Why do nipples become enlarged and painful?

Some women find that their nipples suddenly and inexplicably begin to grow larger, and they feel pain when they are touched lightly. They don’t know what to do. Some suspect that they have breast cancer. Many people are shocked. There are many reasons for the enlargement and pain of nipples. Of course, the possibility of breast cancer cannot be ruled out. Next, the editor will introduce to you the specific reasons for the enlargement and pain of nipples.

There are many causes of breast pain. Temporary breast pain caused by physiological changes in women at different stages is medically called "physiological breast pain". Several common types are introduced below.

1. Breast pain during puberty:

The earliest breast pain in girls usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 13. At this time, girls' breasts begin to develop, with the nipples first bulging and a slight swelling and pain. After menarche, it will disappear on its own as the breasts mature during puberty.

2. Premenstrual breast pain:

Many women experience fullness, hardness, and tenderness in the breasts during menstruation. In severe cases, the breasts may become swollen and painful even with the slightest vibration or collision, and the original granules or nodules may become more obvious. This is caused by increased estrogen levels in the body before menstruation, breast hyperplasia, and edema of the breast interstitial tissue. After the menstrual period, the above changes disappear.

3. Breast pain during pregnancy:

Some women experience breast tenderness and pain around day 40 of pregnancy due to the placenta and villi secreting large amounts of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, which causes the breasts to enlarge. In severe cases, the pain may last throughout the pregnancy and does not require treatment.

4. Breast pain after artificial abortion:

These are caused by the sudden interruption of pregnancy, which causes a sudden drop in hormone levels in the body, causing the newly developed breasts to suddenly stop growing, resulting in breast lumps and breast pain.

5. Breast pain after sexual intercourse:

This is related to the physiological changes in the breasts during sexual intercourse. People with low libido or disharmonious sex life cannot achieve sexual satisfaction, so the congestion and swelling of the breasts are not easy to subside, or they subside incompletely. Continuous congestion will cause breast pain.

There are many reasons for breast pain, so don't think too much about it. If you find that your nipples are getting bigger and painful, you must find out what the cause is. It is best to go to the hospital to consult a doctor and be sure to rule out breast cancer. Some phenomena that cause enlarged and painful nipples do not require treatment, but it is still necessary to see a doctor.