9 facts about breasts and nipples

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About how to touch breasts correctly, whether orgasm is possible from nipple stimulation and whether implants affect breastfeeding.

A little history

The very existence of breasts has raised many questions among men. In 1300, physician Henri de Mondeville wrote to the king about three reasons why breasts are placed in this particular place:

• They are best seen that way.
• Breasts warm the heart.
• The weight of the breasts helps women maintain strength in the abdominal cavity.

Until 1840, knowledge about breasts was still quite scarce. For example, the doctor Asti Cooper stated that breasts helped lower-class women withstand very strong blows in fights (drunken beatings).

Let's figure out what is now known about breasts and nipples and how to properly handle them.

Structure of the breast

The breast consists of fatty tissue, lobules, milk ducts, and Cooper's ligaments. The lobules produce milk, the milk ducts deliver it to the nipple, and Cooper's ligaments support the breast and give it shape.

Many women's breasts vary in size, and that's normal. Paired organs are not perfectly symmetrical.

Facts about breasts and nipples 1. Nipples may not always be the center of pleasure

Dr. Debbie Herbenik, author of The Coregasm Workout, says nipples may not be the most sensitive spot, even on the chest. For example, the top and sides of the chest in some people may be more sensitive or even the most sensitive on the body.

2. Orgasm from nipple stimulation is possible

Researchers from Rutgers University have proven using MRI that nipple stimulation activates the same nervous system as genital and clitoral stimulation. True, nothing can compare to the effect of exposure to the clitoris. The nervous system is the same, but the strength of the effect is different.

So theoretically, orgasm from nipple stimulation is possible, but it is still rare.

3. Evolution has scored on male nipples

Women need nipples to produce milk and feed their offspring. But the purpose of male nipples has long been a subject of scientific interest. The fact is that nipples form in the womb before the genitals, since men and women are created with the same genetic code.

At 6-7 weeks of pregnancy, a gene on the Y chromosome induces changes that lead to the development of the testicles, the organs that produce and store sperm. At about 9 weeks of pregnancy, the testicles begin to produce testosterone, changing the genetic activity of cells in the genitals and brain. But by this time, the nipples have already formed. Therefore, they remain a vestigial formation.

Scientists believe that over time, nipples in men have not disappeared, because it is not important for evolution.

4. Nipples can come in different sizes, shapes and colors

Many women worry about how their nipples look, but you shouldn't. Dark, inverted, large, small, brown, light – these are all normal. Here is the full range of nipples in nature. Areolas are just as diverse – the colored areas of skin around the nipples. They can be darker or lighter, very small or large. And hair on the areolas is normal. The amount of hair on them changes throughout life. And during pregnancy, the nipples and areolas can become larger and darker.The small bumps on the areolas are called areolar glands, or Montgomery glands. They are named after the scientist William Montgomery, who first described them in 1837. They are also sometimes called “jelly bears.” It’s normal to have them, but their purpose is unknown.

Eliza Port, MD, chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, says that areolar glands can secrete a small amount of fluid, but they don’t have a specific function. Another theory is that because of the texture of the glands, babies may use them to find their way to the nipple. But that’s just a guess.

5. Three nipples aren’t that uncommon

Gary Styles and Mark Wahlberg live with three nipples. Statistics confirm that this anomaly, also called a supernatural nipple, is more common in men. The figures vary from 0.22% to 5.6%.

In theory, extra nipples can appear along the milk lines that start in the armpits on each side and end in the groin.

Usually it is still one extra nipple. But there is a man with seven nipples and a man with a nipple on his foot.

6. Breasts become tight and nipples hypersensitive during menstruation

Dr. Sheri Rees says this is due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone hormones 1-2 weeks before menstruation.

If you are one of those who have PMS, then during menstruation your breasts will become tight, heavier and more sensitive. Your nipples may even hurt from touching your clothes. It is best to avoid caffeine and tobacco during menstruation, as they can increase these side effects.

7. Implants will not interfere with breastfeeding

Implants are inserted behind the breast or behind the muscle, so they will not affect breastfeeding.

However, the pleasant sensations from touch will decrease — both in the nipples and in the chest. Even complete loss of sensitivity is possible. Studies have shown a connection between the size of the implant and sensations: the larger it is, the lower the sensitivity.

Breast reduction can affect breastfeeding, and it is almost impossible to predict this – a lot depends on the operation. If the nipple is moved during it, the milk ducts will be cut and breastfeeding will be impossible. However, more and more operations are being performed in a way that does not damage the nerves under the nipple and ensures blood supply.

It is better to warn doctors in advance if you plan to continue breastfeeding. Ask if the operation can be performed in a way that preserves the milk ducts.

8. Breastfeeding is more complicated than it seems

There is a myth about the naturalness and ease of the breastfeeding process. But in reality, everything turns out differently. If you have problems, do not be afraid to ask for help from doctors or go to a lactation specialist.

In addition, breastfeeding has consequences in the form of cracks and bleeding from the nipples. This is not harmful to health, but it can be incredibly painful, because you will not want to breastfeed anymore.

During this period, you need to take care of and moisturize your nipples. Consult your doctor and find out which ointment is best for you. If the ointment doesn't help, see a specialist. You may have a yeast infection. It's easy to treat, you just need to notice it in time.

Inverted nipples can also interfere with breastfeeding – it will be difficult for the baby to latch on to them. In this case, silicone nipple shields will help. They put pressure on the areola and nipples and break the small adhesions that hold the nipple inside.

9. Breast cancer is not gender-neutral

Yes, the ratio is different: one in eight women and one in a thousand men can get breast cancer, but this is not a reason to forget about the problem.

If you feel that your breasts have changed, or you feel some kind of lump, be sure to see a doctor. Keep an eye on your nipples. If they peel, crust over, harden, ooze fluid, or have scratches, go to the hospital. These recommendations are important for both women and men.

And also, touch your breasts more often. Studies have shown that this is not only pleasant, but also helps in the fight against breast cancer.