Why nipple retraction

Retracted nipples can become erect with manual or environmental stimulation, such as being touched, suckled, or feeling cold. A retracted nipple is a natural variation of nipple type. That means you may be born with retracted nipples. You can also develop a retracted nipple later in life. Nipple retraction can occur slowly and gradually as you age. This is a benign process, meaning it may be unrelated to cancer or any other medical condition.

This noncancerous condition occurs most commonly during perimenopause. This rare, cancerous condition occurs in the nipple and areola. They include:. You may also feel a lump on your breast. Nipple retraction can be a symptom of more common types of breast cancer , such as carcinoma. This symptom may occur when malignancies are large enough to be seen on a mammogram and felt during a physical examination.

Retracted nipples that have been apparent since birth and those that occur gradually over time are typically not cause for alarm. If your nipples suddenly appear retracted or inverted, see your doctor. Remember that there are many causes for this symptom. Many women with flat nipples breastfeed successfully. A lactation consultant can help you adjust the way you hold your baby while nursing to see if that improves breastfeeding.

Your doctor will note your medical history and do a physical exam of your nipples and breasts. They may also order a diagnostic mammogram and sonogram to get images of the breasts and nipples.

These images can help your doctor determine the root cause of your condition. You may also need an MRI. If cancer is suspected, a needle biopsy will be done. Aging can cause nipple retraction As a woman ages, she goes through tremendous bodily changes.

Mammary duct ectasia leads to nipple retraction This condition usually occurs during perimenopause. Note: Some women with this condition may experience no symptoms whatsoever. Causes, prevention, and cure 3. Paget's disease of the breast can cause nipple retraction Paget's breast disease is a rare, cancerous condition related to breast cancer.

Common symptoms of this are - Inverted or retracted nipples Dryness or irritation around the skin of the nipple Nipple discharge Lump in the breast. You can be born with nipple retraction If thoughts like "is it normal to have inverted nipples at puberty" worry you, then don't get scared. Nipple retraction due to breast surgery Scarring during breast surgery can also cause nipple retraction or nipple inversion. How to identify a retracted or an inverted nipple?

If you cannot determine it with your eyes, you can do a pinch test. Pinch test How to do it? Gently press your areola the dark skin around the nipple. If your nipples don't become erect, they can be flat. But if they retract even upon pinching, they are inverted nipples. Inverted nipples erection doesn't occur by stimulation or sensation. If your nipples become erect during a pinch test, you may not have an inverted nipple.

That is to say; retracted nipples do not become erect with such stimuli. How to solve for an inverted nipple? Hoffman's technique Point your thumbs on either side of the nipple.

Make sure that your thumbs are at the base of the nipple. Press your thumbs firmly into the breast tissue. While still putting pressure on the breast tissues, gently withdraw your thumbs away. Move your thumbs all over and around your nipple and repeat the process. This technique might help you for the time being to protrude your nipple. Can I solve retracted nipples by eating herbs and lifestyle changes?

When to visit the doctor? Acquired inversion can indicate an underlying medical issue, such as inflammation of the breast tissue. People should see a doctor if one or both nipples invert in a short period.

Breast cancer also causes other breast changes. If a person notices any of these changes, such as a scaly, swollen nipple, or nipple discharge, they should see a doctor. There are three grades of nipple inversion, depending on the degree of inversion and mobility of the nipple:. While inverted nipples can make breastfeeding challenging, a baby can latch over the entire areola, bringing the nipple to the back of the throat.

This means that breastfeeding is usually possible with inverted nipples. Also, nipple stimulation often causes the nipples to protrude, and there are various techniques to try.

Some women find that their inverted nipples may begin to protrude naturally during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nipple sensitivity varies from one person to the next, but a person with inverted nipples often experiences the same degree of sensation as a person with protruding nipples.

In most cases, an inverted nipple is nothing to worry about and does not require treatment. Many males and females have inverted nipples from birth. However, if a person notices a change in the shape of their nipple, they should see a doctor. Changes, especially those that occur over a short period, can signal an underlying health condition. It is fairly common and can often be temporarily corrected with manual stimulation.

Some people prefer permanent correction with cosmetic surgery. Anyone who notices a change in the shape, size, or texture of the breast or nipple should see a doctor. A look at nipple fissures, cracks in the skin of the nipple and areola. Included is detail on the prevention, and how they are related to pregnancy. Learn about different causes of white spots on the nipples, including those linked with breast-feeding.

We also look at other symptoms and treatments. Itchy nipples are a common complaint, especially in the initial weeks of breastfeeding.