Male Nipple Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

The male has experienced some swelling and pain in the nipple over the past few days?

Hello, I am a 40-year-old male.
For the past 2-3 days, I have been experiencing some swelling and pain in my nipples, which has not improved.
They feel swollen and painful, and there is no sensation of any foreign body upon palpation.
The areola and nipple are swollen and painful.
Could you please tell me what the issue might be? Do I need to see a doctor, and which specialty should I consult? In the days leading up to the pain, I did lift heavy objects; could this have caused inflammation? Thank you.

Axiang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/05/16

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid

Dear Ah Xiang,
Hello, excessive use of the muscle fascia and neuropathic pain are common causes of male breast pain.
If the pain is localized only to the nipple, the likelihood of gynecomastia is higher, which may be caused by hyperplasia of the mammary ducts.
This condition can be related to diet, lifestyle, medications, or liver function abnormalities.
It is recommended that you visit a breast surgery outpatient clinic.
Wishing you safety and health,
Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Chou Chia-Cheng

Reply Date: 2012/05/16

More Info

Hello! It's important to address your concerns regarding male nipple pain, especially since you've been experiencing swelling and discomfort for the past 2-3 days without any signs of improvement.
Male nipple pain can arise from various causes, and understanding these can help you determine whether you need to seek medical attention. Here are some potential causes:
1. Muscle Strain: If you've been lifting heavy objects, it's possible that you may have strained the muscles around your chest area. This can lead to localized pain and swelling around the nipple.

2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can affect breast tissue in men, leading to conditions such as gynecomastia, which is characterized by enlarged breast tissue. This can sometimes cause tenderness or pain in the nipple area.

3. Infection or Inflammation: Conditions like mastitis, although more common in women, can occur in men as well. This is an infection of the breast tissue that can cause swelling, redness, and pain.
4. Dermatological Issues: Skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis can also affect the nipple area, leading to pain and swelling. If there are any changes in the skin, such as redness or scaling, this could be a factor.

5. Nipple Trauma: Any recent trauma or injury to the area, even if minor, can lead to pain and swelling.
6. Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, nipple pain can be associated with more serious conditions, including tumors or other abnormalities in the breast tissue.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for a few days and are causing you concern, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. You should consider seeing a primary care physician or a specialist in either dermatology or urology, as they can evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.
During your visit, be prepared to discuss:
- The duration and intensity of your symptoms.

- Any recent activities that may have contributed to the pain, such as lifting heavy objects.

- Any other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as changes in skin color, discharge, or fever.

In the meantime, you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but it's essential not to rely solely on medication without addressing the underlying cause.

In summary, while there are several benign reasons for male nipple pain, persistent symptoms warrant a medical evaluation to rule out any serious conditions and to receive appropriate treatment. Don't hesitate to seek help; your health and peace of mind are important.

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