Have questions about nipples?
Learn 10 facts about nipples, including why they change in color and size.
10 facts about nipples
1.
Is my nipple color normal?
The short answer is yes.
The more melanin that you have, the darker [nipples] will be, says Dr. Irobunda.
board-certified OB/GYN atOrlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital
Your nipples can change color over the course of your life, too.
For example,a persons nipple colorand not to mention sizecan change when theyre expecting a baby.
Either way is perfectly normal.
Is it normal for my nipples to change size?
Just as the color of nipples can vary, so can their sizewhich, again, is normal.
In a 2022 study of over 50 women, researchers found thatnipples increased in length and width during pregnancy.
Dr. Irobunda also theorizes that the change in size naturally occurs to help support breastfeeding.
Why does one of my nipples look different from the other?
If your nipples look different from one another, theres usually no reason to fret.
board-certified OB/GYN atOrlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital
Why is there hair around my nipples?
Its more prevalent when theres more male testosterone present, says Dr. Greves.
If youre noticing hair sprouting up in new places, its a good idea to talk to an OB/GYN.
Otherwise, you’re able to chalk it up to genetics.
Whats the deal with these bumps on my nipples?
There are two distinct types of bumps that naturally occur on nipplesand they both serve a pretty interesting purpose.
The first are the bumps on the nipples themselves, which are milk duct openings.
The second are the small raised bumps on the areolas, aka Montgomery glands.
These glands contain fluid to provide lubrication during breastfeeding, says Dr. Irobunda.
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6.
Is it normal that my nipples point inward instead of out (or vice versa)?
If you have inverted nipples that point inward instead of outward, know that youre not alone.
Very rarely, some people may notice their nipples suddenly turn inward.
Is it possible to have more than two nipples or one or no nipples at all?
The short answer is yesand, according to Dr. Greves, having extra or supernumerary nipples is normal.
As to why they occur?
Why are my nipples sore?
For one, you’ve got the option to experience tenderness during breastfeeding.
This is due to the friction that is caused initially when a baby starts to breastfeed.
If the symptoms are severe, talk to a doctor or a lactation consultant, says Dr. Irobunda.
If you suspect this might be the case, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.
Why are my nipples hard?
You might wonder why your nipples become hard and, at times, without provocation.
According to Dr. Greves, there might be a few reasons why.
For one, it might be due to cold temperatures.
Nipples are also more pronounced during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is nipple discharge normal?
Its common for your nipples to leak when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, says Dr. Greves.
It can occur during nipple stimulation, she says.
Frequently asked questions: more facts about nipples
At what age do nipples pop out?
Do nipples flatten as you age?
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