Pre-IVF mammographic screening is a breast cancer screening procedure that is required before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
It is also recommended for those who are planning to undergo any fertility treatments as well as for women who are planning to get pregnant.
Why is pre-IVF mammographic screening important?
There are several reasons why pre-IVF mammographic screening is important. Firstly, studies have shown that fertility treatments can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Therefore, it is essential to have a mammogram prior to starting any fertility treatments.
Secondly, during pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause breast tissues to become more dense, making it difficult to detect any lumps or abnormalities.
Therefore, it is important to have a mammogram before trying to conceive, so that any suspicious findings can be addressed and treated before pregnancy occurs.
Who should undergo pre-IVF mammographic screening?
Pre-IVF mammographic screening is recommended for women who are over the age of 35 or those with a family history of breast cancer.
It is also recommended for women who have had previous breast biopsies, surgeries, or any other breast-related procedures.
It is important to note that depending on medical history, a healthcare professional may recommend a different type of breast cancer screening such as an MRI or ultrasound.
When should pre-IVF mammographic screening be done?
The ideal time to have pre-IVF mammographic screening done is 6 to 12 months before starting any fertility treatments. This gives ample time to address any suspicious findings or abnormalities before attempting to conceive.
However, if pregnancy occurs before the mammogram can be done, it is still important to have a breast cancer screening as soon as possible.
Mammograms can be safely performed during pregnancy, with the use of a shield to protect the fetus from radiation.
Related Article
Early Mammogram: A Must Before IVF
How is pre-IVF mammographic screening performed?
Pre-IVF mammographic screening is performed in the same way as a regular mammogram. The patient will need to remove any clothing from the waist up and wear a gown.
The technician will then position the breast and compress it between two plates to obtain images of the breast tissue.
The entire process takes less than 30 minutes. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but it should not be painful.
What are the risks of pre-IVF mammographic screening?
There are some risks associated with pre-IVF mammographic screening, but they are relatively small. The main risk is exposure to radiation, which may increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
However, this risk is very small and is outweighed by the benefits of detecting breast cancer early on.
Other risks include discomfort during the procedure and false-positive results, which may lead to more invasive procedures such as biopsies. However, false-positive results are rare and usually resolved with additional testing.
What should I do if my pre-IVF mammographic screening shows abnormalities?
If a pre-IVF mammographic screening shows abnormalities, further testing will be required to determine if it is cancerous or not. This may include additional mammograms, ultrasounds, or a breast biopsy.
It is important to follow up with your doctor and undergo any recommended procedures to ensure that any abnormalities are addressed in a timely manner.
If the results show that it is cancerous, there are several treatment options available including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these.
It is important to work with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
Conclusion
Pre-IVF mammographic screening is an important procedure that helps detect breast cancer early on, especially in women who are planning to undergo fertility treatments or are trying to conceive.
It is a safe and effective procedure that carries minimal risks and can save lives by detecting potential cancers early in their development.
