The In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove By Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works has created a product that they claim reduces friction in breast self-exams by 50%. The In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove, retailing for $9, lives up to its marketing, according to my experience.

When I first spoke to the sales woman at Bath & Body Works about this product, I asked her if she thought it was truly helpful. She replied that she found it to be about the same as doing an exam in the shower...that the gel acted much as the running water does. Since a thorough self exam should include lying down while exploring the breast tissue, I was intrigued that this part of the process might be made easier. I purchased one and brought it home.

The glove itself is a fingerless transparent pouch, made of thin plastic. One side is double-walled and filled with gel. By placing your hand inside the glove, with the gel-filled side resting on the breast, you are more easily able to glide your hand over the breast. I was amazed when I first tried it. I was able to feel much more detail in my breast tissue...much more, even, than I can feel under running water. It also cut my self exam time by about 20% (which can be a great deal of time if you're well-endowed). After using it once, I returned to Bath & Body Works to purchase Gloves for my mother, mother-in-law, and sister.

Of course, we all know the importance of monthly breast exams. Even knowing the dangers, however, a large portion of women don't do exams often enough...many don't do them at all. I have to admit that I am one who was doing them much too infrequently. Part of my problem was simple forgetfulness. I solved that by putting a note on both my written and online calendars on the first of every month. The other part of my problem was that I was never quite sure I was doing a thorough enough job anyway. There are a lot of natural variations in breast tissue, and when you have a lot of breast tissue to feel through, it's difficult to tell what you're actually feeling. This is where the In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove has been a tremendous help for me.

A quick review of breast self exam procedures: