7 Reasons You Might Have Sore Nipples

Being a woman comes with distinct body ailments. From menstrual cramping to childbirth, the list of aches and discomfort women experience can sometimes seem endless. Ranging from mildly irritating to terribly uncomfortable, sore nipples are a common problem for many women. 

As long as the skin isn’t visibly damaged and there is no unusual discharge, sore nipples are not much cause for concern. In worst-case scenarios, sore nipples might keep you from your normal daily activities. If you are experiencing pain that brings you that much discomfort, you should consult your physician or gynecologist. 

Why Are My Nipples Sore? The Number One Reason.

Nipples are a top erogenous zone on a woman’s body, making them highly sensitive. Sometimes just accidentally bumping them against an object too hard will cause intense pain. For many women, there’s a fine line between nipple pain and eroticism. If you haven’t intentionally stroked, pinched, or otherwise manipulated your nipples, there are several other reasons why nipples can become sore. 

Breastfeeding is arguably the most common source of sore nipples in women. Breastfeeding a baby for extended periods can cause swelling, tenderness, chafing, and even scabbing. However, if your nipple pain is not from breastfeeding, there are other causes you should be aware of. 

Why are my nipples sore to touch when I’m not pregnant?

There are a number of reasons why a woman might experience sore nipples. Here are a few:

• Nipple infection — Just like in your underarms and pubic area, there are pores and hair follicles surrounding the nipple. These can become clogged and infected. Though commonly categorized as a yeast infection, this particular soreness can also derive from other sources. Damaged or cracked nipples, previous vaginal yeast infections, a warm and humid climate, or wearing dirty or non-breathable bras are common causes. Additionally, not drying your breasts well after showering and excessive sweating can cause moisture buildup and infection. 
• “Jogger’s Nipple” — Long-distance runners know that increased mileage can result in sore nipples. Chafing and irritation from workout clothes often go hand in hand with training for endurance events. If you experience sore nipples from running, you might want to consider a better fitting sports bra, a bandage, or an adhesive to cover your nipples while exercising.
• Hormonal changes — Nipple soreness or tenderness can be a telltale sign of pregnancy. Some women may also experience tenderness in their nipples and breasts before or during their menstrual cycle. 
• Allergic reaction — Sometimes, the introduction of a new lotion, soap, fragrance, or laundry detergent can bring on an allergic reaction, resulting in nipple soreness. Check your grocery list. Has anything new been added lately?
• New medication — Drugs have a variety of side effects. It’s possible that a new medication could be causing your nipple pain.
• Eczema — This medical condition causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. If you have had eczema in the past, it’s possible it’s now the source of your sore nipples. 

How can infection contribute to nipple soreness? 

Infection is mentioned as a possible cause of nipple soreness when not pregnant, suggesting that an underlying infection could lead to this discomfort in the nipple area.

How can trauma contribute to nipple soreness? 

Trauma to the nipple area can be a cause of soreness when not pregnant, indicating that physical injury or damage may result in this symptom.

How can hormonal shifts contribute to nipple soreness? 

Hormonal shifts, such as those related to menstruation or birth control, can lead to nipple soreness as a potential cause.

When should I seek medical attention for nipple soreness? 

Medical attention should be sought if the soreness is prolonged and accompanied by a lump or nipple discharge.

What are the potential causes of nipple soreness when not pregnant? 

The potential causes of nipple soreness when not pregnant can include hormonal shifts due to menstruation or birth control, trauma, or infection.

How important is professional evaluation for sore nipples? 

Professional evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential for sore nipples that are accompanied by discharge or lumps, as it can help identify any underlying serious conditions, such as breast cancer, and ensure appropriate treatment.

When should sore nipples be a cause for concern? 

Sore nipples should be a cause for concern when the pain is accompanied by discharge or lumps, as this may indicate the need for immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider.

What are the possible medical causes of sore nipples? 

Sore nipples can be caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation, allergies, or friction from clothing, and in rare cases, they can be a sign of serious diseases like breast cancer.

How are sore nipples treated?

Sore nipples can be treated in various ways, depending on the underlying cause. In cases where the cause is unknown or the pain persists, it is recommended to consult our specialist. We may ask questions to determine potential triggers, such as hormonal changes, breast trauma, or ill-fitting clothing.

Treatment options may include allowing time for healing, using medications or ointments to expedite the healing process, or addressing specific causes, such as hormonal changes during menstruation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be effective for pain relief associated with hormonal changes.

For nipple pain caused by factors like poor-fitting bras or shirts, changing clothing fabrics or using protective measures such as bandages or ointments can help reduce chafing or rubbing. In the case of breastfeeding-related nipple pain, seeking guidance from a lactation consultant is beneficial. Techniques such as adjusting feeding positions, ensuring proper latch, and using products like lanolin ointment or cold compresses can alleviate discomfort.

In instances where sore nipples are linked to allergies or infections, anti-inflammatory creams or antihistamines may be recommended. Treatment for more serious conditions like breast diseases or cancer may involve radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or mastectomy. It's essential to note that sore nipples alone do not indicate cancer, but additional symptoms such as nipple discharge, breast lumps, or changes in nipple appearance should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Do Our Doctors Diagnose Nipple Pain?

Our doctors diagnose nipple pain by first assessing the possible causes that could be contributing to the discomfort. We usually encourage our patients to try to identify the source of the soreness themselves and inform their healthcare provider. If the pain persists without a clear cause, our medical consultation is recommended. 

During this consultation, our medical staff will inquire about the onset of the pain and any potential triggers, such as menstrual cycles, clothing choices, or previous injuries to the nipple area. In cases where the cause remains unclear, further diagnostic tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, may be ordered to examine the breast tissue and identify any underlying issues that could be causing the nipple pain.

Does ovulation cause sore nipples?

Ovulation can indeed cause sore nipples due to hormonal fluctuations that take place during the menstrual cycle. While nipple tenderness is a common symptom experienced just before menstruation, it can also occur during ovulation as a result of hormonal changes.

Overly Sore or Persistently Sore Nipples

If you are experiencing pain in your nipples that is severe or persistent, you should consult with a medical professional. Though uncommon, sore nipples could be a symptom of early-stage breast cancer. It is important to get regular mammograms and consult your physician with any medical concerns or changes in your breasts and nipples.

The staff at BASS Medical are well-versed in all areas of medicine. From slightly sore or irritating nipples to much more serious pain, we can diagnose and treat your condition. At Bass Medical, we treat each patient on an individual basis. Contact our team right away so we can talk about your medical needs and the best solution for your ailment.