"ravenlynne" > wrote
>>
>
> I've heard both that it's excruciating (although I think that *may* be an
> exaggeration) and that it's nothing to worry about. I'm trying to not
> worry about it...but still not looking forward to my first.
>

A lot depends on whether you have "thickened" breasts--such as
the state caused by the very common fibrocystic breast disease
that something like one in three women have.

No matter how careful the technician is, they *have* to squash
your boobies to get the image. If your breasts feel "like a bag of
water" which is how my doctor says a normal breast feels, it
should not be too uncomfortable. If they are thicker, firmer than
this, the squeezing will be uncomfortable. That said, it is not
something you have to endure for long. I've had two now. I
will go every year, just to be sure all is well.

(I said it "hurt like hell," really it was just uncomfortable. It's
worth it for the peace of mind.)