Painful nipples causes. Diseases indicated by chest pain. Changes in the hormonal background

The appearance of an unpleasant sensation of chest pain near the nipple should be a cause for alarm and increased attention of the woman. Sometimes this happens due to hormonal changes in the body and is a natural and regular phenomenon, and sometimes it is a symptom of serious pathologies that require a visit to a doctor for immediate treatment.

Pregnancy and lactation as the main causes of pain in the nipple

Not all women feel chest pain during pregnancy, but often this is the first signal of a conception that has occurred. Most women experience chest pain the same way they do throughout puberty. and with menopause.

The chest hurts in the nipple area - we will consider the reasons below

This is due to the fact that the mammary glands, thanks to the hormone prolactin, expand and prepare for the future feeding of the baby. While the nervous tissues in this area do not keep up with such cardinal changes in the body, and in connection with this, unpleasant sensations appear.

The chest hurts in the nipple area and in the first days after the birth of the child, and this happens even in the case when there is no breastfeeding.

This is due to the fact that the female body, for more comfortable feeding of the child, changes the delicate skin near the nipples to a coarser layer, which causes discomfort in this area.

Often, severe breast pain occurs in young mothers when they breastfeed for the first time. This is due to improper attachment of the baby to the nipple, resulting in skin cracking and damage. Also, for the same reason, one breast may hurt due to increased dryness of the skin near the nipples or due to the use of inappropriate hygiene products.

Be careful! The most serious reason when the chest hurts in the nipple during lactation is the appearance of milk stagnation (lactostasis) as a result of inactive sucking of the child or with a special structure of the mother's mammary glands.

In any case, this phenomenon cannot be ignored, otherwise it will provoke a more complex infectious disease - breast mastitis, in which it will be impossible to feed the baby. The elimination of the symptoms of lactostasis occurs by correct and regular attachment of the child to the nipple or by pumping.

Cyclical pain in the nipples during menstruation

Most girls experience pain in this area, as a signal indicating the approach of menstruation. They are cyclical in nature and appear a few days before the onset of menstruation and disappear immediately after it begins.

Since the female breast is characterized by increased sensitivity, pain in the nipple area is distinguished by a variety of:

• burning;
• stretching;
• pressing;
• stabbing;
• aching.

Such cycles of pain are temporary and disappear with the gradual maturation of the girl, but in the case of taking hormonal drugs, during menopause and during pregnancy, they can occur again.

Serious concern should be caused by chest pain, aching in the nipple area, when it occurs in a mature woman, and is accompanied by transparent discharge, characterized by the formation of lumps or seals.

These manifestations are symptoms of more dangerous pathologies and should be the reason for contacting a mammologist or gynecologist.

External factors causing nipple pain

Pain in the nipples as a sign of disease

In most cases, the cause of chest pain is the symptoms of some diseases:

Neuralgic pathologies causing pain in the nipples

The female breast is a very sensitive organ, as it contains a large number of nerve endings and therefore periodic pain in the nipple area appears due to neuralgic diseases.

Symptoms of pain of this nature can be recognized by the fact that there are no external causes and signs that could cause pain (changes in the shape of the nipples, skin tone, body temperature, etc.). Often, chest pain in such cases appears as a result of a pinched nerve or the development of intercostal neuralgia.

Pain sensations have one feature, that they always appear on one side.

Mechanical damage causing pain in the nipples

Breast pain in the nipple area, according to experts, often appears in connection with the latest fashion trends, which are expressed in stimulation, tattooing and piercing in this area.

With excessive stimulation, it is easy to damage the delicate tissues in the nipple area, in addition, there is a large blood flow, which ultimately causes pain in this area.

Be careful! Piercing and tattooing of the chest cause pain, especially if these procedures were not carried out by professionals and not in sterile conditions.

Poor-quality piercing and tattooing can cause not only chest pain, but also contribute to the entry of infection into the body of a woman, which will eventually lead to the development of more serious pathologies.

Muscle pain that reflects on the nipples

Also, pain sensations of this nature appear due to manifestations of muscle pain.

According to experts, the factors contributing to the appearance of pain in the nipple area are:

• posture change;
• chest muscle tension;
• prolonged work in an uncomfortable position;
• enhanced training of the pectoral muscles, etc.

As a result of the appearance of pain of a muscular nature, the cause of its appearance should be eliminated or treatment should be carried out to eliminate it, since pain in the nipple area is a reflective phenomenon and is not the root cause of pain.

What to do if nipples hurt

Relief of breast pain depends on the cause of the pain. So, in cyclic painful periods, you should try to touch this area as little as possible, and also try to avoid any pressure on the chest.

Wear underwear of the appropriate size and without seams in the nipple area. Also, jewelry should be selected along a length that is much higher than the chest in order to eliminate possible pain.

In case of pain during lactation, you should be attentive to personal hygiene and properly attach the baby to the breast in order to avoid the appearance of microcracks in the nipples.

If the pain in this area acquires a growing excruciating character and, moreover, is accompanied by external changes, which are expressed in the form of secretions, an increase in body temperature, a change in the shape and color of the nipple, and other factors, then it is necessary to contact a mammologist.

Identification of diseases at the initial stage of development is the key to a full recovery Ultimately, therefore, a woman should be attentive to her health and be extremely attentive to the pain that occurs in the nipple area.

Sore chest in the nipple. Reasons in this helpful video:

Women who are sensitive to the changes taking place in the body notice that on certain days the breasts swell, the nipples become sensitive. Why do nipples hurt, are only women familiar with this feeling?

Why do women have sore nipples?

Girls and women know that a few days before the onset of menstrual bleeding, hormonal changes occur in the body, triggering the start of a new cycle. Among the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, along with irritability, tearfulness, fatigue, there are also physiological manifestations. One of the most striking symptoms is swollen breasts, sensitive nipples.

PMS

On the eve of menstruation, the concentration of female sex hormones - prolactin and progesterone - increases significantly in the blood. A "cocktail" of hormones and biologically active substances leads to water retention in the body. The mammary glands are no exception, it is the excess fluid that causes slight swelling of the breast.

The expansion of the ducts of the mammary glands causes compression of the nerve endings, hence the discomfort, hypersensitivity, pain. Before menstruation, touching the chest causes irritation, the usual underwear becomes uncomfortable. Pain before menstruation is considered the norm, after menstruation everything goes away before the start of the next cycle.

Ovulation

Unpleasant pain in the chest may appear in the middle of the cycle. They are not as pronounced as before menstruation, so not all women pay attention to them. The peak occurs in the middle of the cycle - ovulation, the moment of maturation of the egg and its release from the ovary.

The nipples are the most sensitive area of ​​the breast; under the influence of female sex hormones in the middle of the cycle, they become especially susceptible to external stimuli.

Women with a stable cycle can track ovulation and adjust for a possible pregnancy.

During pregnancy

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is swelling of the nipples and an increase in their sensitivity.
Hormonal changes in the body are aimed at preparing the mammary glands for lactation.

As a rule, nipples are very sore and swell in the first trimester. At the end of this period, the body copes with hormonal changes and the manifestations become less distinct.

Lactation

The reasons why nipples hurt during breastfeeding are different:

• When feeding, there is a significant increase in the mammary glands in size due to milk production. The rush of milk can cause pain in the chest, nipples;
• The baby does not grasp the nipple correctly. As a result, the skin of the nipples and areolas around them crack, roughen and hurt. In advanced cases, serious health problems for the mother can occur;
• Nipples can be injured and hurt in cases where they have too thin (dry) skin, as well as if the nipple has an anatomically irregular shape (flat, sunken, long);
• Pain can become harbingers of incipient inflammation, mastitis

Pathological changes causing pain in the nipples

Along with physiological changes that are normal for the female body in certain phases of the cycle, pain in the nipple area can signal the onset of a serious illness.

1. Benign or malignant neoplasms. Additional symptoms to watch out for are:

• Highlights on click
• Changing the color of the nipple, areola, their shape
• Pain in one of the mammary glands that radiates to the armpit
• When examining the mammary gland with the hands, dense formations, nodules are clearly felt in it.

These symptoms serve as a reason to visit a mammologist and a comprehensive examination. Neoplasms in the initial stages are treatable, even with the preservation of the gland or its partial resection.
2. Endocrine disorders caused by malfunction of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, liver, adrenal glands.
3. In a similar way, intercostal neuralgia can manifest itself, both in men and in women.
4. Psychological problems, stress, severe mental overload also lead to hormonal disruptions and can provoke increased sensitivity of the nipples.

Hormonal oral contraceptives

Some women, choosing to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy with the help of oral contraceptives, notice that the nipples swell, itch, hurt, regardless of the phase of the cycle.

A similar side effect is indicated in the annotation to many OK. If the sensations cause severe discomfort, then it is worth discussing with the gynecologist the replacement of one drug with another.

Why do boys' nipples hurt?

Adolescent boys in their transitional age experience pain in the nipple area similar to girls. This happens for various reasons:

• Hormonal changes in the body associated with puberty;
• Allergies to hygiene items, linen;
• Bruises, chest injuries;
• Endocrine disorders - diseases of the pituitary gland, testicles, adrenal glands. These glands are involved in the production of male hormones. Their deficiency leads to a violation of the formation of secondary sexual characteristics;
• Gynecomastia is breast enlargement in boys. It occurs either as a result of overweight (obesity), or as a result of hormonal disorders, a lack of male hormones and an excess of female ones;
• Breast cancer is accompanied by discharge from the nipples, a change in the structure of the gland;

What to do if nipples hurt?

First of all, you need to find out what is the cause of the pain. If pain in the nipple area is caused by the onset of a certain phase of the cycle, then at this time, breast stimulation, overexcitation should be avoided, and possible touches should be limited as much as possible.

1. Cold showers help relieve pain.
2. Underwear should be comfortable, comfortable, appropriate to the size, made from natural materials. It is better to give preference to seamless patterns
3. Soaps and shower gels dry out the skin and should not be overused. After a shower, you should use special emollient body creams.
4. A nursing mother should learn how to properly attach a baby to her breast. With an irregular shape of the nipples, you can purchase special pads that make the feeding process comfortable and painless.

When is it time to sound the alarm?

If pregnancy has not occurred, menstruation has ended, and the sensitivity of the nipples has not decreased, touching them causes pain and discomfort, you should pay attention to other symptoms:

• Change in color, shape of the nipples, areolas; significant deformity of the breast
• Purulent or bloody discharge from the nipples
• The appearance of cracks, wounds, ulcers, swelling
• Increased pain

Consultation with a specialist will help you get an answer to the question - why nipples hurt - and find methods to eliminate it.
The causes of pain in the nipple area can be different, you should not immediately sound the alarm, but letting things take their course is also not good. Knowing what to look for, a woman will not miss the onset of a serious illness and will have time to take the necessary measures.

The female body is a very complex and sensitive organism. The breast is one of the most sensual organs in women, especially the nipples. Why do nipples hurt, causing a lot of discomfort and discomfort?

Physiological causes of pain

Often, nipple pain occurs unexpectedly and also suddenly disappears. She happens:

1. Before the upcoming menstruation is one of the common reasons. In women, 3-5 days before this, the amount of hormones in the blood increases. The mammary glands swell and pinch the endings of the nerves, the nipples become more sensitive and it hurts to hurt them.
2. During pregnancy - from the very first days, a woman's body begins to prepare for motherhood and feeding (lactation). There is an increase in hormonal levels and the milk ducts increase, but the nerve tissues grow less quickly, so they are in tension. And it, in turn, leads to painful feelings in the nipples in pregnant women.
3. When feeding - due to an increase in the volume of the mammary glands, pain symptoms in the nipples also appear.

There are times when the baby takes the breast in the wrong way, or the mother herself, by her location, created an uncomfortable position for the baby, and thus he could not take it correctly. And also the mother tears the child from the breast with a sharp movement. This can lead to cracking of the nipples, even to the point of bleeding. Pains are strong, burning. It is recommended to apply a cream or ointment for wound healing.

And also at the time of feeding, the skin on the nipples is very thin and dry, and only 4-6 days after the birth of the child, it is naturally covered with lubricant, so at first, feeding causes discomfort. Also, when the nipples are irregularly shaped, this also causes painful feelings during feeding.

It is especially worth noting that excess milk should be expressed, otherwise there is a blockage of the ducts, which is accompanied by redness and pain.

Pathological causes or diseases

Nipples hurt not only because of changes in hormone levels, during pregnancy and feeding a baby, there are other reasons.

One of them is a breast tumor, which occurs both benign and malignant, but it is manifested not only by pain, but is accompanied by such signs as:

• discharge;
• the nipple changes shape, color and size;
• sore armpits;
• it is worth noting that all this is felt in one chest.

Another reason is the use of contraceptives. The use of these drugs can cause hormonal imbalance, and this provokes pain and special sensitivity of the nipples. The instructions often indicate this as a side effect, and if these sensations lead to discomfort, you need to change the drug.

In addition, the following diseases can lead to pain in the nipples:

1. Mastitis is an infection in the breast, usually through cracked nipples. Sometimes mastitis is caused by strong cooling.
2. Mastopathy - occurs due to a malfunction in the level of hormones, an excess of progesterone and a lack of estrogen. The mammary glands (its tissue) grows, cysts form. Women over the age of 30 are especially susceptible.
3. Mastalgia - can be after surgery, from depression and with reduced immunity.
4. With improper functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, intercostal neuralgia and poor liver function.

Psychological

Nervous shocks and stress can also lead to pain in the nipples. Since mental arousal leads to an imbalance of hormones, and they, in turn, are associated with the sensitivity of the mammary glands. And also with the use of depressants, chest pains are not ruled out.

Other causes of pain

In addition to the reasons listed above, there are a number of others:

1. A long absence of sex is a common cause of pain in the chest and nipples. With a long absence of sex, it can be said that the body seems to fall asleep, hormones weaken. And when sex happens in such an organism, it is rebuilt. There is a more active production of hormones and nipples hurt from this.
2. If you hurt - that is, physical damage to the chest. It is worth noting that this can be dangerous, so it is better to visit a specialist.
3. If you wash the nipples with soap - it dries the delicate skin of the nipples a lot, it is enough to wash with water.
4. Allergy - possibly to fabric or household chemicals. When wearing synthetic underwear, some women have allergies, resulting in pain. There is a so-called contact dermatitis if you use cosmetics (gels, creams) that do not suit you for breast care.
5. Bra - if it is incorrectly fitted and its shape does not suit you.

How to get rid of or reduce pain

As you can see, not every pain should cause serious excitement, if it is before the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, feeding, etc., then the pain will pass by itself. To reduce discomfort at these moments, you must:

• observe personal hygiene, just do not use a lot of soap and gel when washing your breasts;
• wear a bra of the correct shape and size, preferably from natural materials and without coarse seams, so as not to injure the nipples;
• reduce excess breast arousal at these moments;
• properly care for the breast: after feeding the child, wash the mammary glands with warm water, if there are cracks and wounds, lubricate them immediately with a special ointment;
• read the information on how to properly attach the baby to the breast, this will ease the pain at the first stage of feeding, and then they will pass altogether.

For serious reasons, the pain is sharp, more constant and severe, even in the shoulder blade and shoulder are possible. In these cases, you should consult a doctor and undergo a diagnosis. These are activities such as:

• communication with the patient;
• examination of the mammary glands with the help of palpation;
• get a mammogram;
• Ultrasound of the diseased breast;
• donate blood to determine the hormonal levels.

How to treat

Depending on the cause of the pain, they are treated with different means. The course of treatment can be prescribed by the doctor after the examination.

For inflammation of the nipples, the following remedies are used:

• ointments Actovegin and Solcoseryl;
• oral antibiotics;
• immunomodulator;
• anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs;
• analgesics;
• funds for general strengthening.

Folk methods

Castor oil is good for cracked nipples. It is necessary to wash, wipe them and grease them with oil. Lie down for 25 minutes until it is absorbed. And if the nipples bleed, after applying the oil, put compress paper on top and put on a bra, only from natural material.

Another way to heal cracked nipples is to apply a solution of brilliant green on them, and Vaseline on top.

You can make homemade ointment:

• vegetable oil - 200 ml and natural honeycomb wax - 20 g is brought to a boil over low heat while stirring;
• add the yolk of 1 boiled egg in small pieces to the mixture and stir;
• pass the resulting mass through a strainer;
• when using, bring to a warm state, apply on a napkin and apply to the nipples.

Another way is to combine grated apple, butter and carrot juice. The resulting mixture on a napkin and on nipples, for 2 - 3 hours, can be done up to 3 times a day.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that the nipples hurt for various reasons. Therefore, at the first pain symptoms, you should not be afraid, but if they do not go away and intensify, you should see a doctor.

Almost every woman at least once in her life is faced with such a delicate problem as pain in the mammary glands and nipples. Discomfort in this case can have a different character. They may occur from time to time or be observed constantly. Different and intensity of pain. For example, tingling may be felt only during palpation. Some women experience a sharp pain that radiates to the neck, shoulder blade or shoulder.

In some situations, when nipples hurt, the causes are natural and do not require any intervention. However, pain in this area can also be a sign of dangerous pathological processes that cannot be dealt with without qualified medical care. Therefore, it is very important to understand the causes of discomfort.

Menstruation

If soreness appears a few days before the onset of menstruation, it is most often associated with changes in the hormonal background. The cause of pain in this case is directly related to the increased production of prolactin and progesterone, which begins in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

One of the consequences of increasing the concentration of these hormones in the blood is fluid retention in organs and tissues, including swelling of the mammary glands. As a result, there is swelling of the milk ducts and compression of the nerve endings. It is because of this that the sensitivity of the nipples increases, and pain may occur when touched. With the onset of menstruation, the discomfort disappears.

Pregnancy

Nipples also hurt in women and at the initial stage of pregnancy. Almost all systems of the female body during this period are experiencing certain changes. First of all, hormonal changes take place. Active preparation for lactation also begins: the volume of the breast increases, the ducts grow.

Do not lose sight of the fact that the nerve endings are formed more slowly, so they are in a tense state for a long time. This is what causes painful sensations when touched, which usually disappear after a few weeks.

However, for many women, chest pain recurs just before childbirth. In this case, it is accompanied by a slight increase in temperature, darkening of the nipples and the appearance of colostrum.

Feeding

Many young mothers are interested in the answer to the question: why do a woman's nipples hurt during breastfeeding.

There are many reasons that contribute to the occurrence of discomfort:

1. Incorrect position of the baby during feeding, due to which he cannot drink all the milk. To avoid many problems after childbirth, you must definitely ask the doctor to show you how to properly attach the baby to the breast.
2. When the nipples are injured during feeding, as they have an irregular shape. For example, they may be too long or retracted, may have folds or growths.
3. If the baby does not know how to properly capture the breast: his lips close only around the nipple. Some babies pull their lips inward, which can also hurt mom. It is also worth paying attention to whether the woman takes the breast correctly after feeding.
4. Women should pay attention to the correct observance of hygiene procedures. First of all, during this period it is very important to use special emollient cosmetics, do not use hard towels, wash the breasts with warm water after each feeding and treat cracks in a timely manner. You also need to consider that pain can cause softening of the nipple due to untimely replacement of pads in the bra.
5. Stagnation of milk residues in the ducts also causes pain and can cause a lump to form in the breast. The main causes of such a problem are improper attachment of the child or his refusal to eat. When lactostasis is detected, it is necessary to solve the problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, there is a high risk of infection.
6. Mastitis is an inflammatory disease that is associated with the penetration of infection into the mammary gland. With the development of pathology, a woman may notice that her nipples are swollen and sore, her body temperature rises, and the skin on her chest becomes red. Sometimes there are purulent impurities in milk. It should be noted that the treatment of this pathology is carried out with antibiotics. You may also need to open the abscess.

Other causes of pain

In addition to menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, there are many other factors that can cause chest pain. Some of them are associated with the development of serious diseases and require urgent medical advice.

Skin diseases

If, in addition to pain and inflammation, a woman notices the appearance of white plaque and small cracks on the nipples, these are manifestations of candidiasis. As a rule, the fungus, which is the causative agent of this pathology, enters the breast tissue through wounds and cracks.

It can also cause discomfort and herpes, which is considered a rather dangerous pathology for the health of the fetus. Therefore, it is advised to treat it even before the onset of pregnancy.

Formation of neoplasms

Pain can be accompanied by the development of both benign and malignant tumors. Other symptoms also occur: the shape of the breast, color, size of the areola and nipple may change, and nodular seals form. In addition, there are pains in the axillary area. It is worth noting that most often discomfort occurs only in one breast. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Nerve damage

In such a situation, discomfort is observed in one nipple and is stabbing in nature. Most often, the nerve can be damaged due to a fall, surgery, or a strong blow.

Sometimes the pain can go away on its own after a short time. However, there are times when this problem requires long-term treatment.

Physical Damage

Women who are interested in what causes nipples to hurt should consider whether the pain is related to an injury or a blow. If this symptom does not go away after a few days, is accompanied by bleeding or the appearance of a hematoma, you should immediately check with a doctor.

Taking hormonal contraceptives

With the wrong choice of oral contraceptives or non-compliance with the instructions for their use and dosage, hormonal imbalance becomes a frequent complication. It negatively affects the health of a woman and can cause pain in the mammary glands. To correct the situation, you need to contact a gynecologist and, based on the tests, individually select the optimal contraceptive.

Psychological factors

In some cases, the answer to the question: why nipples can hurt, is hidden in the emotional state of a woman. Experienced conflicts and upheavals, depression and stressful situations - all this can lead to discomfort, as well as to the development of hormonal imbalance. In addition, antidepressants can also cause pain.

Wrong choice of underwear

When the breasts have increased and the nipples hurt, the wrong bra is often the culprit. If the underwear is too tight or narrow, then it rubs the delicate skin, squeezes the chest and disrupts blood circulation.

If, in addition to pain, itching also occurs, this may be an allergic reaction to the fabric or decorative elements of the bra.

cold season

When the temperature drops, the nipples begin to shrink. In addition, during this period, the skin dries up, which can cause irritation. Therefore, in winter you should wear padded bras, dress warmly and do not forget about moisturizing the skin.

piercing

Many young people consider this accessory to be very fashionable. In addition, it is also popular due to the fact that piercing enhances sensitivity. However, when piercing the nipple, the ducts can overlap, so the procedure can only be trusted by a highly qualified master.

Puberty

As the breasts begin to grow and develop, this area becomes overly sensitive. As a rule, over time, the pain disappears. But if the pain becomes unbearable, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

Disorders in the work of the nervous or endocrine system

Discomfort in the nipples may be associated with dysfunction of the adrenal glands or with intercostal neuralgia. Often it also accompanies disorders in the work of the pituitary and thyroid glands.

Overstimulation

The areola and nipples are very sensitive areas, so if the stimulation is excessive, then pain may appear. To avoid this, it is worth making sure that the stimulation is leisurely and soft.

anxiety symptoms

A woman needs to know not only why the nipples hurt, but also the symptoms in which you need to urgently seek advice from a gynecologist or mammologist.

First of all, such symptoms should include:

• the appearance of bloody or purulent discharge, ichor from the nipple;
• swelling, deformity of the nipple or areola, discoloration of the skin;
• the appearance on the nipples or near them of ulcers, erosions or cracks;
• the pain is continuous, it grows or radiates to the armpits.

Features of treatment

It is possible to start treatment only after the reason why the nipples of the breast hurt is clarified. So, for example, if we are talking about physiological causes (for example, discomfort during puberty, before menstruation or during pregnancy), then treatment is not required. After a while, this symptom will disappear on its own. However, to alleviate the situation, you should avoid excessive stimulation of the breast in case of painful sensations, as well as wear seamless underwear of your size and from natural fabrics.

In other situations, the methods for solving the problem will depend on the factors that led to its occurrence:

• if discomfort is caused by any disease, its treatment will be required;
• when this is a reaction to the peculiarities of the breastfeeding process, then hygiene rules must be observed with special care;
• if cracks appear on the nipple during lactation, it is better to temporarily feed the child with another breast (it will be necessary to express milk from the damaged breast, and lubricate the nipple with ointments with a healing effect).

Do not forget that pain is always a certain signal. Therefore, it is important to notice it as soon as possible and identify the causes of its appearance.

Video

From this video you will learn how to prepare the nipples for childbirth, so that in the future you will not experience pain and problems with feeding.

And in this video you will find useful tips on how to treat cracked nipples.

At least once every woman experienced pain in the areola and nipple. Sensing something was wrong, the girl goes on the Internet and becomes numb with horror ... Hundreds of pages with diagnoses open to her eyes and she randomly begins to look for the right one. Terrible thoughts run through my head.

Often the reasons are not as serious as they might seem at first glance. Let's make a kind of "hit parade" of factors, and find out why nipples hurt in women:

1. Wearing a bra. In this case, you can rub the nipples to such an extent that it will be impossible to touch them.

2. Constant stress. Nipples can really hurt if a woman is under stress. Nervous tension disrupts the functioning of the body as a whole. The words that “all diseases are from the nerves” are always relevant.

3 . For a long time there was no sex. This is also a common cause of pain. When there is no sex for a long time, the body kind of falls asleep.

The hormonal background is weakening. As soon as sex appears, a real restructuring begins in the body. Hormones are actively produced, and the nipples hurt.

4. Contusion of the mammary gland.Physical injury to the breast is dangerous and can cause swelling. If this happens, it is better to immediately see a doctor.

5. Washing the chest with soap. Do not treat the nipple area with soap. It dries the skin, especially the areola and nipple area. For this part of the body, water without detergent components is quite suitable. .

6. Allergic reaction on any household chemicals or fabric.

7. Taking birth control pills. They deliver artificially created hormones to the body - analogues of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones cause intense nipple sensitivity and therefore pain.

8. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and critical days. Usually three days (sometimes a week) before the onset of menstruation, the nipples swell and hurt. The same hormones are to blame: estrogen and progesterone.

9. Pregnancy. The entire female body immediately begins restructuring. Nipples are no exception. Blood rushes to them, and the milk ducts grow. The sensitivity of the nipples increases many times, thereby causing a woman severe discomfort.

10. Birth. During this period, the breast begins to fulfill its main purpose - feeding. Often young mothers incorrectly put the baby to the breast. In this case, the nipples crack, blood appears. They literally burn when touched. There is severe pain. Doctors recommend using wound healing ointments and creams. And find a position in which the baby will eat with the least discomfort for the mother.

Also, if milk is retained in the breast, blockage of the ducts (lactostasis) may occur. In this place, the mammary gland turns red and hurts along with the nipple. . To avoid this situation, the remaining milk is expressed.

11. Diseases. There are some of the most common types of diseases:

• Mastitis. Appears in case of infection in the mammary gland. As a rule, it penetrates there through a crack in the nipple. Sometimes mastitis can be triggered by severe hypothermia.
• Mastopathy. When the hormone progesterone is produced too much, and estrogen, on the contrary, is not enough, the breast tissue begins to change, grow. Neoplasms, seals (cysts) appear. At risk are those women who are already 30 years old or more.
• Mastalgia. It occurs due to weak immunity, depression, after breast surgery.
• Benign and malignant tumors.

Remember that nipple pain should not be ignored, but you should not panic either. It is enough to take the right measures in a timely manner. Then many points of our "hit parade" can be prevented and avoided.