No one is alien to pain in the nipples, whether men or women. It is normal to feel pain in this area of the body at some point in life. However, the truth is that anatomically women are much more likely to have this type of pain. There are many causes behind pain in the nipple, left, right, or both. That is why next, in this FastlyHealarticle, we will answer the question of why the tip of my nipple hurts.
Table of Contents
Tenderness in the nipple due to hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are one of the leading causes of nipple pain. The increase or decrease in hormones causes the body to experience different psychological and physiological changes. Among these is the pain in the tip of the nipple since it increases the sensitivity in that area. Here we explain other moments in which hormonal changes occur that can cause pain in the breasts :
Pain in the nipples at puberty
Indeed, it occurs most severely during puberty, when there is the most significant hormonal change, and when the sexual organs reach maturity. In this stage, the breasts begin to grow, during which the pain in the nipple can become very intense. This is something normal that both men and women go through. However, if the pain lasts for a long time, it is advisable to visit a doctor to evaluate if there are any problems.
Nipple pain from pregnancy or menstruation
After puberty, there are other life stages in women that can alter the sensitivity of the nipples and cause pain. One occurs every month, the other, once or a few times in life. Indeed, menstruation is when hormonal production increases in our body, both progesterone and estrogens, in the body. This translates into greater sensitivity, hardening, and pain in the nipples.
In turn, the same happens during pregnancy, but how do you know if the pain in the nipple is due to pregnancy or period? In this case, we will have to look at other symptoms. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will talk to you about the first symptoms of pregnancy so that you can distinguish what your state is.
But this pain does not end with childbirth. The reality is that breastfeeding is one of the times when the breasts suffer the most. To this sensitivity described, we must add the irritation and discomfort generated in the nipple due to suction by the baby. It should also be added that in this period, the appearance of mastitis is expected, the blockage of the pathways through which the milk comes out.
Breast pain in menopause
Menopause is another stage in a woman’s life in which tremendous changes occur at the hormonal level. Consequently, this translates into sore nipples. Here are some of the causes of breast pain in menopause :
- The drop in progesterone and estrogen production.
- Fluid retention swells and makes the breasts more sensitive.
- Prolactin hormone irregularity.
- If you undergo hormone replacement therapy, too much estrogen can lead to breast pain.
Nipple pain when touched by friction.
As you have seen, hormonal alterations are usually one of the leading causes of breast pain. However, they are not the only reason that discomfort may appear in this area. Often, during the burning of passion in bed, we do – or do to ourselves – certain stimulations that at the moment can be overlooked but that with the passage of days can leave sequelae such as pain.
Excessive stimulation of the teats, either with hands or orally, may irritate the area that is manifested through pain at the tip of the nipple. To avoid this, it is best to be careful when having sex and talk with your partner about the force or insistence on which you can caress that area. Another good option is to use lubricants or oils that facilitate massage and avoid irritation.
Cold and sore nipple
Like all body areas, the nipples are sensitive to changes in the environment and around us. We generally find low temperatures among the changes that can most affect our skin, particularly our nipples. The nipples tend to shrink and harden when cold, causing pain and discomfort. In addition, cold is one of the external agents that most affect our skin, drying it out and dehydrating it. Therefore, it is recommended:
- Wear padded bras in cold weather.
- Warm-up well.
- Moisturize the skin and also the nipples throughout the year.
Sensitive nipple to rubbing of clothing
We do not all have the same skin type, and there are people with more sensitive skin than others, so what for many is silly. For others, it can be a significant annoyance. Among people with sensitive skin, an essential source of discomfort that can cause pain at the tip of the nipple is rubbing against clothing. In general, this irritation occurs with synthetic fabrics, so it is recommended to use clothes with natural material, for example, cotton.
The irritation of the nipples, in this case, is called contact dermatitis, and its symptoms include redness and pain. But this can not only appear due to friction with the fabric but also other possible causes such as the use of cosmetics or too aggressive gels.
Nipple pain and breast cancer
It should be noted that nipple pain is not considered a symptom of breast cancer. However, it can be a red flag for us to get a check-up. It is essential that regularly, especially if we have pain, we visit the gynecologist to check the breasts’ shape, touch, and appearance. In the same way, you should do self-tests to detect possible changes in your breasts. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we explain the steps to do a breast self-exam.
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 does the tip of my nipple hurt, 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.