8 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Your Nipples

You may probably have looked at your nipples and wondered if they are at the size and shape that can make you categorise them as normal. It shouldn’t be a cause to fret as nipples come in different shapes and sizes. The human nipples have quite a number of uses including indicating the coming of a health problem and bringing unimaginable pleasure. Chances are when you’re done reading about these 8 interesting facts about your nipples, you’d love and cherish this amazing body part more.

They’re Centre Of Immense Pleasure
A 2011 study published in the journal of sexual medicine found out using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that when the nipples were stimulated, a pleasure center located in the brain lit up. The same thing occurred when the clitoris was stimulated indicating that both areas are erogenous zones.

Nipples Can Have Different Colours
The colour of the nipples of a woman takes has a lot to do with the race or ethnic background of the woman. The colours of the nipples may range from pale pink, dark brown, brick red to black. More so, the colour of the rest of the skin determines the nipple colour. However, the colour of the nipples may change after giving birth which can be attributed to hormonal surge during pregnancy. This change may however be permanent.

You Can Orgasm From Nipple Stimulation
It was discovered in a 2011 study which was also published in the journal of sexual medicine that stimulation of the nipples alone can cause orgasm since it had an effect on the pleasure center of the brain. It was previously thought that only a small number of men or women could do this but the research found that it was possible in an increasing number of people.

You May Have Three Nipples
It is possible for a man or woman to be born with as much as seven nipples according to a 2012 publication in the journal for sexual medicine. The extra nipples are known as supernumerary nipples and they usually look like a mark or mole on the skin. The National Institutes of Health says that these nipples never form breasts and they may be present at any part of the body.

They Can Measure Several Inches
This may surprise quite a number of people but the human nipple can measure up to 3 inches in length and the breadth length of the nipples and areolas can also measure up to 2 inches. Also, the size may be smaller than half an inch in length and breadth. But cases are absolutely normal, even though pregnancy and a significant gain in weight may cause the size of the nipples to increase.

Nipples Have A Rough Surface
Take a look at your nipples and the area lying around your areola and you’d find out that the surface is rough and bumpy. This is usually due to ducts or oil glands which produce lubricating fluids and hair follicles lying around the area which is completely normal. It is however important to note that a bump may signify a rare form of breast cancer known as Paget’s disease . It usually presents as a rash on the areola or nipples which persists. If you notice this and it persists for 3 to 4 weeks, consider seeing a doctor.

Milk Can Seep Through
If you’re nursing a child, you may want to consider going out with an extra blouse as your nipples may seep milk. A lot of women have found themselves suddenly seeping milk when they hear the cry of an infant child.

Discharge Could Be A Serious Issue
Finding a little discharge coming out of your nipples may not mean anything but when the discharge is whitish or cream is and it gets released on its own, it may be an indication of a benign or non-cancerous growth in the brain. A bloody discharge may indicate breast cancer while green or black discharge may mean a benign duct problem. It is safe to see a doctor if you experience any of these conditions.