• The nipples (turned-in nipples especially should be seen by a doctor)
• The hard ridges underneath the breasts
• The shape of the breasts, both with arms above the head and when resting the hands on the hips

Once the breasts have been visually reviewed, it is time to move on to the manual exam. Taking the pads of the fingers, start at the 12 o’clock position at the nipple and move the fingers upward toward the collarbone.

Repeat this process with varying degrees of pressure. Then, move on to 1 o’clock and repeat the process until all tissue has been examined in the entire circle. Do not forget to investigate the armpits. Any lumps, bumps, or unusual areas, especially those that change over time, are cause to visit the doctor for more testing.

Are Self-Exams Enough?

Breast self-exams play an essential role in cancer prevention. However, as with many types of preventive healthcare, they alone can leave some things missing. The best strategy to reduce breast cancer risk is to catch it early by combining regular breast exams with mammograms and well-woman visits.

Mammograms can see deeper into the breast tissue than a self-exam may be able to feel. Additionally, while women can become familiar with the normal state of their breasts, they are not medical professionals and may overlook lumps that a doctor could feel.

For these reasons and many more, the smartest way to approach breast cancer prevention is to visit a doctor regularly. Mammograms combined with self-exams produce a higher detection rate, almost double that of mammography or self-exams alone.

That being said, it is wise to embrace the self-exam as a great interim strategy between mammograms. If you are unsure how to perform an exam correctly, ask your doctor to demonstrate and provide advice to get the most out of your exam routine.

Get Your Yearly Mammogram

The role of self-exams in breast cancer screening cannot be overstated, as they increase the detection rate of breast cancer. Alongside mammography, self-exams can significantly boost the diagnosis rate of cancer while it is still in its infancy and when the survival rate approaches 99%.

If it is time for your next mammogram, schedule it at a convenient time so you do not have to worry about fitting it into your busy day. The professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness can help you establish a strong mammogram history and develop good habits for breast self-exams. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to schedule your appointment!

Mammography is one of the most essential medical tests women can schedule in their lives. Whether a mammogram is done once per year for screening purposes or more often due to family history or previous unusual results, patients are encouraged not to skip their appointments.

However, it is common for people to put off scheduling their next mammogram because they have not experienced any issues indicating a problem.

In some cases, mammograms follow unusual symptoms. Patients may experience nipple discharge, unusual soreness, or even a lump that they notice while going about their daily routine.

But in most cases mammograms are recommended for routine screening in women without any particular symptoms. In patients who believe they are healthy, it can be easy to skip the mammogram because nothing appears to be wrong.

In reality, this can be a dangerous approach. It is essential to understand that regular screening is irreplaceable, even if you have no symptoms.

Early Detection Increases Positive Outcomes

One of the most important reasons why women should continue to be screened for breast cancer, even if they have no symptoms, is because breast cancers can begin to develop deep in the tissues of the breast.

In these early stages, they do not typically cause symptoms; all the same, they are growing and multiplying. A mammogram can detect these early-stage cancer growths before they become severe.

When women skip screenings, they face multiple risks: the development of undetected cancer, the spread of cancer to other organs and body systems, and even damage to tissues in the breast.

Studies repeatedly show that the most important factor influencing a patient’s survival is how early the cancer is detected. In women who are screened regularly to detect cancerous growth soon after it begins, the survival rate can be as high as 99%. However, this number starts to drop the longer the cancer remains unnoticed.

Screening Creates a Habit

Another reason regular screening is essential even if you have no symptoms is because scheduling and attending a yearly mammogram creates a valuable health habit.

Women who are used to getting their mammograms are less likely to forget and more likely to continue making appointments. Positive habits such as this support good health over an entire lifetime.

As an added benefit, women who make a habit of going to the same doctor can build a strong relationship with that medical team. This makes appointments more seamless and gives patients a more significant ownership role in their healthcare and outcomes.

Patients Develop a Health History

One factor contributing to positive health outcomes when patients get regular mammogram screenings, an element frequently overlooked, is the patient’s ever-expanding health history.

Even if a mammogram finds nothing remarkable, the imaging of the breast tissue is stored in the patient’s file. This snapshot in time holds valuable information, not just in the present but in the future.

Suppose that a patient has normal mammograms multiple years in a row. Then, during the most recent mammogram, the doctor notices an area that may be unusual but does not directly seem problematic.

Because that patient has been getting their regular screenings, even though nothing seemed wrong, the doctor has years of history to look back on and compare that unusual spot to. This can help them better understand whether the breast tissue change is attributable to age, habits, cancerous development, or something else.

The presence of a complete health history such as this also makes patients’ lives easier. Doctors who can compare multiple years of imaging and other health data may not need to recommend a biopsy where it may otherwise be necessary for a patient who has not been seen before.

Patients are encouraged to share their health information, not just their breast scans, with the medical team in charge of their mammography care. Data such as hormone levels and past medication usage can all impact how the team approaches the mammogram and its interpretation.

Get Your Regular Mammography Screening

Getting a mammogram takes time, but investing just an hour or two once per year can save weeks, months, or even years that might be claimed due to the development of cancer and its impact on lifespan.

Women over 40 should undergo a mammogram once per year unless they have genetic factors that increase their risk of breast cancer. Even if you feel normal or have not found any lumps during at-home self-exams, scheduling a mammogram with professionals is still essential.

The Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness team strives to make this process as seamless and straightforward as possible so you can get back to what you love to do. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule your mammogram!