5 Things to Know Before Your First Mammogram

Your first mammogram can feel… mysterious. Like there’s a secret club of women who just know how to do this thing, and no one handed you the password. If you already have anxiety, the lack of information adds fuel to the worry spiral.

When I went for my first one, I felt like I was walking into a pop quiz I hadn’t studied for. Do you wear deodorant? Can you wear makeup? How much undressing is involved here? (Spoiler: more than you expect.)

Now that I’ve done it a few times, it’s still not fun — can we please get heated plates on those machines already? — but it is much easier. Because I finally know the tiny details that make the whole thing go smoother.

Here’s my unofficial list of what I wish someone had told me:

1. No deodorant or lotion.
Even the clear or “natural” stuff. The reason? Deodorant and lotion can leave tiny particles that show up on the images like suspicious specks. Better to go in fresh and fragrance-free.

2. No makeup.
Yup — your face literally presses against the machine for certain images. Skip the foundation, mascara, the whole shebang. Go in clean, and when you get home, wash your face again. (Because... gross.)

3. Don’t forget your doctor’s orders.
Yes, I still need that paper order. It’s 2025, and somehow this part of medicine missed the memo on going digital. Many places have a digital one! If you have paper as well, keep that slip in your car, purse, or taped to your water bottle the week of your appointment. Whatever it takes.

4. Wear pants or shorts.
You’ll change into a hospital gown and remove it for imaging. Wearing pants means you stay at least half-dressed instead of standing there completely naked under fluorescent lights. You’re welcome.

5. Hair up.
Bring a ponytail holder or wear your hair off your shoulders and face — otherwise, it gets in the way, and you may have to retake an image.

• Book the earliest appointment of the day if you can. Less waiting, less stress.

• Avoid caffeine that morning — it can make your breasts more tender (yes, really).

• Ask for a tech you like once you find one. They can often note your preference in the system for next time.

• Be prepared to hold your breath. The imaging sometimes requires you to hold your breath. It’s only about 4 seconds, but the first time I encountered this, I didn’t know how long I’d be stuck in that machine, unable to breathe. Just know it’s short, but definitely hold it!

After my mammogram, I get a Chick-fil-A biscuit. Every. Single. Year.
It’s my tiny ritual; something comforting to look forward to after an early, slightly uncomfortable morning. Pairing something pleasant with something stressful is a sneaky little brain trick: it creates a positive association and lowers the dread next time.

And reducing anxiety creates action.
Screening saves lives — and the calmer you feel about the process, the more likely you are to actually go. I hope this helps you feel ready, informed, and a little more in control of what to expect.

If this helped, share it with a friend who might need a nudge (or a biscuit).
❤️ Like this post to help more women find it and take care of themselves, too.

Cheers to using our resources wisely,

Andrea