Nipple discharge is very common. Fluid can be obtained from the nipples of approximately 50–70% of normal women when special techniques, massage, or devices such as breast pumps are used. This discharge of fluid from a normal breast is referred to as 'physiological discharge'.
Both abnormal and normal nipple discharge can be clear, yellow, white, or green in color. Normal nipple discharge more commonly occurs in both nipples and is often released when the nipples are compressed or squeezed. Some women who are concerned about breast secretions may actually cause it to worsen.
Sometimes a woman's breasts make milk even though she is not pregnant or breastfeeding. This condition is called galactorrhea (say: guh-lack-tuh-ree-ah). The milk may come from one or both breasts. It may leak on its own or only when the breasts are touched.
Nipple discharge is a typical part of breast function during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may also be associated with menstrual hormone changes and fibrocystic changes. The milky discharge after breast-feeding usually affects both breasts and can continue for up to two or three years after stopping nursing.
In pregnancy, the breasts may start to produce milk weeks or months before you are due to have your baby. If your nipples are leaking, the substance is usually colostrum, which is the first milk your breasts make in preparation for feeding your baby. Leaking is normal and nothing to worry about.
Generally speaking, breastfeeding your husband or partner is OK. It's not perverted or wrong if you want the person you are intimate with to breastfeed, or if they ask to try breastfeeding or taste your breast milk.
Galactorrhea is milky breast discharge that happens in women who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding. Galactorrhea is milky breast discharge that happens in women who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding. It affects as many as 1 out of every 4 or 5 women.
Galactorrhea is a condition that causes your breasts to leak milk when you aren't pregnant or haven't recently given birth. While it may be embarrassing, it's not a life-threatening condition and goes away with treatment.
If you do leak, you may notice small yellow or orange dots on the inside of your bra cups. The leaks can happen at any time, or you may notice your nipples leaking when they're stimulated – during sex, for example, or if they've rubbed against your bra while exercising or walking.
Excessive breast stimulation, medication side effects or disorders of the pituitary gland all may contribute to galactorrhea. Often, galactorrhea results from increased levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production. Sometimes, the cause of galactorrhea can't be determined.
Living with galactorrhea
Over time, the condition may go away on its own. Until then, there are some things you can do to help. Avoid stimulating your breasts. Avoid touching your nipples during sexual activity.
Objective: Infertility is one of the most common causes of women refer to gynecology clinics. Galactorrhea is defined as one of the causes of infertility caused by luteal phase defect and anovulatory cycles.
Tests for pregnancy, serum prolactin level and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level, and magnetic resonance imaging are important diagnostic tools that should be employed when clinically indicated. The underlying cause of galactorrhea should be treated when possible.
Yup! As long as you're healthy (and HIV-free), there's nothing harmful in your breast milk. After all, it's made for human consumption, so it's fine to eat.
Bovine colostrum contains estrogen, which is a hormone that may negatively impact the development of some cancers. If you are at risk for breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, talk to your doctor before using a bovine supplement.
The only necessary component to induce lactation—the official term for making milk without pregnancy and birth—is to stimulate and drain the breasts. That stimulation or emptying can happen with baby breastfeeding, with an electric breast pump, or using a variety of manual techniques.
Galactorrhea is milk production from the breast unrelated to pregnancy or lactation. Milk production one year after cessation of breastfeeding is non-lactational and is considered galactorrhea. Various hormones including prolactin, estrogens, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) can affect the production of milk.
Overview. Galactorrhea (guh-lack-toe-REE-uh) is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding. Galactorrhea itself isn't a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
Galactorrhoea is milky nipple discharge not related to pregnancy or breast feeding. It is caused by the abnormal production of a hormone called prolactin.
Infertility, galactorrhea and hirsutism are the significant symptoms. Polycystic ovary syndrome affects the 5–10% of the women in reproductive age. The most common symptoms are irregular menses, hirsutism and infertility.
While this condition may be relatively painless and often benign, there could be serious underlying causes. Galactorrhea happens when your hormones are out of balance and can indicate problems with your thyroid gland.
Your breasts become swollen and tender. You become irritable and you do not feel well. You have severe thirst and urinate large amounts often. You develop dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Is it okay to squeeze out colostrum? Yes, it's usually OK to squeeze out colostrum once you reach full-term pregnancy (37 weeks). Check with your healthcare provider if you wish to do this prior to your baby being born.