For many women, nipples are erogenous zones. A new study may explain why: The sensation from the nipples travels to the same part of the brain as sensations from the vagina, clitoris and cervix.
But till now, scientists failed to explain the reason behind it. Now, psychologists at Rutgers University in the U.S. found that when women's nipples are stimulated the sensation travels to the same part of the brain as when their genitals are aroused.
Nipple stimulation has been proven to result in oxytocin secretion, which would explain the intense wave of emotion us sad nipple sufferers experience on contact, as the love hormone's been shown to also increase survival emotions like fear and anxiety. Still, as Swarup noted, it's just a theory.
While there are a lot of reasons why nipples get erect, sexual arousal might top the list. More often than not, the first sign of sexual arousal in women is the swelling up of the nipples up to 25 per cent.
Male nipple play is becoming increasingly popular, and it makes sense: male nipples have hundreds of nerve endings, which make them extremely sensitive and therefore sexually stimulating, explains Dr. Laitman. Men have the same glands, nerves, and surrounding tissues that women do.
Stimulating, caressing or simply holding breasts sends nerve signals to the brain, which trigger the release of the 'cuddle hormone' called oxytocin, a neurochemical secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland in the brain.
The nipple may also turn in slightly. Breast lumps are common around the time of menopause. These are usually noncancerous cysts. However, if you notice a lump, make an appointment with your health care provider, because breast cancer risk increases with age.
“[Areolas] contain small, sensitive bumps called Montgomery's glands, which secrete a fluid that keeps the nipples lubricated,” explains Dr. Aliabadi. So bumps are kinda part of the anatomy. Note that these oil glands can also become blocked, which may make them look larger or similar to a pimple.
Nipples are sensitive, and they can hurt for lots of reasons. Tight clothes, rashes, and infections can all irritate the tender skin. For women, sore nipples are common during periods, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Any pain in your nipples can make you wonder if you have breast cancer.
Any nipple stimulation results in the release of oxytocin, the cuddle hormone. 'Oxytocin and dopamine are closely interrelated – as is the hormone prolactin. You can make yourself lactate if you stimulate your own nipples for long enough. In theory, any nipple stimulation could affect mood, and sexual function.
Children who have recently weaned from breastfeeding will often grab at breasts out of habit. They also do this when they have learned to associate mommy's breasts with self-soothing. And yet another possible explanation is that your toddler is just plain curious or might like the way your breasts feel!
Nipple inversion can occur in both males and females and often affects both sides instead of just one. It is caused by tight connective tissue or other problems with the ductal system connected to the nipple. Although many people have inverted or retracted nipples since birth, they can also occur late in life.
Tubercles around the breast and nipples should not be squeezed or picked at. Although they look a bit like small pimples that could be popped, they're a normal part of your breast anatomy and should be left alone.
Pimples on the nipple are often treated the same way as pimples elsewhere, although this may vary based on the cause. Most pimples on the nipple should be left alone. The body will clear them without outside help, and popping them can make them worse.
Fluid leaking from one or both nipples when you are not breastfeeding is called nipple discharge. Clear, cloudy, or white discharge that appears only when you press on your nipple is usually normal. The more the nipple is pressed or stimulated, the more fluid appears.
"On the other hand, normal breast tissue will feel like consistent fibrous mesh throughout your breast." Breast lumps are typically painless, but occasionally a woman may experience pain with a lump.
Be breast aware
Get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. This can change during your menstrual cycle. For example, some women have tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of their period. After the menopause, normal breasts feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.
Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.
Breasts usually start to develop around the age of 9 to 11, but it's normal for them to start earlier or later. If a girl's breasts start to develop at a younger age, this doesn't mean she'll have bigger breasts than someone who starts to develop later. The rate at which breasts grow is different for everyone.
A woman's weight can have a big influence on the shape and size of their breasts. Weight affects the amount of fatty tissue within the breasts. Gaining weight increases the fatty tissue within the breast and results in breasts enlargement.
Areolas can get bigger if you gain a significant amount of weight due to the stretching of the skin. The color may also lighten. If you then lose weight, the size may not change all that much (or at all), but the color may darken somewhat.
Studies show that men will often gaze from face to breasts and the midsection if they are attracted to someone. So if you catch him looking at the ground, he might actually be trying to take a quick glance at your body.