Mammograms - how painful are they really?

I had mine done a few weeks ago , i found the first one ok , but when the machine is turned round to the side view , my left boob was painful as it pressed hard sideways , But this was for seconds only ..I would always go for these mammograms , ...they save lives ...My results were sent back within a week and all fine , but keep checking in between tests .

Thanks everyone It’s been really interesting to read everyone’s experiences. I’m so grateful we have this service - my two aunts had breast cancer and I’m very conscious that’s it’s important to have these mammograms and to check myself. None of my friends have had one and my mum passed away a few years ago so I haven’t really got anyone else to ask - I really appreciate all the comments.

No pain just a little discomfort. The smaller busted you are the more discomfort apparently. Being small myself I didn't find it too uncomfortable.

The uncomfortable bit for me was holding my arm up over my head, I often have painful shoulders.
Whatever the discomfort it is only seconds and well worth the effort.

Well you can feel it, ...... to give you an idea, put your hands either side & press your boob & maintain a about 30 secs .

I've got small boobs and always find it very uncomfortable, I wouldn't go so far as to say painful but not pleasant

BlueBelle, even if you are over age you can request a mammogram.

Please, please have one and attend every appointment until you are no longer eligible. Yes they can be uncomfortable but it’s only for a few minutes. I attended every one I was called for and the very last one detected breast cancer at a very early stage so I am very grateful that this service is available to us here in the UK.

pension - keeping everything crossed for you

My breast cancer was detected by mammogram. I was lucky. After treatment I had a mammogram every year for 5 years. It is 3 years since the last one. 2 weeks ago I chose to have another. I’m waiting for my letter. That’s the painful bit for me.

It’s really not that bad it’s discomfort but only last about 30 secs you think the clamp will never stop bit like blood pressure cuff but it’s not dreadful well worth having it done I haven’t had one for four years now as over age

I've had these done many times. I definitely agree with the uncomfortable rather than painful.

The only time it did hurt was when I had been given a biopsy just before the mammogram. If I'm ever in such a situation again I'll ask to delay it (i.e come back another day). I could have done this on this particular occasion but it never occurred to me that I was obviously a bit tender there. Or there again I might have gone ahead anyway. I was keen to get all the tests done asap.

Ime, mammograms have become less painful* over time. I don't know if it's because they have better equipment now or different operators or what.

*Painful isn't really the right term. Discomfort is more like it, really. I've found that when the clamping is happening I start to think 'Ooh, that's getting a bit nippy!' at which point the machine releases the boob and it's all over. I'd say the compression part is much less than a minute.

Mammograms are not as painful as they used to be. I asked the nurse why that was and she told me the new machines are much improved on the old ones. She was right.

I never thought of taking painkillers beforehand - that’s a good idea

I’m hoping that size wise I might fall into the uncomfortable as opposed to painful category ?

I always take a painkiller half hour beforehand and it does help as i find it a bit painful.

I would say 34d or dd certainly wouldn't be classed as small, maybe medium?

Uncomfortable but not painful. Definitely worth having mammogram done.

I do not find them painful - just uncomfortable. I always do child birth breathing for the few most uncomfortable seconds.

I’m a 34A.

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SirChenjin ?

Dig

I’ve never found smears painful - a bit uncomfortable and v embarrassing but not sore or painful.

The only one that was sore was my first one which was delivered by a witch of a GP who obviously didn’t think 18 year old young women should be on the pill. She approached me with the words “ you’re not going to like this” and then proceeded to dog about on my cervix - it was excruciating. Nasty, nasty woman

I agree with all poster's on here ,it isn't painfree but it is over just as I am about to go Oh that hurts.,and then you forget all about it.,If it saves lives I would say a bit of discomfort is well worth it.

Totally painless, although I have squishy breasts.Now smear tests, another story ! ?