PS: Here's an excellent web site regarding mammograms with good information:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mammo
While mammos are not supposed to be "painful", some women report that they are while the majority of women have no problems or just call them "uncomfortable" at worst. I've had mammos since I was in my late 20's and I'll be 63 next month, so I've had LOTS of them, including two a year since '09. I can honestly say only the very last one was what I'd call painful. Since this is your first mammo I'm hoping that you're around 40 and premenopausal. The timing the mammo can be important to making it more comfortable. You know your own body and know when they're sore, but it's recommended to avoid the week before your period when most women's breasts are most tender.Like Sue said, it's only for seconds and can be life saving, so it's well worth it.
I hope you're one of the women who have no problem with it and wish you the best.
nc
My first mammo was painful. My last mammo was not. Doesn't matter though as it's the first line of defense other than self breast exams to find cancer. And the pain is not like being stabbed. It's a compression that is here and gone within seconds. Not comfortable, not horrible either. And if you've never had it, how will you know if you've gotten the truth? And really, there is no preparing for it. You go in, they compress, you go out and go home.
Hi, you can get 30 different answers to your question and have all of them be sincere. I really do not believe people come here for the purpose of providing 'incinsere' feedback. it would not only be a waste for you but additionally to the one who responds?
I have had 2 mammograms and the first one was completely painless. The second one was slightly uncomfortable but not close to painful.
Now, I know that this is not true for all women and their experiences with mammograms.
I will give them their own chance to tell you about their experiences if they wish to.
All the best, KATRIN