Time For Your First Mammogram? 4 Things You Need To Know To Help You Prepare For The Procedure
If you've reached that age where it's time to have your first mammogram, you're probably a bit nervous about the experience. Maybe you've heard horror stories from women who've already had their breasts examined. The most important you should know is that every mammogram experience is different. Having said that, there are some things that are always going to be the same with every mammogram. Those are the things you need to be prepared for. Here are four things you need to know before you head to your appointment.
You'll Need to Dress Appropriately
During your mammogram, your breasts will need to be exposed. However, the rest of your body can stay covered up. The best way to prevent an embarrassing situation is to wear separates. Wearing a shirt with a pair of pants or a skirt will allow you to expose the top half while keeping the bottom half comfortably dressed.
You Shouldn't Wear Deodorant or Lotion
You're going to be raising your arms during the mammogram, which means you want to smell your best. Unfortunately, you shouldn't wear deodorant or lotion to your appointment. For the best results, your skin should be clean and free of any lotions, oils, perfumes or deodorants. The reason for this is because these products can show up on your mammogram and give a false-positive. Ensure you get the best results by avoiding any type of lotion or deodorant on the day of your appointment.
Your Breasts Will Be Handled by a Stranger
Your breasts are going to be touched by the mammography technician. It might seem uncomfortable, but it's important that your breasts be in the proper position on the screening shelf. Your technician will have you place your arms in the proper position and then they'll carefully take your breast and position it on the shelf. They'll repeat the procedure on each one of your breasts.
There Will Be Squeezing
If anyone has told you that a mammogram is like having your breasts squeezed like a pancake, they're right. They will be. Without squeezing, the mammography machine won't be able to get a clear enough picture of your breast tissue. The procedure isn't extremely painful, though. It's just slightly uncomfortable.
If this is going to be your first mammogram, don't panic. Your mammogram is an important part of your overall health care. The information provided here will help you prepare yourself for the procedure. Contact a local provider, such as Women's Care Inc, for further assistance.