6 Things About Your Nipples That Might Scare You But Are Normal

Our nipples spend most of their lives covered by at least two layers of cloth, so it’s no wonder that talking about them still causes some embarrassment.

However, like the nose, eyes and mouth, nipples are parts of the body, and both men and women have them, even if they are different.

As it is not usually said much about them, it is common for some women to question whether their nipples are normal. Some think they are too big, others worry if they are the “right color” and so on.

The answer is that, yes, most likely your nipples are normal, as no one nipple is the same. This is even true for yourself: your right nipple will be different from your left, just like the rest of your body.

Important: The characteristics described below are absolutely normal. However, if you notice that your nipples are suddenly different, whether in terms of size, color, shape or any other aspect, you should see a doctor.

That’s because some abrupt changes can be indicative of pregnancy, hormonal imbalances or even breast cancer, so it’s worth paying attention.

1. Hair around the nipple

It might not be the most desired thing in the world for some women, but having some hair around your nipples doesn’t mean a health problem. This happens because we are mammals, and one of the characteristics of this class of vertebrate animals is precisely the presence of fur.

This is a characteristic that varies from woman to woman, depending on genetic and hormonal factors. In addition, the use of some contraceptives can decrease or increase hair in this region, depending on the composition of the drug.

If you feel uncomfortable with these hairs, the best way to remove them is with tweezers, but you can also do a laser treatment for permanent removal. Wax and blade, on the other hand, are not recommended.

2. Big or small nipples

Nipples are democratic and can come in various sizes, whether they are considered large or small. This is just an aesthetic feature, and it does not influence the ability to breastfeed.

Women who feel insecure about the size of their nipples can resort to plastic surgery to change them, if that’s what they want.

3. There is no “right” color

As with the size, the color of the nipples can also vary from person to person, whether they are light or dark.

In general, the areola and nipples are darker than the skin on the breast, and the good news is that all colors are normal—unless your nipples are red from irritation, of course.

4. Nipples “inward”

Most women have nipples that are “out”, that is, protruding. However, about 10% to 20% of the female population have flat or inward nipples (inverted nipples).

Although more rare, flat, inverted nipples are not a problem (unless they appear suddenly, in which case, see a doctor immediately). They are just different in that the tissue that connects the nipple to the breast is a little shorter than usual. Also, it is possible that one nipple is inverted and the other is not.

Inverted nipples are fully functional, meaning they can bulge more when stimulated and are fully capable of breastfeeding – extra help may be needed at first, however.

5. It is normal to have small “lumps” around the nipple

Some women have tiny bumps around their nipples called areolar glands – and while they may look like pimples they have nothing to do with them, so don’t try to squeeze them!

These glands have the function of producing an oily secretion that lubricates the areola and nipple when they are stimulated. In addition, some researchers believe that they also serve as a guide for the baby to find the nipple more easily during breastfeeding.

6. Liquids coming out of the nipple even when not pregnant or breastfeeding

Nipples are naturally secreting organs, so it is natural for there to be some secretion coming out of them. This even happens to all women as a kind of self-cleaning of the breast ducts, although it is not always perceived.

This phenomenon is more common in women who have already become pregnant or are already breastfeeding, as the ducts are physiologically dilated during these periods.

The most worrisome type of discharge is a clear or blood-mixed fluid coming out of a single duct, as it can be a sign of cancer. Yellow, greenish, or brown secretions are not related to this disease, while milky secretions may be related to an excess of the hormone prolactin.

In all cases, the tip is to look for a mastologist to take the doubt and treat it if necessary.

In short, if your nipples have always been the size they are now, have always had this amount of hair, have always gone in or out, etc.

However, if they suddenly look different, this could be a sign of a health problem and you should go to the specialist.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.