What makes nipple sore

In general, it takes 4 to 5 years for a girl's breasts to reach their adult size. When guys start puberty it is common to develop a small amount of breast enlargement too. During puberty, hormones in the body can cause the breasts to grow larger. The difference is that for guys, this condition is called gynecomastia and is usually temporary.

One of the most common times that breasts might feel sore is when they are beginning to develop. First you might notice a small button-like lump beneath the nipple area.

The medical name for this is the breast bud , and is common in guys and girls. The breast bud may be a little tender. But don't worry — it's a normal part of puberty.

It is also common to have sore breasts around the beginning of a girl's period, or menstruation. During her menstrual cycle , a girl's body produces lots of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Changes in these hormones can cause feelings that together are called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Some girls have painful cramps in their stomachs, headaches, mood swings, or cravings for certain foods right before their periods begin. During this time the body may retain water, which can make a girl feel puffy and bloated.

Rings and shoes may feel tight. Just as fingers and feet swell, so can breasts. Other symptoms include a fever and chills. You can develop mastitis when milk gets trapped in one of your milk ducts and bacteria start to grow inside.

Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Untreated mastitis can lead to a collection of pus in your breast called an abscess. Another cause for sore nipples while breastfeeding is thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection you can get if your nipples dry out and become cracked from breastfeeding.

Your baby can also get thrush in their mouth. It shows up as white patches on their tongue, gums, and other surfaces inside the mouth. Avoiding tight clothes and wearing a more supportive bra can help control nipple pain. Every time you buy a new bra, try it on. It can help to visit a store where the salesperson measures you to make sure you get the right fit.

They can watch you breastfeed and provide tips and guidance to help make it easier. Your outlook depends on which condition is causing your nipple pain. Soreness related to your period should go away on its own. Breastfeeding pain caused by an infection should improve with treatment. Breast cancer outlook depends on the stage of your cancer and what treatment you get.

Read this article in Spanish. Premenstrual breast swelling and tenderness are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. A burning nipple can be extremely uncomfortable, but is it serious? Sore nipples are common in breastfeeding women. Sexual activity can be another cause of nipple pain. Body friction or sexual activity that involves the nipples can cause soreness.

This pain is usually temporary and is often treated by simply giving the nipples time to heal. Using moisturizers or nipple guards may help keep friction to a minimum and prevent symptoms from getting worse. These symptoms are usually felt in the days just before her period starts, when increases in estrogen and progesterone levels draw more liquid to the breasts and cause them to feel swollen.

The pain associated with hormonal changes usually subsides when the period begins. If this pain continues for more than a few days, a woman may want to speak to her doctor.

Some nipple pain and other symptoms can be a sign of issues such as cancer, although tumors do not usually cause pain. Nipple pain caused by cancer will often only affect one breast and nipple. Nipple pain is also common during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The breasts may become larger and feel sore. The nipples and areola may darken and ache, and small bumps may pop up around the nipples. Well-fitting support bras may help reduce friction and ease soreness.

Some pregnant women find it helpful to wear a supportive sleep bra overnight, such as the one shown here.

Sleep bras are also helpful for reducing nipple and breast pain after the baby is born. Cooling gel packs, such as these , can also soothe inflamed or painful nipples caused by breast-feeding. Breast-feeding is a common cause of nipple soreness. This is mostly due to the latching technique of the baby.

If the baby does not have enough of the breast in its mouth, the nipple will be up against the gum and hard palate. Babies should latch deep on the breast with the nipple at the back of the throat. If a mother uses a breast pump, this can also cause nipple pain. The pain may be caused by too much suction or using a nipple shield that does not fit correctly.

A doctor usually provides a diagnosis by asking about your medical history and performing an MRI and ultrasounds. Is this normal? As a result, a lot of women have swelling in their breasts. Swelling can also happen before your period starts, and you may also experience tenderness and pain. However, these symptoms should disappear as your period ends. There are different causes why your breasts are still sore after your period ends , such as:.

This is because your body experiences many hormonal changes that cause your breasts to swell and become tender. However, other symptoms that can occur in the early pregnancy stages include the following:. We recommend taking a pregnancy test to determine if you have breast pain and other pregnancy symptoms. We refer to breast tissue inflammation as mastitis, and it is very common in women who are breastfeeding. We also refer to it as thrush, and it is common in those who are breastfeeding.

Even though breast pain is not a symptom of cancer, it can sometimes cause pain. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following cancer symptoms:. Sore nipples are common if you have just started breastfeeding, and they can also become dry and cracked.

An improper breastfeeding latch can cause pain.