In most cases, sore nipples are caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation, allergies or friction from clothing. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a serious disease like breast cancer. Your healthcare provider should evaluate any pain that's accompanied by discharge or lumps as soon as possible.
Sensitive or sore nipples may be a sign of an infection, such as periductal mastitis. An infected nipple can be sore, and if the issue persists, the person should visit a doctor. Yeast infections can also cause nipple sensitivity and pain. In people with these fungal infections, the nipples may also appear flaky.
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.
In most cases, sore nipples are caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation, allergies or friction from clothing. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a serious disease like breast cancer. Your healthcare provider should evaluate any pain that's accompanied by discharge or lumps as soon as possible.
Menstruation
The hormonal changes that occur as part of a woman's normal monthly cycle can trigger nipple pain and breast soreness. Both estrogen and progesterone levels increase just before a woman's period starts. Both these hormones draw fluid into the breasts making them feel swollen and tender.
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.
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.
It's possible to check the position and firmness of your cervix at home. You can do this by inserting a finger into your vagina to feel for the cervix. Your middle finger may be the most effective finger to use because it's the longest, but use whichever finger is easiest for you.
During early pregnancy (one to two weeks after conception) your breasts might feel sore, tender to the touch, and heavy. A sign that it might be early pregnancy versus PMS? Many women notice their nipples are very sensitive (and even painful at times) in the early weeks of pregnancy.
Your levels of progesterone and estrogen production peak the week before your period, and this can often cause the breasts and milk glands to swell, resulting in tenderness. So, if your nipples and breasts are both hurting, it's likely a sign that your period is coming.
Breast pain experienced 5–10 days leading up to the start of a period, that goes away after the period starts (1) Breasts that feel aching, heavy, and tender, but the pain can also feel sharp or shooting (1)
You might start to experience it as early as two weeks before you get your period, around the time that you ovulate, Dr. Shirazian says. For others, it can come on a week or so before your period arrives, Dr. Ruiz says.
There's only one way to find out for sure if you're pregnant: take a pregnancy test. But it's normal to wonder if you need a test or not.
Pre-cum doesn't usually have any sperm in it. But some people may have a small amount of sperm in their pre-cum. If there is sperm in someone's pre-cum, and that pre-cum gets into your vagina, it could possibly fertilize an egg and lead to pregnancy.
Tenderness and discomfort
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.
Things like missing your period, sore or tender breasts, feeling more tired and nausea (morning sickness) are common symptoms of early pregnancy. Some people have symptoms of pregnancy before they miss their period. Take an at-home pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant.
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.
Your nipples, and maybe even your breasts, may feel sore or achy around ovulation. The discomfort could range from minor to severe. You might have pain in one or both nipples. Ovulation is a phase in the menstrual cycle that happens when the ovary releases an egg each month.
In the days leading up to your period, your estrogen and progesterone levels can fluctuate dramatically. Estrogen and progesterone increase the size and number of ducts and glands in the breast. They also cause your breasts to retain water, making them heavy and tender.
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.
Breast tenderness is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, possibly starting very early around weeks 4 to 7 and lasting through the first trimester. Your breasts will continue to change throughout your pregnancy.
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.
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.