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!