The nipples are one of the most sensitive areas of the body. Thousands of nerve endings reach them, which makes them highly receptive to different stimuli, both internal and external.
Cold contact with irritants, friction, hormonal changes, allergies, infections, or even tumors can cause symptoms of this type.
If you want to know why your nipple is hard and it hurts, continue reading the following article by FastlyHeal.
Table of Contents
Be very cold
One of the most common causes of sore and hard nipples is from being cold. This area of the breasts is too sensitive since many nerve endings reach them.
When the body feels cold, different reactions take place. Among them, the nipples harden and can hurt. Conveniently, you wrap yourself sufficiently. Moisturizing the skin of the breasts can also help you. The best to do so is sesame oil that provides warmth.
Sexual stimulation
The nipples can also get hard during sexual stimulation, whether directly to the area. It is a normal reaction.
People with more sensitive skin may experience some pain at these times, but nothing too serious.
This can be even more intense if the area is rubbed. A sexual act should be pleasant for those who share it. Therefore, if the pain causes you discomfort, it would be good to discuss it with your partner.
Hormonal changes
Female hormonal changes are one of the most common causes of breast discomfort, including tightening of the nipples and sore breasts. The time in life where this can manifest itself most strongly is during adolescence. At this stage, different physical and mental changes occur that may worry you, but you should know that all this is normal.
The breasts increase in size, and the nipples become very sensitive, which can be complicated and painful. This is usually more frequent in the days close to menstruation. Some women know that their periods will drop because they begin with breast pain. In the following article, we explain why breasts hurt before menstruation.
These symptoms can also appear near menstruation in later stages of life, depending on each woman. It is more common in those who use hormonal contraception.
Another time when this type of breast discomfort can appear is during menopause since hormones fluctuate and affect each woman in different ways.
If the pain becomes very intense in any of these cases and does not allow you to lead your everyday life, you should consult your doctor or trusted doctor to verify that everything usually happens.
Pregnancy
As we have said, female hormones can make the breasts more sensitive and even somewhat sore around menstruation. During pregnancy, the same thing happens but perhaps with greater intensity because the hormonal influence is much more significant.
The breasts must grow and form to provide the necessary support to the baby when it is born. This can cause pain throughout the breast, especially the nipples, which can also become problematic.
It is convenient during this stage to hydrate the breasts with natural oils, such as sesame or coconut.
Once breastfeeding begins, the discomfort can increase. The nipples can crack with suction and moisture. Therefore, it is essential to continue maintaining good hydration and ventilation. Even sunbathing is recommended.
It is necessary for those moments that you pay attention if the pain is very intense, the breast is red or hot, or you have a fever because of mastitis or inflammation of the breast, and the ducts that take the milk out of it can be generated.
Allergy or sensitive skin
People who have sensitive skin and suffer from allergies frequently may feel stiff and sore nipples.
This breast area is susceptible, and applying cosmetic products, oils, creams, or synthetic or colored underwear can cause discomfort. You may only feel pain, but pimples, redness, peeling, or dryness may also appear.
If you think this is your case, it is best to avoid all kinds of products in that area, wear cotton clothing and consult a professional
Breast fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are benign accumulations of tissue in the breast, i.e., tumors that have no power to malignant or create significant problems, but they can cause local discomfort.
If they are located just under the nipple, they can cause pain and, sometimes, hardening.
If you notice any change or hardening in the breasts, you must go to your gynecology specialist since it is essential to differentiate it from other more complicated pathologies. They will perform a complete exam, and indeed, they will request ultrasound or mammography as is more convenient.
If this is your case, it is also essential to check your eating habits, as a healthy diet can help you improve injuries.
Tumor in the breast
While tissue growth within the breast may be an adenoma, it can also be a more complicated problem, such as a malignant tumor.
Suppose you notice hardening of the nipple or other area of the breast, persistent pain, discharge from the nipple (blood or otherwise), lesions on the skin of the nipple or breast. In that case, it is advisable to consult your doctor or physician. Arriving early in these cases is always the best since the treatment possibilities are better.
When you go to one or a professional, they will ask you questions about your symptoms, a complete physical examination. They will request some studies such as ultrasound, mammography, and blood tests.
Depending on its severity and extent, different therapies may be indicated: surgery, radio or chemotherapy, or medication. The following article can learn more about breast cancer’s types, symptoms, and treatment.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I have a hard nipple, and it hurts, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.