Breast discharge leaking from your nipples can throw you for a loop. While your nipples are great and all, they’re kind of a slacker body part. Sure, you use them if and when you nurse a baby, but otherwise they’re just kind of...there. (Unless they provide you with some spectacular feelings during sex, in which case, gold star for your nips.) So when they suddenly start acting out, it can be surprising, to say the least. Show
There are a few different types of nipple discharge you can experience, and some are totally normal. Nipple discharge like the milk that comes out of your breasts when you’re nursing is to be expected, obviously. Other kinds, like bloody discharge, are not. “The character of nipple discharge can be different depending on its cause,” Susan Hoover, M.D., F.A.C.S., a surgical oncologist in the Breast Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, tells SELF. The good news: Even if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, discharge leaking from your breasts is very rarely a sign of breast cancer. “Nipple discharge is a symptom that we have on the list of things to get evaluated to make sure it’s not breast cancer, but it’s very rarely due to breast cancer,” Therese Bartholomew Bevers, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., a professor of clinical cancer prevention and medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center and prevention outreach programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, tells SELF. But, listen, if your nipple randomly starts leaking, it's worth bringing up to your doctor—especially if it happens spontaneously from one breast. In general, there are four different types of breast discharge you may experience, Dr. Hoover says. Keep in mind, though, that this is just one one factor doctors take into account when determining what's causing the leakage. With that said, here's what experts want you to know about different types of breast discharge. 1. Milky discharge Milky discharge looks like watered-down cow’s milk, and it can be caused by pregnancy, breast infections, and having fibrocystic breasts, Sherry A. Ross, M.D., a women's health expert and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period., tells SELF. Having fibrocystic breasts means your boobs have a lumpy or rope-like texture, and it's normal, not anything to worry about. Milky discharge usually comes from both breasts and is caused by a rise in the hormone prolactin, a hormone that tells the breasts to produce milk, Dr. Hoover says. While it’s super normal during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it can also be caused when a benign growth or tumor in the pituitary gland causes an overproduction of prolactin, Dr. Hoover says. If your breasts start leaking this kind of discharge and you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, you should check in with a medical professional to see what's going on. 2. Bloody discharge Bloody discharge is just that: actual blood that’s coming out of your nipples, Dr. Bevers says. If you experience it, it will usually come from one duct on the nipple surface, Dr. Hoover says. Breast conditionsThe following breast conditions may result in nipple discharge.
5 nipple discharge conditionsThe list below shows results from the use of our quiz by Buoy users who experienced nipple discharge. This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have. ProlactinomaA prolactinoma is abnormal growth of the cells that produce the hormone prolactin in the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain. Prolactinoma leads to hyperprolactinemia or excess levels of prolactin in the bloodstream. Prolactinomas can occur in men or women but are more common in women of childbearing age. Common symptoms in women include amenorrhea (absence of a menstrual period), infertility and nipple discharge. Symptoms in men include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, breast tissue enlargement, and rarely, nipple discharge. Additionally, because the prolactinoma occurs at the base of the brain, it can cause headaches or vision changes. Prolactinomas can be treated with medications to lower the prolactin levels, with surgery to remove the tumor, or with radiation. Physiologic breast dischargePhysiologic breast discharge is any fluid that comes out of the nipple area in your breast. You should visit your primary care physician to evaluate the discharge and discuss treatment options. Rarity: Uncommon Top Symptoms: nipple discharge, randomly leaking fluid from the breast Symptoms that never occur with physiologic breast discharge: breast lump Urgency: Primary care docto Non-specific breast painNonspecific breast pain, also called mastalgia or mastodynia, refers to tenderness or pain in the breast with no obvious cause. It almost always proves to have a benign (non-cancerous) cause. Breast pain is most common in women aged 35 to 50 and still experiencing menstruation. Fibrocystic changes are common in this age group, where tiny, fluid-filled sacs form within breast tissue and might be felt as small, tender, but non-cancerous lumps. Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, caffeine, and soy can cause breast tenderness in women of any age. A breast infection can cause painful lumps. A medical provider should be seen, in order to rule out any serious condition and get treatment for the discomfort. Diagnosis is made through patient history; physical examination; mammogram or breast ultrasound; and sometimes biopsy. A breast infection will be treated with antibiotics. Large, painful cysts may have the fluid drained or be surgically removed. Lifestyle improvements regarding diet and exercise are often helpful, as well as adjustments to birth control pills or hormone therapy. Intraductal papillomaBreast problems such as lumps are very common and often not caused by breast cancer. An intraductal papilloma is such a benign breast lump situated in the milk ducts. All new breast lumps should be examined by a doctor to determine if further testing is needed, so the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Rarity: Uncommon Top Symptoms: breast lump, painful breast lump, painless breast lump, white or clear fluid leaking from the breast, nipple lump Symptoms that never occur with intraductal papilloma: armpit lump Urgency: Primary care doctor High prolactin hormone levelHyperprolactinemia means the pituitary gland secretes too much prolactin, the hormone responsible for producing milk in a new mother. The condition can appear in both women and men. It can be caused by pregnancy; by an ovulatory disorder; by some psychiatric medications; or by a prolactin-secreting tumor of the pituitary (prolactinoma.) Women with other reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS,) are most susceptible. Hyperprolactinemia is also seen in those with hypothyroidism and chronic renal failure. Many patients on hemodialysis have elevated prolactin levels. Symptoms in both women and men include reduced libido (sex drive) and infertility. Men may show breast enlargement and women may develop breast milk. If not treated, hyperprolactinemia can result in loss of bone density in both women and men. Diagnosis is made through blood testing to measure hormone levels, and sometimes MRI of the pituitary gland underneath the brain. Treatment may include "watchful waiting," or a period spent observing the symptoms to see if they change; drug therapy; or surgery. Rarity: Rare Top Symptoms: headache, vaginal bleeding, irregular period, decreased sex drive, enlargement of breasts Urgency: Primary care doctor Fibrocystic breast changesFibrocystic change is a generalized term used to describe a variety of benign changes in the breast. Symptoms of this condition are breast swelling or pain, as well as nodules, lumpiness, or nipple discharge. You should visit your primary care physician to evaluate the lump. Diagnosis typically just involves a physical exam and imaging. A biopsy would be needed in case scarier things need to be ruled out, but it's not always necessary. Treatment of a cyst involves aspirating the contents of the cyst, a mass just needs a biopsy with no further treatment, and nipple discharge doesn't require treatment. Breast cancerBreast cancer has several names, depending on the part of the breast where it starts:
Women over age 50 with a family history of the disease, and/or certain genetic factors, are most at risk, but anyone can get breast cancer at any age. It is rare in men but does occur. Symptoms include a lump, thickening, or pain anywhere in the breast or armpit; red, flaky, or irritated breast or nipple skin; nipple discharge; and any area of irregular skin or misshapenness. Many harmless conditions can cause similar signs, so it is important to see a medical provider about any of these symptoms. Diagnosis is made through physical examination; imaging such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI; and sometimes biopsy. Treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The best prevention is a combination of screening mammograms as recommended by the medical provider, and monthly self-examination. Breast abscessBreast abscess is a complication of mastitis, which is an inflammation of the breast tissue. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within the breast, usually just under the skin. Most susceptible are women who are breastfeeding. Bacteria can be transferred into the milk ducts from the skin or from the infant's mouth. Women not breastfeeding can be infected through a sore nipple or from a nipple piercing. If a milk duct is blocked through trauma, compression, or incomplete emptying, bacteria can gain a foothold and an abscess can form. The abscess forms a hot, reddened, painful lump in the breast. There will be flu-like symptoms of fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. Diagnosis is made through physical examination and sometimes a milk sample. Treatment is with antibiotics along with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Unless otherwise directed by the medical provider, it is safe to continue nursing the baby. If the abscess persists, it may be drained under local anesthesia with a needle and syringe. Medical treatmentsYour physician may prescribe one or more of the following treatments, depending on the cause of your nipple discharge:
When it is an emergencySeek emergency nipple discharge treatment if:
Questions your doctor may ask about nipple discharge
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions. What does it mean when you squeeze your breast and clear liquid comes out pregnant?Nipple discharge during pregnancy and breast-feeding is normal. Nipple discharge happens less commonly in women who aren't pregnant or breast-feeding. It may not be cause for concern, but it's wise to have it evaluated by a doctor to be sure.
Should I squeeze out colostrum during pregnancy?Yes, it's usually OK to squeeze out colostrum once you reach full-term pregnancy (37 weeks). Check with your healthcare provider if you wish to do this prior to your baby being born. If you want to hand express colostrum for your newborn, follow these steps: Cup your breasts with your hand in a "C" shape.
How early can nipples leak in pregnancy?Between the 12th and 16th week , alveolar cells in your breasts start to produce colostrum. Usually, though, any leaking of colostrum doesn't happen until sometime in the third trimester of pregnancy, according to 2021 research .
What is the clear liquid that comes out of breasts when not pregnant?Galactorrhea (guh-lack-toe-REE-uh) is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding. Galactorrhea itself isn't a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. It usually occurs in women, even those who have never had children or after menopause.
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Clear liquid coming out of breast when squeezed while pregnant
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