Nipple soreness or pain is common and can be caused by many factors. It's usually harmless and doesn't cause complications. In most cases, it goes away on its own or can be managed with over-the-counter medication or ointments.
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.
Friction is the most common reason for the nipples to be sore. Friction can occur if the nipples rub against a shirt or poorly-fitting bra, during sports activities, such as running, surfing, or basketball. Friction on the nipple can often cause soreness and a stinging pain. The skin may also become dry or chapped.
Damaged or cracked nipples, previous vaginal yeast infections, a warm and humid climate, or wearing dirty or non-breathable bras are common causes. Additionally, not drying your breasts well after showering, and excessive sweating can cause moisture buildup and infection.
First Trimester: Weeks 1 to 12
In the first handful of weeks post-conception, you may experience more tender, tingly breasts and nipples. You might notice your breasts are becoming fuller and your nipples are sticking out more, too.
Breast tenderness is often one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development , breasts may become sore, heavy, or tingly as early as 1–2 weeks after conception. The nipples may also feel sensitive or even painful to touch.
In the first trimester (weeks 1 to 13): Your breasts may start to feel swollen and tender. Your nipples may stick out more than usual. Some women find that their breasts start to get bigger during this time.
Many women notice their nipples are very sensitive (and even painful at times) in the early weeks of pregnancy. If you're experiencing this, don't worry; it will pass after a few weeks. Some pregnant women also start to notice darkened and enlarged nipples as early as two weeks past conception.
The milk ducts are growing and being stretched as they fill with milk early in pregnancy. All this causes your breasts to be more sensitive, particularly your nipples. This may cause you discomfort.
2. You have tender, swollen breasts. In the early weeks of pregnancy, your breasts may feel fuller, sore and even tingly (weird, right?!). You may also notice that your bra doesn't quite fit like it used to.
Tenderness and tingling in the breast is often experienced as part of your menstrual cycle or when breastfeeding, as you say. But what usually causes these sensations are hormones - specifically, changes in hormone levels. Your breasts are sensitive, and your endocrine system (which controls your hormones) is complex.
To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, check out our content review principles. One of the more common PMS symptoms is breast tenderness or breast pain. This sore and dull ache can begin around two weeks before your period and can be a cause for daily discomfort and unease.
According to Michelle Wong, MD, an ob-gyn with UTHealth Houston, breast pain in early pregnancy isn't localized. It occurs in the glandular breast tissue, so it may feel similar to the soreness you can experience before getting your period. That means you'll probably feel an overall sensation of breast tenderness.
Stress and anxiety can also be linked to breast pain. Non-cyclical breast pain may be continuous or it may come and go. It can affect women before and after the menopause. The pain can be in one or both breasts and can affect the whole breast or a specific area.
'One possibility for why this happens could be that those with very sensitive nipples find the sudden release of endorphins from having their nipples touched may in turn cause dysphoria. 'There is no real cause or answer to why this happens, and it could be down to a number of factors, psychological and physical.
Tender breasts in early pregnancy
The skin around your nipples may look bumpier than usual and the breasts begin producing an oily fluid to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. Your breasts may also feel heavier. The nipple may become darker and stay that way during pregnancy.
Tingly, sore, full-feeling, tender, even painful-to-the-touch breasts and nipples are often one of the first symptoms of pregnancy(though, of course, they can also come along for the PMS ride, too).
The nipples and the area around the nipples (areola) become darker and larger. Small bumps may appear on the areola. These bumps will go away after you have your baby. You may notice a yellowish discharge, called colostrum, from your nipples as early as the 16th to 19th week.
Home pregnancy tests can differ in how early they'll detect a pregnancy. In many cases, you might get a positive result from an at-home test as early as 10 days after conception. For a more accurate result, wait until after you've missed your period to take a test.
Sore nipples and tender breasts can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Your breasts may feel swollen, sore, or tingly – and your nipples may be extra sensitive and uncomfortable. It's all thanks to the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone, which surge during early pregnancy.
Hormone fluctuations may cause the breasts to swell, feel tender, and tingle or itch. Women may notice these symptoms as early as 1–2 weeks after conception.
Your levels of progesterone peak during the week before your period. Progesterone causes your milk glands to swell, resulting in breast pain and tenderness. Experiencing premenstrual breast pain a week before your period is completely normal and nothing to worry about.