6 minutes
There are many curious facts about male and female nipples. One of them is that the nerves in this area are longer and deeper in women than in men. Find out more!
Male and female nipples are an area of the body that is not really talked about much. Despite this, there would be much to say about them, beginning because they are almost as particular and individual as a fingerprint.
In fact, it is already quite a curiosity that there are female and male nipples. In women they fulfill the evolutionary role of facilitating lactation. What is striking is that they are not so different from those of men.
Male and female nipples vary greatly in size, shape, and volume from person to person.
One of the fun facts about male and female nipples is that they form before the sexual organs. Likewise, they can remain erect, either due to erotic stimuli or due to the action of cold.
1. There are between 4 and 8 types of male and female nipples
In general terms, male and female nipples can be flat, protruding, inverted, or unclassified. The latter correspond to those that are divided or multiple.
Likewise, a person may have one nipple of one type and the other of a different type. Thus, there are at least 8 basic teat configurations.
2. It is normal to have inverted nipples
Most nipples are elongated, that is, they stick out. Inverted nipples do the opposite: they go inside.
However, the latter is still normal. It is also true that one nipple is inverted and the other is not, or that they change over time.
3. Nipples can change size
Women’s nipples can change during pregnancy. A study carried out in 2013 with a group of pregnant women found that the nipples had growth, as well as the areola, during the course of pregnancy.
4. One thing is the nipple and another is the areola
It is common that when talking about male and female nipples, reference is made to the area that includes both the nipple and the areola. The latter corresponds to the darker colored area surrounding the nipple. However, the nipple as such is the area that is in the center of the breast and that is communicated with the mammary glands.
5. Yes, the nipple can be hairy.
Around the nipples are hair follicles. This means that there may be hair on the male and female nipples.
There is nothing abnormal about this, although those hairs are a little darker and more stringy than on the rest of the body. They can be removed if they displease or cause any discomfort.
6. There are double nipples
One of the most amazing facts about male and female nipples is that there is not always only one in each breast. There are people who have two in each areola and both can produce milk for babies. This is known as double nipple Y forked.
7. There are also multiple nipples
It may sound strange, but 1 in 18 people may have multiple nipples. These are called the supernumeraries.
Applies to male and female nipples. There is a reported case of a man with 7 nipples. He too case of a woman who had a nipple on her foot and another who had it on her thigh. The latter, despite its location, produced milk after giving birth.
8. There are people without nipples
Just as there are people who have more than one nipple in each areola, and even many more in different parts of the body, there are also those who do not have nipples. This is a very rare condition called athelia and can only be treated by breast correction surgery.
9. Lumps around the nipples are normal
It is normal for there to be lumps around the nipples., which correspond to the Montgomery glands. These fulfill the function of keeping the entire nipple and areola area comfortable and lubricated. Therefore, those bumps should not be a cause for concern.
10. Male nipples also produce milk.
Although it is very rare to occur, there are also cases of men who produce milk through the nipples. This condition is called galactorrhea Y only a few cases have been recorded throughout history. However, there are not enough studies either, so it is not known how frequent it can be.
11. The nipples participate in sexual stimulation
Male and female nipples are sensitive to sexual stimuli and increase arousal. This was verified in a research in which 82% of women and 52% of men ratified it.
It can also be annoying or uncomfortable for some people, so it can’t be taken for granted that it’s always rewarding. Better ask.
12. Pain is normal in women
Nipple pain is a very common symptom in women.. It is often part of premenstrual syndrome or other hormonal changes.
It can also be the effect of wearing a bra, an irritation or an allergy. During lactation it is not uncommon for mothers to experience pain in that area. If the discomfort persists or is very severe, you should talk to your doctor.
13. Secretions should not be overlooked
All discharge from the male and female nipples should be reported to the doctor.. This is usually an indicator of health problems. If the secretion is accompanied by blood, the right thing to do is consult immediately.
14. They were fashionable
For several centuries, between the XV and the XVIII to be more exact, it was fashionable to show the nipples in public. Women’s dresses were designed to be exposed. The trend was imposed by Agnes Sorel, mistress of King Charles VII, and was adopted by women of all social classes.
A very important small part
Male and female nipples are a very small part of the body, but as we have seen, participate in many important functions. Among them, breastfeeding, but also sexual arousal.
Like any other region of the body, if a person feels that there is something strange, notices very abrupt changes or perceives discomfort that is not usual, the best thing to do is to discuss it with the doctor.
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