What is breast discharge during lactation?

Many breastfeeding mothers are troubled and sometimes embarrassed to have "discharge" symptoms when they are outside. This symptom will generally disappear with the passage of time. However, once this situation occurs for a long time, mothers should be vigilant, as it is very likely that this is not just a small problem of "discharge" and they should go for a check-up. So what is breast discharge during lactation?

Is breast discharge true or false? A true discharge is fluid leaking from the milk ducts. Pseudodischarge is common in people with inverted nipples. It is caused by the accumulation of exfoliated cells of the nipple epidermis in the indentation, causing a small amount of liquid bean curd-like exudate, which often has a foul odor. Once the inverted nipple is pulled out and the area is kept clean, the "discharge" will disappear.

Whether the discharge is bilateral or unilateral. Bilateral discharge is physiological. For example, most women will still secrete a small amount of milk within one year after stopping breastfeeding. In the middle and late stages of pregnancy, some pregnant women can squeeze out a small amount of light-colored colostrum from their breasts. A small number of women may also experience short-term galactorrhea after an intense orgasm due to hyperemia of the breast blood vessels, breast swelling, and nipple erection. When women enter menopause, some of them will secrete a small amount of milk due to endocrine disorders. The above are all physiological conditions, not pathological conditions. However, bilateral nipple discharge can also be pathological, such as a disease called amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome, which is caused by pituitary microadenoma. In addition to galactorrhea, it is also accompanied by amenorrhea, headache, narrow visual field, and elevated prolactin in the blood. A CT scan of the brain can confirm the diagnosis. Another type of bilateral nipple discharge is seen in a small number of patients with breast hyperplasia.

The problem of breast discharge during lactation should not be underestimated, because sometimes what is discharged may not be ordinary milk, but may also be the occurrence of some diseases. Therefore, after breast discharge during lactation occurs, it must be taken seriously. After giving birth, mothers should not forget to take care of their own bodies for the sake of their children. If they feel uncomfortable, they should pay attention.