Understanding Prenatal Care

If you are preparing for a mammogram, there are some things you should be aware of so that your test will go smoothly. Here are some of the most important things you need to know in order to be adequately prepared for a mammogram.

Certification Is Key

There are many facilities which do mammograms but are not certified. When you decide to use a mammogram facility, you should choose the best. This means that the facility should be certified. Ask whether the facility is certified or not before you schedule your test. This is a simple and important first step that is often overlooked.

Bring Your History With You

If you are using a new mammogram facility, it is a good idea to bring along the information from your past mammograms. This will give your radiologist a chance to compare how your breasts looked in the past as opposed the present. These types of comparisons can be useful for spotting potential problems.

Breast Tenderness

Breast tenderness can make mammograms more painful than necessary. Breast tenderness is often at its peak the week before you menstruate and the week in which you menstruate. Try to schedule your mammogram after your period, so that the experience is not an unpleasant and painful one. However, if you cannot find a way to schedule your test at a time when your breast is least tender, you can take a pain reliever about an hour before your mammogram.

Avoid Some Personal Hygiene Products

There are certain personal hygiene products that should be avoided before your mammogram, as they can cause false results. Particles from powders, creams, perfumes, and deodorants can show up on your tests and cause confusion as well as inaccurate results. In order to avoid false results do not use these products anywhere near your breasts before your test.

Mammograms During Pregnancy

Mammograms are useful and can save your life. However, they do expose you to low doses of radiation. If you are pregnant, you can still have a mammogram, but extra precaution must be taken to shield your belly from radiation. This is why you must protect your unborn child by making it known that you are pregnant or think that you might be.

Do not shy away from getting a mammogram at least once a year, especially if you are over forty, since it may reveal problems that can be treated early to avoid illness. Contact a doctor like Holzhauer, James L to learn more.