Five facts about the nipple that you need to know

Did you know your nipples can determine your health status? Most of us pay attention to the breasts forgetting the nipples which play a huge role in our lives. Other than feeding the baby, breast nipples play a vital role in sexual pleasuring as well as communicating about health status. Below are important things you need to know about your nipples according to Prevention, and what they communicate about your health:

Nipple pains- This is quite common when a woman is ovulating, menstruating and breastfeeding. When ovulating, the nipples are known to be sensitive and increase in size. For the breastfeeding mother, the pain occurs during the first week of breastfeeding. Another reason for pain when breastfeeding could be the baby is not latching well. Sometimes the nipples appear sore and cracked which bring about a burning pain. Hairy nipples- Those that have been blessed with hair on their nipples, it’s normal but it becomes alarming when the hair follicles are increasing in size, they are painful, itchy or scaly. This could be communicating that there is an infection. If you are the type that does not fancy body hair, wax the hair on the nipples carefully and make sure there is good hygiene as this helps bring down the itchiness and pains.

Nipple discharge- The discharge can be in various colors; clear, green, milky or bluish. Discharge is common in women when their nipple is squeezed. When the discharge is bloody and only coming out from one breast, then something could not be right. That could be an indication of a cyst or breast cancer. In such a case, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Chafed nipples- This is a burning and stinging sensation that could make the nipple bleed. This normally happens when one is running and their nipples rub on the fabric of their shirt. When sweating accompanies the rubbing, the nipples get red, itchy and scaly. Such signs could be an indication of Paget’s disease which is known to be a rare form of cancer involving the nipples.

Inverted nipples- It sounds weird but there are individuals born with inverted nipples. The connective tissue retracts the nipple inwards which makes it inverted. This is normal but a minor surgery can be done to go back to its position. The inverted nipples are not necessarily an indication of a health condition as it is normal.