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Original poster

Just had my first ever mammogram and it was not at all bad

40 replies

Stevienickssleeves · 11/10/2019 10:59

I was nervous. It was actually easier than i thought and less scary than it looks on telly. They lowered the lights, which made me feel less self conscious, and it didn't hurt or pinch whatsoever, just a bit of squeezing pressure no worse than if you laid on your front. The "plates" they put your boob between were perspex, not cold steel as i had somehow envisioned.

Hope this gives some comfort to anyone nervously anticipating theirs!

OP posts:
karala · 11/10/2019 16:19

I've been having them for years, small boobs, not painful. I had no idea that it was difficult or painful for some women. How awful Flowers

FluffyEarMuffs · 11/10/2019 16:23

I find them painful and unpleasant.

The last time I had one done, I was not expecting it as I'd been told I would get sent back for another day. I had a work dress on so had to stand there in tights and high heels while my boobs were manoeuvred.

I don't know how it can not hurt for some people, although I am pleased for those who it isn't unpleasant of course!

Goatrider · 11/10/2019 16:26

I am flat chested. Had my first one earlier this year aged 49.

I actually found it quite comical and had to try hard not to laugh. She was desperately trying to pull it out and spread it onto the plate but there just wasn't much to get hold of and it kept pinging back.

They got the pics they needed and it was all clear.

It's kind of painful but I don't really mind pain if I know it's only brief and not a sign of something being wrong.

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Women's health
starlingsintheslipstream · 11/10/2019 16:31

I'm 48 and have just had my first. I was offered it as part of a trial for the under 50s. It was uncomfortable but fine. It's quite an intimate procedure isn't it. I can see why they only have female staff.

BooseysMom · 11/10/2019 17:33

It surely can't be more painful than contractions! Shock

@Livebythecoast.. thank you for the info
I'll see if i can get referred earlier than 50 seeing as DM had it

HoldMyLobster · 11/10/2019 17:52

The last time I had one done, I was not expecting it as I'd been told I would get sent back for another day. I had a work dress on so had to stand there in tights and high heels while my boobs were manoeuvred.

That sounds very uncomfortable. Where I go, we are asked to remove all clothes other than knickers, and given a hospital gown (called a 'johnny' here Grin) to put on, done up at the front. We then stand in front of the machine, barefoot, with the gown open. You also have to remove all deoderant and perfume - they provide wipes. I guess I just took it for granted that's how it works everywhere.

StandardPoodle · 11/10/2019 18:46

My local hospital has a new mammogram machine now and it is so much better than the previous machine which was frankly painful.. It's a little uncomfortable but no more than that. I am fairly flat chested.

Bookworm13 · 19/11/2019 16:19

I had mine at lunchtime today and had got myself worked up into a right old stew about it!

But it was over very quickly and wasn't sore - just a bit squashy and uncomfortable but soon finished!

I just wanted to ask you ladies - a couple of people mentioned to me that you stand a slight chance of being recalled for a second mammogram, if this is your first - as they have nothing to compare it with?!

A lady in the waiting room with me today in the clinic, said she had never heard that before, thought it sounded "rubbish" (!) and said she was in for her fifth mammogram.

I made the radiographer laugh, as I told her to take as many pics of my boobs as she wanted, so, hopefully, I wouldn't 'see her again for three years!

Now to wait two weeks or so for the results...!

Any views on this appreciated. Thank you.

Fredy45 · 19/11/2019 16:32

I had my first a few weeks ago as part of private health screening with work. I am mid 40s.

I didn't find it too bad either 34F here. There was a lol moment when she had to get a bigger plate.

Never did get my results actually - will go and find them.

Bluerussian · 19/11/2019 16:36

I have to say I've never, ever found a mammogram scary (& had a few over the years), and this thread surprises me because I have also not heard anyone else say it is scary. Mammogram is quite straightforward. It might pinch a little bit but only momentarily, soon over.

billandbenflowerpotmen1 · 19/11/2019 16:58

The first few I had starting about 7 years ago were more than uncomfortable. My boobs are cysty and lumpy and painful anyway. However the last one a year ago was almost painless. The woman doing it told me the machines are different now and cause much less pain

peaceanddove · 19/11/2019 17:10

Mine didn't bother me at all. Am a 34G and because of HRT they're still firm but it wasn't painful at all. Had to laugh when they had to switch plates for something larger.

wizzywizzed · 19/11/2019 17:15

I had my first one to day! I have 🍳🍳 and they managed to give 'em a good squish so don't be worried @duckegg271. The whole thing was over in 5 minutes and I was dressed and away before I knew it. Feeling very proud of myself for some reason!

florriepeck · 19/11/2019 17:19

I've had two mammograms, at aged 50 and 53: they weren't too bad, but I feel nervous about the next one, due in a few months, as I've had breast implants since then.
My surgeon said that they can't be damaged ("you could drive a bus over the implants, and they wouldn't be affected").
But I'll dread going for the appointment.

Bluerussian · 19/11/2019 18:36

I learn something here all the time, never knew HRT kept boobs firm :-).

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