6 Causes Of Nipple Pain In Women

Nipple pain is something many women experience but still find it hard to trace it to a particular reason. This pain could be because of wearing a tight bra or an allergic reaction to laundry detergent, but it could also be a symptom of a fundamental problem. Women breastfeeding can also suffer nipple pain as the nipples of breastfeeding mothers tend to be sore because of chafing. The initial stages of pregnancy and menstruation can also make the nipples sore and tender at times. Aside from these, other things can cause nipple pain in women. Some of them include;

1. Sexual activity

Having intercourse is one of the reasons why women may experience painful nipples. Engaging in some form of sexual activity which pertains to the nipples can make them sore. Nipple pain that occurs due to intercourse is usually not a cause for worry. The pain usually lessens after some time by giving the nipples enough time to heal. Moisturizing will help in healing the area faster and also stave off it from getting worse. Using nipple guards is also another helpful remedy. For those who normally experience this, be careful during the cat.

2. Changes In hormones

This is also another popular cause of nipple pain. You may have noticed your nipples evolving sore or tender when you are nearer to your period date or during menstruation. It is because the hormone levels alter when a woman is on her period and this can trigger soreness in the breasts and nipples. There is a spike in the levels of two hormones- estrogen and progesterone – when your period is about to start. These hormonal instabilities can also make the breasts seem more swollen. This pain is usually temporary and doesn’t last for more than a week. You should seek medical attention once you begin to experience it. 

3. Friction

Friction can also cause nipple pain. One of the most widespread reasons for your nipples to be sore could be friction. Wearing a tight-fitting bra could induce nipple pain because of the friction created by it. Working out for a long time can also cause nipple pain. If you are sensitive to friction, you can preserve your nipples by wearing surgical tape on your nipples during an intense workout session of workout. Playing sports activities like running, basketball or even surfing can cause friction in the nipples. If you normally experience this, wear the right undergarments and clothes while engaging in these activities to help in creating less friction.

4. Infection

Infection can also make your nipple hurt you as a woman. Breastfeeding can cause your nipples to crack or bleed heightening the likelihood of getting an infection. Similarly, dealing with an allergic reaction or an injury affected by friction can also lead to infections. Yeast infection can occur in the nipples if you have recently taken antibiotics, have any damage to the tissue encircling the nipples, or have a personal history of fungal infections. It is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Always stay clean and healthy to avoid this. 

5. Mastitis

Mastitis is another apparent cause of nipple pain that may occur in pregnant women. Trapped milk in the milk ducts paves the way for the bacteria to grow and spread in the duct. The symptoms may include red, sore breasts that are swollen. Try and seek medical attention once you begin to experience this. 

6. Paget’s Disease

Cancer can also cause nipple pain. Paget's disease is a rare type of breast cancer that affects the nipple and its surrounding skin. It is often seen in women over 50 years of age. Signs and symptoms usually appear in just one breast. Watch out for signs and symptoms like flaky or hardened skin around the nipple, redness, itching, burning sensation, inverted or flattened nipple, pale yellow or bloody discharge from the nipples, or a lump in one of the breasts. Also, seek the help of a doctor if you begin to experience this. 

Everyone should adhere to the tips of this article.