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What Causes Sore Nipples?

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Posted on Fri, 8 May 2015
Question: Hi I am 24 yo female. Not sexually active. My nipples are sore and erect. It has been this way for a couple of days. I have a birth control implant in my arm so I do not get periods, but even so I have never had this symptom before.
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Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely due to friction or hormonal imbalance. Details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns.
Since how long you are on birth control pills? Is there any redness? Is there any discharge from the nipple?
Sore nipples can be due to several reasons. In your case it can be due to:

1.     Friction with bra from running and sports can initiate inflammation and cause sore nipples.Therefore if you are a sports person, wear well supported correct size sports bra while playing.Use synthetic fabric bra rather than cotton.

2.     Injury to the chest or unusual pressure on the chest can cause sore nipples
3.     Nipples are very sensiyive. It could be because of the allergy to shower gel/ lotions/ fabric which can manifest like this.
4. Infection. In this case nipples will usually show redness.
4.     I do know that you are on hormonal implant. Sometimes there can be variations in the body hormones depending on your activities. This along with implant effect can cause sore nipples.
5.     Increased prolactin hormone level or reduced functioning of thyroid gland can cause this problem.
If there is reness/discharge consult doctor now. If there is no redness or discharge I advise you
-     to wear well supported bra
-     Cut down on caffeine/alcohol ( if you are drinking)
-     Use hot compresses to relieve pain
-     Ibuproofen 400 mg twice daily for 2-3 days
If the pain is not relieved within few days, you must consult doctor. Based on examination she may ask you to do hormone tests.
I hope this helps.
If you have any further queries do consult me through Healthcare Magic. I will be happy to answer.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramadevi Wani

OBGYN

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 1459 Questions

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What Causes Sore Nipples?

Brief Answer: Most likely due to friction or hormonal imbalance. Details below Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns. Since how long you are on birth control pills? Is there any redness? Is there any discharge from the nipple? Sore nipples can be due to several reasons. In your case it can be due to: 1. Friction with bra from running and sports can initiate inflammation and cause sore nipples.Therefore if you are a sports person, wear well supported correct size sports bra while playing.Use synthetic fabric bra rather than cotton. 2. Injury to the chest or unusual pressure on the chest can cause sore nipples 3. Nipples are very sensiyive. It could be because of the allergy to shower gel/ lotions/ fabric which can manifest like this. 4. Infection. In this case nipples will usually show redness. 4. I do know that you are on hormonal implant. Sometimes there can be variations in the body hormones depending on your activities. This along with implant effect can cause sore nipples. 5. Increased prolactin hormone level or reduced functioning of thyroid gland can cause this problem. If there is reness/discharge consult doctor now. If there is no redness or discharge I advise you - to wear well supported bra - Cut down on caffeine/alcohol ( if you are drinking) - Use hot compresses to relieve pain - Ibuproofen 400 mg twice daily for 2-3 days If the pain is not relieved within few days, you must consult doctor. Based on examination she may ask you to do hormone tests. I hope this helps. If you have any further queries do consult me through Healthcare Magic. I will be happy to answer.