Conditions
Inverted Nipples
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.
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Comments and Questions
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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
im 18 and have shy nipples i think by the description as they are fine in the cold and it emmbarrases me i just wanted to know like wat percentage of people are like me and if its really wierd or horrible?
Hi, I hate my breasts not only do I have one inverted nipple but my breasts are very small (virtually no breasts at all). I was always told that an inverted nipple was nothing to worry about but when I was expecting my baby the breast with the inverted nipple started leaking milk at about 6 months. By the time my baby was born it was like a dripping tap, I tried to breast feed my baby but this breast continued to leak, I had to change my breast pads constantly because they were soaked. It would not hold any milk at all, so I never had enough milk when it came to feed time. The leaking is a problem I would like to get sorted before I have another baby and if I can gain so breast size at the same time it would be fantastic. I hated my breasts before having a baby and I hate them even more now. I am currently below an A cup.
I have had a inverted nipple for 15years, since having my daughter, I did not breast feed. I have seen a consultant but was told if operated on it may be 50/50 chance I would lose the feeling, so did not both. That was 10 years ago, but it really bothers me now, I am 44 years old, always looking for padded bras and bikinis!!! It is like I have part of my nipple skin missing, like a whole in the inverted part..and they is a white discharge which comes from it... is there anything that can be done?? I have been back to the doctor but they will only send me to see a private consultant???
I have inverted nipples and want to have surgery,how do you go about finding a good plastic surgeon, what should you look for and is it better to go withan nhs surgeon or go private?
I am 26 years old and suffer from inverted nipples, I never take my bra off or show my breasts to my partner, I am to embarassed to even tell him why, I am wondering if anyone has had the correction how they managed to get it through the NHS? I have heard getting them pierced can help but I wouldn't be able to get the courage to show them to a piercing person, can anyone please help?
I'm 20 and have this, is was nice to see it on the show as I wasn't sure if it was normal. I've never been embarrased by them and even prefer them. I think I would feel worse if my nipples could be seen when it's cold. My partner just finds them funny as they were not what he expected but they don't make any difference to him in or out! I don't think anyone should feel embarrassed although if I do ever have children I will remember to ask more questions.
Hi, I have inverted nipples but they do become hard if I am cold or aroused. I am due to start ivf in the next month or so and would love to breast feed, as this is likely to be own child (if ivf works) I really don't want miss out, is it possible to breast feed or should I go to my GP? Thanks
hi i have very flat/ inverted nipples but i sucessfully breast fed my children , often the latching on process helps the nipple protrude more and can sometimes improve the condition even after brestfeeding ends, just make sure you are taught to latch your baby on right and you won,t get sore nipples , also if you put your thumb and finger either side of the nipple and stroke out it will help nipple pop out to latch on , a newborns strong suck will do the rest ,good luck
Hi Vikki I also have inverted nipples and was very concerned when I first got pregnant. I did have lots of problems with feeding initially (I think not all due to the nipples, partly due to a sleepy baby). I was recommended a breast feeding counsellor who was fantastic and really supported me. I breastfed my baby until 22 months and I am still breastfeeding my second child who is 22 months. I wouldn't say that it was easy but it is definitely possible. My nipples are very inverted but they do sort of come out a bit when breastfeeding. There are a few things that were recommended to me. Before my first baby I did use a contraption that was like a suction syringe to try to pull them out pre-labour. Personally I don't think that this helped much, but you could try it. I was also recommended to use nipple shields when feeding my first baby. This can give the baby an idea of what to do but I actually found it less painful without the shields and I don't think that the counsellor recommends it (the hospital staff did). The thing to remember is that most mums do seem to have problems with breastfeeding, inverted nipples or otherwise. Also I have come across other mums with inverted nipples who have breastfed so sometimes talking to the other mums makes you feel that you are not alone. My biggest recommendation is to ask around mums and find the name of a good breastfeeding counsellor and maybe go and meet them prior to the birth and ask for their help early on after the birth (the first few days if you are having trouble and try and get them to see you feeding not just give advice on the phone). Don't try and cope on your own - do ask for help. Also from my personal experience although the midwives etc. tried to help with the breastfeeding it was a revelation for me to discover this breastfeeding counsellor. I wish you luck with the ivf and hope that you can find a good counsellor in your local area (I think my one was part of the breastfeeding network, although I know that NCT and La Leche also have counsellors). Helen
Since having my second child 7 months ago one of my nipples has become inverted although i didnt breastfeed.should i be worried?
I am 18 years old and i have always had inverted nipples. I really want to get them corrected as it is something that really effects my confidence and self esteem. Does anybody no if it can be done through the NHS? or how much it may cost??
I'd say from the description above I have shy nipples. I've always been into exercise but have recently noticed, that sometimes after exercise my nipples are inverted. I've not seen this at any other time. I find them funny as they take a little time while I'm in the shower to pop back out. Could this be that my sports bra is too tight? Or does it sound like a problem I should get checked out?
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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.