why do my nipples hurt when touched not pregnant?

Nipple pain when you touch them can be really scary if you are not pregnant.. Most of the time it is not a big deal. Your nipples might hurt because of hormones, friction from your clothes or when you exercise, dry skin or a little irritation.

This article is here to help you understand why your nipples might be hurting. It is not meant to replace what a doctor would tell you. If you are worried about your nipples you should go see a doctor.

So is it normal to have nipple pain when you're not pregnant? Yes it is pretty common. Most of the time the pain is because of things like hormones, friction or dry skin.. Sometimes there can be more serious reasons for the pain.

Reasons why your nipples might be hurting.

Hormones can make your breasts hurt. This is called cyclical mastalgia. It usually hurts the right before your period and then feels better when you start bleeding. Lots of women get this kind of pain.

If your bra is too tight or if you rub your nipples the way when you exercise it can hurt. This is called friction. Runners get this a lot. It is sometimes called runners nipple.

Your nipple skin is really thin. Can get dry fast. If it gets dry it can hurt when you touch it.

Sometimes you can get skin conditions like eczema on your nipples. That can hurt too.

If you have a piercing it might hurt for a while.. If you get bumped or hurt your nipple it can be sore.

If you are getting close to menopause or if you start taking birth control your hormones can. Make your nipples hurt.

There are some common reasons why your nipples might hurt. You might get an infection. You might have something called fibrocystic breast changes. These are usually not serious. You should still go see a doctor if you are worried.

When should you go see a doctor?

 If your nipple pain does not go away after two weeks. If it only hurts on one side you should go see a doctor. If you find a lump or if your nipple starts to discharge fluid you should go see a doctor. If your skin starts to change or if you get a fever you should go see a doctor.

You can do some things at home to make your nipples feel better. You can wear a bra and you can use a gentle soap to clean your nipples. You can also put moisturizer on your nipples to keep them from getting dry. If you are feeling sore you can use an cool compress to make it feel better.

There is a cream called Intima Safe Nipple Cream that can help with dryness and friction. It is gentle. Does not have any smells. You can use it with the things I mentioned to make your nipples feel better.

Does nipple pain mean you are pregnant?

Not always. Nipple pain can be a sign of pregnancy. It can also be because of your period. If you missed your period and your nipples hurt it might be a sign of pregnancy.. If you just have nipple pain and nothing else it is probably not because of pregnancy.

FAQs

Does stress cause nipple pain?

Yes stress can make your hormones change. That can make your nipples hurt.. Stress is not usually the only reason for nipple pain.

Is it normal for one nipple to hurt more than the other?

Yes that can happen. It might be because of friction. Because you sleep on one side more than the other.. If it is a new pain and you do not know why you should go see a doctor.

Do men experience nipple pain too?

Yes they can. Men can get pain because of hormones, friction or skin conditions.

How long does hormonal nipple pain usually last?

 It usually lasts until your period is over. Then it gets better.. If it lasts longer, than two weeks you should go see a doctor.

Should I stop wearing a bra if my nipples are sore?

You do not have to stop wearing a bra. You should wear a soft one that does not rub your nipples the wrong way.