I was showering that day and suddenly noticed that my nipples were sunken. I looked in the mirror in horror, my heart mixed. I suddenly felt scared because I didn't know what that meant. I had heard people say that inverted nipples could be related to breast disease, and I decided to go to the hospital for a check-up as soon as possible.
I made an appointment with the breast department of a nearby hospital and didn't think too much about it, just hoping to find out about the situation earlier. When I arrived at the hospital, the nurse told me to enter the consultation room. When I opened the door, I found a male doctor sitting there. My momentary embarrassment made my face flush, but he smiled politely and motioned for me to sit down.
The male doctor noticed my discomfort and said softly: "Don't be nervous, I am a professional breast doctor and will try to make you feel comfortable." This sentence relaxed me a little, but the tension and shyness in my heart still did not disappear.
He asked me carefully about my condition and explained that inverted nipples can have many causes, such as pregnancy, age, or changes in the mammary glands. He also said that inverted nipples sometimes recover on their own. Then, he began to scrutinize.
During the check-up, I try to relax and not let myself think so much. After a while, he lifted his nipple to try to correct me, and suddenly asked me: "Did you ever deal with this yourself?" Feeling a pang of embarrassment, I stammered, "I... I asked my husband to try sucking it out..."
1. What is nipple inversion?
An inverted nipple is a breast problem in which the nipple is inverted or sinks below the surface of the breast. Normally, nipples should protrude from the surface of the breast, but inverted nipples may cause them to flatten or invert and may appear on one or both breasts.
Nipple inversion can be divided into two main types:
Congenital nipple inversion: This type of nipple inversion is present at birth. It is usually caused by incomplete development of the tissues surrounding the nipple. In this case, the supporting structures of the nipple may not be sufficiently developed, resulting in an inverted nipple.
Acquired inverted nipples: Acquired inverted nipples occur after birth and are usually caused by damaged breast tissue, nipple injury, or other physiological factors. This may include atrophy of breast tissue, scar tissue formation around the nipple, tumors, or other physiological problems that can lead to inverted nipples.
Second, the cause of inverted nipples
Reason 1: Insufficient tissue around the nipple
A common cause of inverted nipples is insufficient tissue around the nipple. This means that the muscles and connective tissue surrounding the nipple are not enough to support the nipple and keep it prominent. This may be due to a genetic factor, i.e. a genetic predisposition to nipple inversion in some families. In this case, an individual's genetic inheritance may result in a deficiency of nipple support tissue, preventing the nipple from protruding properly. Genetic factors may have an impact on the shape and structure of the nipple, which can trigger the inverted nipple.
Cause 2: Scar or damage to breast tissue
Another cause that can cause inverted nipples is scarring or damage to breast tissue. This injury can be caused by external trauma, surgery, breastfeeding, or other factors. For example, trauma, an incision during surgery, or an infection of breast tissue can lead to scar tissue formation, which can affect the normal protrusion of the nipple. Scar tissue is usually harder and less flexible than normal breast tissue, which can cause the nipple to indent or become irregular.
3. Treatment of inverted nipples
Treatment 1: Surgical correction
Surgery is one of the most common inverted nipple treatments. During surgery, the surgeon reshapes and positions the nipple by making incisions and sutures around the nipple. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with a short duration of treatment and rapid recovery.
Treatment two: nipple clips and aspirators
Nipple clips and aspirators are a non-surgical treatment that helps nipples protrude by applying constant, light pressure. These devices usually need to be worn daily for a period of time and can take months or more to see results.
Treatment Three: Physiotherapy and massage
Physical therapy and massage can help increase blood flow around the nipple and promote tissue growth and repair. This method usually needs to be done consistently on a daily basis and can be combined with other treatments to enhance effectiveness.
4. Factors that may cause the temporary disappearance of nipple inversion
Factor 1: Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and lactation, a woman's hormone levels change significantly, which has a profound effect on breast tissue. Breast tissue expands and grows during pregnancy to provide nutrients for the unborn baby. This physiological process may cause the nipple to temporarily protrude during pregnancy and lactation, even if there was a pre-existing nipple inversion. This is because the expansion of breast tissue and physiological changes in the nipple make it easier for the nipple to protrude.
Factor two: stimulation and excitement
Stimulation and excitement can also lead to nipple protrusion. Sexual arousal is a common trigger because nipples often become more prominent and sensitive under sexual stimulation. Cold water stimulation or nipple massage may also cause the nipples to temporarily become prominent for a period of time. These stimuli trigger increased blood flow around the nipple, making the nipples engorged, causing them to temporarily protrude after the stimulation ends.
Inverted nipples are a common but treatable problem that can affect a woman's self-esteem and comfort. Understanding the definition of nipple inversion and possible treatments is essential to finding a suitable solution. Different treatments are suitable for different situations, so it is recommended to consult a doctor or professional healthcare provider when dealing with inverted nipples to develop a personalized treatment plan.