There are many possible causes of nipple pain, most of which are not a cause for concern. Many normal everyday activities can cause nipple pain, from sex to a new detergent. Routine hormonal changes like your period, pregnancy, or nursing can also lead to nipple pain. Rarely, nipple pain can be a sign of breast cancer.
It is a very common condition that is temporary, usually going away after a few days. Most mothers find nipple soreness peaks on the fifth day of breastfeeding and then resolves. Luckily, there are some strategies to ease the hurt and help your nipples heal quickly!
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.
Shortly after ovulation, estrogen levels drop, and progesterone levels rise. In some people, these shifts in progesterone may trigger breast pain or sore nipples. If a person becomes pregnant, progesterone levels will continue to rise. This causes breast tissue changes that can make the nipples or breasts sore.
You may have a fungal infection if you have sore nipples, but you're not pregnant. We also refer to it as thrush, and it is common in those who are breastfeeding. If you have thrush, you may have: Cracked nipples.
Swollen or tender breasts: High levels of estrogen in the body can make one's breast more tender and swollen especially around the nipples and front area. This happens because our breasts are sensitive to hormone changes.
Nipple pain can be caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation, trauma to the nipple from breastfeeding or sexual activity, allergy, infection, and more. While the cause of nipple pain usually isn't serious, in rare cases, it can be a sign of breast cancer.
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.
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.
It appears as a red, scaly rash on the skin of the nipple and areola. The affected skin is often sore and inflamed, and it can be itchy or cause a burning sensation. The nipple can sometimes be ulcerated. The rash is often similar in appearance to other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
Mild dehydration can cause fluid retention, which may worsen breast pain. Drink more water or eat fruits that can help keep you hydrated.
When you first start breastfeeding, you may have sore or sensitive nipples. This is very common in the first week of breastfeeding, and is usually because your baby is not latching on (positioned or attached) properly.
Blanching can be the result of a vasospasm, when the blood vessels constrict and spasm,1 or from any other situation that temporarily stops the blood from flowing to the nipples. When this happens, the nipples turn pale or white, and there may be a painful, burning sensation.
Breasts can feel heavy and sore for many reasons. Menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are common reasons, but infections and cysts may also cause discomfort. Less commonly, pain may stem from cancer. Many different conditions can cause breast pain.
Nipple tenderness in women of all ages can be caused by dry skin, injury, or friction. Breast tenderness can also be an early symptom of pregnancy. If your period is late and you've had unprotected sex, you should take a pregnancy test.
General Practitioner Dr Giuseppe Aragone states that “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.” It is this dysphoria that can cause uneasy emotions.
Hormonal fluctuations are one of the most common reasons for heightened nipple sensitivity, and breast tenderness more broadly. Rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone at certain stages of your menstrual cycle can cause the breast tissue to swell, sometimes causing pain in either one or both nipples.
Breast/nipple tenderness is very common on the approach to the menopause, even if you are still getting regular periods. This is often caused by fluctuating oestrogen. As long as you are not on any other hormonal contraception/medication you could try Menopause Support.
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.
Estrogen levels rise in the second half of the menstrual cycle. This increase can stimulate breast tissue, causing pain and swelling. Estrogen levels also peak midway through the first half of the menstrual cycle, before ovulation. This can cause cyclic breast pain that worsens after a period.
Both of these fluctuations can cause your breasts to feel sore. That soreness might feel more pronounced if you're going braless, since a bra holds your boobs close to your body and restricts their movement, which could decrease the pain associated.