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Conditions

Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipple

We’re all proud owners of a pair of nipples, which vary in size and shape from person to person. Some people have nipples that are prominent enough to hang your coat on, while others have what medical professionals call “shy” nipples, which can be pulled inwards, but at other times protrude, in cold temperatures such as cold water, or as a result of massage or stimulation. However, true inverted nipples are usually present from birth and refuse to make an appearance, no matter how icy the weather or enthusiastic the massage. Men and women who have always been this way might feel self-conscious about their nipples (and women might be concerned about breastfeeding), but it isn’t usually anything to worry about. However, if you have a nipple that suddenly becomes inverted it’s important to get it checked out by your GP immediately, as it could be a sign of an underlying cancer.

If you’re suffering from any of the conditions featured on this site and want to apply for an onscreen consultation with one of the EB team then you can find more details here >>

Remember that you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

Comments

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments are reviewed before they are published.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out the Channel 4 Health site or NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

I have always had inverted nipples i am 30 now and it has really started to bother me even though my husband has always said its not a problem for him, it has started to take over my life as its all i can think of, PLEASE HELP ME

hi i am 16 one of my nipples stick in and the other sticks out and somtimes they itch.this started a couple of monthes back.please help me i am scared it somthing to worry about.

well I am 20 and in till this day I have no nipples what sever and I am worried.. could you please tell me what i should do

Hi, im 19 and have always had inverted nipples. Im really self concious about them and have never taken my top off during sex. I am really in love with my current boyfriend but just cant pluck up the courage to show him, it brings me to tears just thinking about it. Can i get surgery to fix this problem, i'll do anything to just be happy with my body.

Hi,

Aged 28 I have suffered from inverted nipples my entire life. Fortunately, with the use of nipple shields I was able to sucessfully breastfeed both my children (first for 4 months, second for 14 months!) However now I'm no longer breastfeeding the shape of my breasts have changed. They both hang, droop, and combined with the inverted nipples, they look awful – I feel like they belong to a 50 year old! I know there is surgery to change the shape of breasts, but is there surgery to correct inverted nipples? If there is, would this prevent me from being able to breastfeed future children? )

Many thanks,

Emmeline

im 21 and have one normal nipple and one inverted .im planning to have another baby and would love to breastfeed.i was to shy to ask the doctor with my son but i would love to now if i could or if anything can help

I'm 17 nearly 18, and I have inverted nipples which are also quite pale, they look almost non existant!
I used to be really self conscious about them but exs and my current bf have never had a problem with them, so iv grown to accept them…
However I'm still thinking of using the suction cups treatment to give me a bit more confidence…

Dnt be worried girls…and guys, its normal, LOVE YOUR BOOBS :D

my nipple became inverted seven years ago whilst pregnant ive seen my gp and theve said its ok but sometimes it smells why is this.

Im 16 almost 17 and i also have inverted nipples, well only one sticks out and the other doesnt. Me and my boyfriend find it rather funny but when he looks at other girls with normal nipples i feel embarresed, i realy would prefer them to be non ivnerted :).

hi, iv had inverted nipples as long as i can remember, im 20 and over the past 5years iv tried alot of things to try and draw them out , nothing works , im worried surgery may be my only option but cant afford to get it done. What would you reccomend?





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