Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsProtrudingFlatInvertedUnclassifiedOther VariationsWhen to See a ProviderHealth Tips
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Protruding
Flat
Inverted
Unclassified
Other Variations
When to See a Provider
Health Tips
Pointy nipples are one variation in a range of possibilities. Broadly speaking, nipples can be categorized as either:
Nipples can differ in size, color, and texture. There are also uncommon variations like bifurcated nipples (two nipples next to each other),supernumerarynipples (an extra nipple elsewhere on the body), andathelia(missing nipples).
Verywell / JR Bee
Pointy Nipples
Roughly 75% of nipples are protruding.Still, their shape can vary from person to person. The average height of a nipple is 9 to 10 millimeters (roughly 1/3 of an inch).
For many people, protruding nipples are raised above theareola(the darker skin surrounding the nipple) all the time. The nipples can harden and stick out even further in response to cold, physical stimulation, or sexual arousal.
Flat Nipples
Flat nipples are the second most common type of nipple, occurring in roughly 23% of people.Some flat nipples will always remain flat, while others may become erect with cold temperatures, physical stimulation, or sexual arousal.
Using a breast pump or breast shells before breastfeeding or nipple shields while nursing can also help.
Inverted Nipples
Instead of protruding, inverted nipples are tucked below the skin’s surface. As a result, they can appear dented or sucked in.
Inverted nipples can often protrude when gently stimulated. Some inverted nipples, however, will never protrude even with stimulation.
Nipple inversion can be something someone is born with. Studies suggest that roughly 2% of nipples are this type.Other causes of inversion include rapid weight loss, aging, and breastfeeding.
Inverted nipples, also known as invaginated or retracted nipples, can result from shortened milk ducts that pull the nipple tissue inward. Although harmless, inverted nipples can make breastfeeding difficult.
Unclassified Nipples
Unclassified nipples are those that don’t fit neatly into the above-listed categories. It can mean that there are unilateral (one-sided) variations in your nipples. For example, one nipple may be protruding and the other flat.
Variations like these can be due to a past injury, an infection, or may simply be something you were born with.
However, they could also be a sign of a serious medical condition. Unilateral puckering, for instance, could be asign of breast cancer.
Uncommon Variations
Nipple anomalies also fall under the category of unclassified nipples, These are almost always due to genetics and are rarely a cause of medical concern. Even so, some people may seek surgical correction for cosmetic reasons.
Uncommon nipple variations include:
Other Nipple Variations
Beyond how raised or flat a nipple may be (or how many nipples you might have), there are other variations that characterize nipples.
Nipple Size
In females, it is not uncommon for nipples to get bigger during menstruation or pregnancy. Both estrogen and progesterone draw fluid into the breasts, making nipples feel swollen and tender.
In older males, the nipple and breasts may get larger due to a common aging-related condition calledgynecomastia.
Studies suggest that female nipples are around 36% larger thannipples in males. While the size of nipples in males is relatively uniform, there can be a wide variation in size among females.
Nipple Color
Nipple color is not generally indicative of a health concern and can change with age or during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
While suntanning can cause nipples to darken, other conditions can cause transient or permanent changes in nipple color.
One of these ishyperkeratosis, in which the outer layer of skin (stratum corneum) starts to thicken and harden, causing the skin to darken. Hyperkeratosis can occur for no known reason but can sometimes be the result ofhormonal birth controlor medications like spironolactone.
Nipple Texture
It is also not uncommon to havepimple-like bumps on your nipples. These are due to glands calledMontgomery tubercleslocated on the nipple and areola. During pregnancy, the glands can swell and turn milky white as they produce more oils to lubricate the nipple during breastfeeding.
Hairy Nipples
Hair follicles surround the nipples, so it’s normal to have a few strands there. While the hairs may be thin and virtually transparent, with age, nipple hairs tend to become thicker and coarser. In most cases, hairy nipples are not a cause for concern.
Shaving nipples can result in nicks,ingrown hairs, and possible infection. Plucking, waxing/sugaring, electrolysis, or laser treatments are good removal options to consider.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
The same applies if your nipples change with age due to the loss of collagen and changes in hormones.
You should be concerned, however, if you experiencesudden changes in your nipples, especially if you are younger, the changes are significant, or only one nipple is affected.
Some examples of changes you should contact your healthcare provider about include:
At What Age Do Breasts Develop?Breast growth typically begins around the age of 10 or 11. However, any time between 7 and 13 is considered perfectly normal.
At What Age Do Breasts Develop?
Breast growth typically begins around the age of 10 or 11. However, any time between 7 and 13 is considered perfectly normal.
How to Keep Your Nipples Healthy
These tips can help keep your nipples healthy:
Summary
Although most people have protruding nipples, they can vary in appearance. Flat and inverted nipples are variations that people are born with or that can develop due to a variety of circumstances. During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, hormonal fluctuations can affect nipple appearance and sensitivity.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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