Men can develop nipples that hurt due to cysts, as well as an underlying infection of breast tissue, if nipples are dry or chafed either due to cold weather or a history of eczema, says Glatter. This leads to cracks and small openings in exposed skin on the nipples and allows skin bacteria to enter.
Some causes of nipple pain can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) products such as hydrocortisone ointment. But if you have a nipple infection, you should see your doctor. You may need to be treated with antibiotics.
In men, breast pain is most commonly caused by a condition called "gynecomastia" (guy-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh). This refers to an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue that's caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.
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. It's rare for it to be the main symptom of the disease, but you should still see your doctor to have nipple pain checked out if it doesn't go away.
Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. This is because your nipples are not used to breastfeeding. The pain lasts for a short time, usually around 1 week. Soreness that continues throughout the breastfeed, or lasts for more than 1 week of breastfeeding, is not normal.
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.
Low testosterone levels can sometimes result in gynecomastia — a form of breast growth that affects men. Gynecomastia can cause your nipples to become swollen or 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.
Montgomery tubercles are small bumps around your nipples and are completely normal. They are most common during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as around puberty and throughout the menstrual cycle.
In our practices, it was observed that patients develop tender nipples from gynecomastia after injectable testosterone therapy. This could be the result of increased testosterone levels after treatment, which in turn aromatizes into E2.
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.
When a boy is going through puberty, or when an older man's body makes less testosterone, the balance of the two hormones changes. Sometimes when that happens, a higher percentage of estrogen causes male breast tissue to swell.
Although low testosterone — also called low T — is strongly related to age, men of all sizes and ages can have it. Some of the most common signs and symptoms to look out for are a decrease in his sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low energy, weak bones and decreased muscle strength.
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.
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.
See your doctor if the pain doesn't improve or you notice any of these signs: Severe swelling. A lump in the breast. Redness and warmth, which could indicate an infection.
It is usually mild discomfort, but some describe it as severe, depending on how they feel pain. However, the pain/discomfort should not continue throughout your nursing session and should not be present in between feedings.
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.
It could be caused by an allergic reaction, eczema, hormonal changes, sexual activity, or sunburns. In rare cases, nipple irritation may require a trip to the doctor. If the pain is caused by an activity, either take steps to avoid that activity or find out how to reduce or manage the irritation it is causing.