Photo: Ron Lach

Why do my nipples hurt men?

Men can develop nipples that hurt due to cysts, as well as an underlying infection of breast tissue, if nipples are dry or chafed, either due to cold weather or a history of eczema, says Glatter. This leads to cracks and small openings in exposed skin on the nipples and allows skin bacteria to enter.

menshealth.com - 7 Reasons Your Nipples Hurt - Men's Health

How can I strengthen my bladder?

Do pelvic floor muscle exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, help hold urine in the bladder. Daily exercises can...

Last updated Nov 5, 2022

At what age do boys start liking?

In terms of an 'average' age, it seems to be 11 for girls and 12 for boys. But don't worry about averages… who wants to be average, anyway!...

Last updated Oct 31, 2021

Promotion

We've got news for you: It’s not just women who deal with nipple pain. Men can spend plenty of time wondering "why do my nipples hurt?" Guys can get not only sensitive nipples, but also bleeding, chafing, and other painful symptoms. Usually, there's a reasonable (and totally innocuous) explanation for it. Of course, these could also be signs of a medical problem that requires a visit to the doctor. So it's good to know what's what—and how to deal with any of these seven reasons your nipples hurt. There are several factors that can lead men's nipples to hurt, and the good news is that they're usually preventable and treatable. Here are some reasons you might experience tender or painful nipples, and what you can do about it.

Cause of Sore Nipples: You’re Wearing the Wrong Workout Clothes

“Friction of clothing associated with running or exercise is one of the most common causes of nipple pain in men. Aptly named ‘runner’s nipple,’ the condition speaks for itself,” says MH advisor Robert Glatter, MD, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Northwell Health and attending emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital. Tingling or increased sensitivity in the nipple can also happen, as well as chafing or skin breakdown with potential bleeding, he says. “Other than running, I also see this in patients who engage in exercises with lots of vertical and/or horizontal movements including soccer, rugby, plyometrics, boxing, as well as Zumba occasionally,” says Glatter. Hearst Magazines Subscribe to Men's Health Hearst Magazines Subscribe to Men's Health Now 73% Off Subscribe Now Credit: . Wearing a tight-fitting shirt or tank top that is not made from Lycra can lead to this chafing, and even looser-fitting cotton T-shirts and tank tops can cause trouble, he says. (To some extent, the shape of the nipple also matters. “A nipple that is pointier, with a greater ability to contact clothing, is more often at risk for chafing," says Glatter.) The fix? Newer synthetic fabrics such as Dri-Fit hug the body closely, reducing the chance of friction occurring in the first place. "I find that most of my patients prefer this type of fabric in selecting their athletic wear,” he says. Some runners use petroleum jelly before they run to reduce chafing. (Some marathons even have it at aid stations in case you're in a bad situation with that during the run.) An anti-chafe product like Body Glide is generally kinder to your clothing. But a more reliable option that doesn't just get rubbed off by the shirt that usually causes the chafing is a protective covering like a Band-Aid or a product like Nip Guards or Nip-Eaze. You may have to experiment a bit with those products to figure out what won't fall off mid-workout.

Cause of Sore Nipples: New Clothing or a Fabric Allergy

Even if you’re not an athlete, you can still get nipple friction and chafing. “Newly purchased clothing can be especially sensitive to a man’s nipples. Cotton fabrics that are coarse in nature as well as chemically treated may lead to greater sensitivity, manifested as an outright allergy or contact dermatitis,” he says. “If you have a history of eczema or dry skin, it’s more likely to occur." In extreme cases, you might notice hives, oozing blisters, dry skin, burning, and swelling. “Exposed nipples may develop redness or scaling, with potential formation of fluid-filled blisters that may resemble a burn. If this develops, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing that item of clothing, apply cool compresses, and speak with your physician,” says Glatter.

Which disease is known as poor man's disease?

Kala-azar is the Mogul period vernacular name of visceral Leishmaniasis, a disease fatal if not treated, that annually affects 500,000 people in 69...

Last updated Jun 12, 2021

Why am I gaining all my weight in my stomach?

Causes include poor diet, lack of exercise, and short or low-quality sleep. A healthy diet and active lifestyle can help people lose excess belly...

Last updated Jul 7, 2019

Promotion

This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. It's also a good idea to limit how often you wear wool, which can create a buildup of sweat and moisture and lead to irritation, he says. “Wool sweaters are notorious for causing excess nipple sensitivity; a simple solution is to wear a , which not only protects your nipples, but also absorbs moisture which may lead to skin breakdown and secondary infection,” Glatter explains.

Cause of Sore Nipples: Nipple Infection

Your nipples may also hurt due to a nipple infection. This can develop from irritation from self-grooming, if you trim with scissors or use a razor on nipple hairs. “Sharp scissors can lead to lacerations or puncture-type injuries. Injury to the nipple and aureolar tissue can lead to significant bleeding and pain, since the tissue has lots of blood vessels and nerves coursing through it,” says Glatter. Infection may also develop as a result of such injuries. “If you develop warmth in the area, along with tenderness and swelling, it’s advisable to see your doctor as soon as possible. The presence of a fever or chills makes it more urgent in nature, and a visit to your local ER is advised,” he says. It’ll be a bit more difficult to treat, but it’s still nothing to worry about. “Antibiotics will be necessary to treat the skin infection in your nipple. A 7-10 day course of treatment is typical,” he explains.

Related Story Band-Aid Is Launching New Bandages for Skin Colors

Cause of Sore Nipples: Gynecomastia

“Gynecomastia happens when there’s excess fatty tissue in the breasts of males,” says Glatter. It can come from a few physiological reasons, such as an imbalance in the ratio between estrogen and testosterone, as well as from lifestyle factors, such as medications or alcohol use, he says. “It’s not uncommon to see gynecomastia in adolescents. The good news is that it commonly resolves on its own in 1-2 years, without medications or need for surgical intervention,” says Glatter. While it’s less common in adult men, they can still get it, and risk increases with age, according to the Mayo Clinic . About one in four guys between 50 and 69 are affected by the condition. “Medications can also be a cause of gynecomastia in about 10-20% of cases. Medications to treat anxiety, such as Valium or Xanax, belonging to class of medications known as benzodiazepines, are often culprits,” he says.

(Simply discontinuing the medication will reverse any changes seen in 1-2 months.)

What’s more, “gynecomastia may also develop from excess alcohol intake, as there are phytoestrogens in alcohol. Gynecomastia is often a sign itself that a person may be drinking heavily, without ever telling the doctor,” says Glatter. Medical treatment of gynecomastia can definitely be effective, but it’s important that you start treatment in the first 1-2 years once noted in a physical. “If drugs are not effective after 6-12 months, or if gynecomastia is more long standing, breast reduction surgery is another option,” he says.

What are the 4 types of values?

The four types of value include: functional value, monetary value, social value, and psychological value. The sources of value are not equally...

Last updated Apr 17, 2019

How do I fill my balls?

Exercise Regularly Exercise can actually help boost your semen production. Strength training not only increase testosterone but also enhances blood...

Last updated May 21, 2021

Promotion

Cause of Sore Nipples: Cysts

Cause of Sore Nipples: Breast Cancer

If none of the above apply, nipple pain could be a sign of something more serious. “A painless lump or thickened breast tissue in rare cases may be a sign of breast cancer in males," Glatter says. "It’s important to emphasize that breast cancer in men is not common, and is in fact, quite rare." (Less than 1 percent of all breast cancer develops in males, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. But be aware that breast cancer even among the women in your family can raise your risk. Find out more about male breast cancer myths, truths and risks here.) There are some signs of breast cancer in men; get them checked out if you see any of them. Lumps are usually painless, but are sometimes accompanied by tenderness (don't just blow these off). Breast cancer can also cause inversion of the nipple, so that's another thing to watch out for. Once the cancer has spread, swelling can be found under the armpit, in lymph nodes, or around the collar bone. In extreme cases, guys can develop open sores if the cancer has progressed.

Cause of Sore Nipples: Paget Disease of the Breast

A rare form of cancer, Paget disease usually affects the nipple and areola, causing flaky, crusty or itchy skin surrounding the area. These symptoms are similar to other conditions like eczema, so the disease may be misdiagnosed, according to the National Institute of Health . Most people with Paget disease also develop cancerous tumors in their breast tissue. Doctors aren’t sure what causes the condition. If nipple sensitivity and pain do not improve or resolve, it’s time to go to your doc. Don't just assume that it's nothing if your nipples keep hurting. Most issues are much tougher to resolve if you keep waiting around to get them checked out.

menshealth.com - 7 Reasons Your Nipples Hurt - Men's Health

Do most men recover from prostate cancer?

The 5-year survival rate for people with prostate cancer in the United States is 98%. The 10-year survival rate is also 98%. Approximately 84% of...

Last updated Aug 14, 2018

Can eating banana reduce hypertension?

Bananas. Bananas contain potassium, which can help manage hypertension. One medium-sized banana contains around 422 milligrams (mg) of potassium....

Last updated Aug 4, 2021

Promotion

Why can I feel my tampon?

Why can I feel my tampon, then? The most likely reason is that you didn't push your tampon in far enough when you inserted it. Not to worry –...

Last updated Oct 29, 2019

Promotion

How do you stop a PSA flare up?

Easing Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis Flare-Ups Decrease pain and stiffness. For occasional discomfort, Fields says, nonsteroidal anti-...

Last updated Mar 6, 2018