If you have never gotten a mammogram, you may be a little anxious about the process. Here is what it is like and what you can expect during your first mammogram.
I remember the first time that I got a mammogram. It was an interesting experience and I wished I had known a little more about the process before I had to get one done. Then again, I am the kind of person who grills the oral surgeon for all of the gruesome details about how exactly he plans on extracting my embedded wisdom tooth.
Don’t worry, it isn’t that bad.
When you arrive for your mammogram and are all checked it, you will usually be taken into a changing area, where you will need to undress from the waist up, including your bra or other underwear. You’ll be given a gown or half gown for coverage. At my radiology center, we are also given lockers with keys to store our belongings.
When you are called into the room, the technician may first start by asking you a few simple questions, such as whether or not you are wearing deodorant. You can read about tips to help you prepare for a mammogram here).
When it is time to do the test, you will step up to the machine which consists of an arm and two plates. One side will be done at a time. You’ll be asked to lean into the machine with your breast on one of the plates. Your will have to grab the arm of the machine with your hand. They usually try to keep the room warm, but the plate may still feel cold. The technician may need to take a hold of your breast and manipulate it correctly on to the plate. Then, a second plate will come down on top of the first to press your breast. The goal is to make it as flat as possible for a good scan.
When the breast is pressed, it can be a little uncomfortable, but I wouldn’t call it painful under normal circumstances.
The technician will tell you to hold still and will go out of the room for the test. It helps to hold your breath. You may hear a noise as the machine is working or you may not. Today’s mammogram machines can be very quiet.
Once the first breast is done, you will have to repeat the test on the other side.
That is it. You then cover yourself back up with the gown and are sent back out to change into your clothes.
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