Do mammograms really hurt?

Not necessarily hurt: In order to take a good picture breast tissue must be flattened by providing pressure to one direction. This should be explained to patient and performed gently. A large volume breast may need more pressure, but this can be done gently.

Most patients: experience some mild discomfort during the few seconds of compression. Some barely feel anything, and some with more sensitive breasts complain of pain. Everyone is a little different, but the vast majority of patients tolerate the procedure well.