First mammogram. What should I expect?

[SouthCoastShell]

I've received my first mammogram appointment (I'm 51) I've heard they can be uncomfortable/painful.
Should I take painkillers before I go? What has been everyone's experience?

Don’t think you need painkillers. I gave very low pain threshold and I didn’t take any or need any

the only part that I’d say was uncomfortable is when your boob goes between the plates and squeezes down but it’s only seconds

@SeaSeasider2017 thanks for your reply I'm just wondering if its worse than a smear test?

My first mammogram was the most awful, painful experience. It was a private one offered by work to women coming up to 50. I was 49.

I ignored the public (HSE, I'm in Ireland) I was offered at 51 but took them up on the next one. I wouldn't even describe it as particularly uncomfortable.

I was telling the sonographer about the previous one and she was saying the issue with the private one was they aren't doing them day in they out whereas she is.

So basically, it's not really a big deal, assuming you're going to a clinic where they are doing them all the time.

@OchonAgusOchonOh thanks that's interesting. My appointment is at my local NHS Trust so hopefully all good 👍

I had my first one last month and it was slightly uncomfortable having my boobs squashed but was over in seconds. The lead up was worse as I didn't know what to expect. Good luck.

That's what they do, all day every day so you should be fine.

I've had them since 36 due to family clinic history etc. I'm 49 now and they're a bit of a squish but just a few seconds of ouchie and you're out in 5 minutes. They get you to place each breast on a plate standing up and the machine does the rest. Two positions per tit. A couple of painkillers might help in advance but it's like a smear - it's over in a (literal) flash.

A walk on the park compared to a smear test, though it does last about 5 minutes or so. It is uncomfortable but not painful.
But like a smear test, it's really down to the nurse doing it. The ones I've had have been very kind, gentle and explained clearly what they were doing and wanted me to do.

That's not been my experience,they do quite a lot of manhandling and do all the placing in the right positions themselves.

Agree with what's been said so far, not painful and no need for painkillers. It's uncomfortable at worst, a bit 'pinchy' but that's it. The staff have always been lovely, just let the radiographer place you (and your breast!) wherever they want you. They will move your breasts into position with their hands so don't be surprised by that. Honestly, it's fine.

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor yes they might move our breasts around for the best position, and yes you have to hold a position for a moment but generally in my experience it's done swiftly and professionally and it really is only a few minutes.

I had my first recently. I was very worried, read a few threads on MN from the last 2 years and it helped a lot. I put on top and soft trousers (not jeans to be more flexible) and took ibuprofen beforehand. I told them that it’s my first mammogram and the nurse was very nice and supportive. It was uncomfortable and a bit painful but only seconds in one position so manageable.
I agree with @OchonAgusOchonOh , it’s the case when private is worse because of lower numbers. Also our trust has a new thing (don’t know the name for it sorry) and I suspect they are better and less painful.

Ex-radiographer here (in my day mammograms were always performed by radiographers not nurses, but who know nowadays?). The radiographer will position your breast on the plate so that all the breast tissue is included on the X-ray, as well as some of the axillary area (between breast and armpit). It works best if you can relax and let them do this, I’m not a great patient because having done so many I tend to try and position myself which doesn’t really work that well ☺️

And it was quite quick for me, very little handling like @LuckyDipForTheEuro described. My size is 34D.

I had one last week, not my first , and it’s mild discomfort for a few minutes . I’m not sure pain killers would be of any benefit .

Much better than a smear IMO, basically they squash your tit between 2 pieces of plastic and take a photo of it. Lasts a few seconds only, takes longer to undress/dress!

It was uncomfortable for a few seconds, rather than painful. I don't think painkillers would have helped, it was too quick and the discomfort only lasted as long as the press itself.

A squash and a squeeze. Arm up then down. Squash and squeeze at a different angle. Bit of pressure.

All over in ten mins.

There is a lot of shuffling of your feet to get to the right position. It can all feel a bit awkward. There is one position where your arm is reaching over the machine and it can dig into your armpit a bit. The actual compression is a bit tight but it actually is seconds. I have never taken a painkiller and have had them for 20 plus years now every year.

It's not a big deal no painkillers required

I think it depends on your boobs - their density and size and whether close to the chest wall. I find them really, dizzyingly, painful but mine are quite dense and fibrous. At my last one the nurse suggested I book in for a time of my monthly cycle when they're less swollen.

I don't want to put you off, but good to be forewarned that they're painful for some women. The good thing is that they're over relatively quickly and each one I've had the radiographers have been lovely.

Thank you all so much very helpful replies 😊

I have had several and do not find them painful but I appreciated friends on mammographer , your breast type etc et.

The main thing is they are over pretty quickly and they are very worthwhile - I say this as someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer - I don't have a lump - just picked up on a routine mammogram.

I hope yours goes well and that all is ok

I've had quite a few and I've also had breast cancer. I don't find them painful just a bit uncomfortable but I've got quite large boobs. People with small boobs seem to find the process more uncomfortable in my experience. Take a couple of paracetamol an hour before. It's over so quickly and quite honestly is well worth that momentary discomfort. Good luck.

@BeBeaLola thank you so much