Yet the annual gynecological exam and pap smear are vital for your well-being.

Besides a pap smear and vaginal exam, an annual gyn visit also includes a breast exam.

Your healthcare practitioner may also instruct you on how to do monthly manual breast exams.

Woman feeling breasts

Not all breasts are the same.

But they are more common than you may think.

These breasts may feel lumpy, cordlike, or nodular when palpated.

Woman at the doctor

Symptoms include tenderness, pain, and discomfort.

It’s typically centered on the outer top of the breasts.

They may feel swollen and very tender from ovulation through your period.

Woman doing yoga

However, not all people with fibrocystic breasts notice any symptoms.

This will keep movement to a minimum and also protect tender tissue.

In addition, a warm compress or hot water bottle can help soothe tenderness.

For long-term relief, cutting down on caffeine is thought to ease symptoms.