Nipple in men and women | Why do men have nipples?

Nipple in men and women

The nipple of a woman contains the ducts of the mammary glands, which are surrounded by smooth muscles and sensitive nerve endings. In both men and women, the nipple also has the function of a so-called erogenous zone. The strong irritability and reaction to pressure and temperature helps the infant to find and orientate itself better.

Furthermore, a stimulation of the nipples leads to the release of certain hormones. The reason for the sensitivity of the nipples to cold is the contraction of the smooth muscles. There is no significant difference between men and women with regard to sexual function and irritability, and hormonally, irritability is also mediated in both sexes by the hormone oxytocin, among others. In addition, the nipple is becoming more and more erotic, which is especially manifested in the establishment of nipple piercings within the last years.

Pain in the nipples of men

Pain in the nipples can occur in both men and women. Common causes are abrasive textiles, allergic reactions to textiles or other substances, general hyperexcitability or hormonal disorders affecting the entire breast. In men, the above-mentioned gynecomastia plays an important role in this case.

This enlargement of the mammary gland can occur both naturally and pathologically. In principle, the hormone estrogen, which can influence breast growth, is also present in the male body and fulfils important tasks, such as strengthening bone tissue. The disadvantage of this hormone, however, is the growth of the mammary glands caused by estrogens, which can also cause pain in the male breast.

This pain can be both psychological in nature and should not be underestimated in this context, as a male individual can suffer greatly from the development of a female breast, as well as physical in nature. In the case of physical problems, those affected often describe a “lump”, i.e. a palpable thickening of the tissue, which is very painful to touch. This change often occurs in men during puberty and is due to an enzyme that works too strongly: the so-called aromatase.

This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of androgens, i.e. male sex hormones, into estradiol, i.e. female sex hormones. After careful examination, a doctor can prescribe so-called aromatase inhibitors which prevent this conversion.

Already formed lumps can disappear after some time, but often surgery is performed to restore the original, painless male breast. In men of advanced age, a similar phenomenon can occur due to hormone deficiency, which is also associated with pain. Rarely, however, the breast alone is affected by this type of hormonal problem, because those affected complain of listlessness, muscle weakness, concentration problems and pain in the entire musculoskeletal system.

If there is any pain in the breast area, a doctor should be consulted who can help you to get rid of this problem before it gradually gets worse. In the case of a so-called pseudo-gynecomastia, it can also look as if men have grown breasts, but this is very often due to obesity. After a successful diet and exercise this problem should be reduced.

A very rare cause of pain in the nipple can also be breast cancer in men. In this case, it is recommended to see a doctor, who can then carry out further necessary examinations.