How painful is a mammogram?

[CaptainPJ]

I have an appointment for my first mammogram and am a bit worried about how painful it will be. I have really small boobs! Due to go out for a special occasion afterwards and wondering if I need to change the date if it’s likely to be really sore afterwards?

I would recommend taking ibuprofen beforehand and not going at the time of the month when your breasts are tender if you still have periods.
My first one was painful and I felt faint and sick but subsequent ones have been absolutely fine. The last time I went I explained I’d found it painful in the past and the radiographer was very good at putting me at ease and that time it was fine. She was very experienced and skilled.

I have very small boobs and didn’t find it painful. You have to contort yourself into odd positions so if can be uncomfortable but I didn’t find it painful.

However small your boobs are,
mine are smaller! First one I had I came away thinking what was the fuss about it was a bit uncomfortable. Second one was more uncomfortable and I’d go so far as to say painful. But it was only in that moment. Didn’t affect the rest of my day at all once it was done.

Just a tip @CaptainPJ based on my experience - wear a top or jumper that you can easily slip on and off and feel comfy in without your bra on while in the waiting area. I had to go into a cubicle when I arrived, take my outer clothes and bra off, put my jumper back on, wait in the waiting area and then take my jumper off just before the process started.

So wear separates rather than a dress and avoid any itchy wool, lots of buttons, crochet/openwork/sheer fabric or anything very tight. I wore a soft, loose jumper.

Yes, exactly this. And it might help to tie your hair back if it’s long. The radiographer pushed mine back behind my shoulders a couple of times.

It’s uncomfortable certainly, but not painful.

I found it painful. And last time the machine was too high up (or rather I’m too short!) and I was practically lifted off the floor by a boob! I squeaked and the radiographer was a bit grumpy and remarked that “some people” had a low pain threshold…

I also suggest taking paracetamol prior, as it can be quite uncomfortable for some people and that really helped. I’ll also add that I wasn’t prepared for the level of man handling of my breasts, and I got quite upset the first time, crying afterwards once I got back to the car. But I’ve been fine every time since.

The mm'gram hurt my rib cage, they more or less try to scape your boobs off your rib cage. Machine scraping against bone hurt.

Not bad enough to hinder anything me from doing anything afterwards, though.

I think it depends on your breast density. I have dense breasts and find it painful. It's made me cry on several occasions. But for lots of women it's not painful, just a bit uncomfortable. The pain doesn't last for me though. It wouldn't stop me from attending an event after.
Good luck!

I found the woman doing the check so lovely.
First one i was pushed to my limit with the pressure while standing at the machine. The woman said a man invented the machine.

Turns out i had cysts which if had I known maybe would of helped, my boobs are large for my proportions so unsure if this affects my check...seriously do wonder.
Afterwards no pain.

Yet to do my current and dreading it but being so quickly over its bearable.
Op dont be scared or concerned it becomes a must do really which factors into the pain threshold.

I’ve had 3 and they are been fine. No issues no pain.

Had my first one recently and it was absolutely fine. I did think though as it was being done thank god it wasn’t the few days before my period arrives as I think that would have been agony - my boobs are so sore then. So avoid that time of the month if relevant!

I’m 34DD and as other say it’s uncomfortable but not painful. My last appointment was at 1342 (or something like that). I thought that was daft, but fair play I was seen bang on time. Incredibly efficient!

I am an H cup and didn't find it uncomfortable but there was quite a bit of manhandling from the radiographer to get my boobs in position.

I was also invited to take part in the Fast MRI Dyamond trial where they're looking at whether MRI's can detect breast cancer earlier than a mammogram. That was way less invasive and just involved lying face down in an MRI scanner with your boobs in a gap in the bed.