Dear sexy101,

Some women use breast self-exams (BSEs) to get to know their breasts. The best time for a BSE is one week after your period, when your breasts are not swollen or tender. Lumps are also noticed during day-to-day activities such as showering or sex play. Most lumps are not cancerous. But report anything unusual to your clinician as soon as possible.

If you would like to learn how to do a BSE, your clinician can teach you, or you can follow these steps:

1. Stand up and place one hand behind your head. Hold the fingers of the other hand flat. Gently touch every part of the breast below the raised arm. Feel for lumps, bumps, or thickening. Now do the other breast.

2. Stand in front of a mirror. Place your hands on your hips. Inspect each breast for changes in size, shape, and form. Do it again with your arms raised above your head.

3. Lie back with a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Place your right hand behind your head. Examine every part of your breast with the fingers of the left hand held flat. Gently press in small circles. Start at the top outermost edge and spiral in to the nipple. Feel for lumps, bumps, or thickening. Now do the other breast. Be sure to follow a consistent pattern and do not miss any part of the breast.

4. Rest your arm on a firm surface like the top of a bookshelf. Examine the underarm. Feel for lumps, bumps, or thickening in the same way. Now do the other underarm.

For more information, check out The Gynecological Visit and Exam — Your Key to Good Health.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.