Is it normal for nipples to leak

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Nipple Discharge. What are the features of nipple discharge? Nipple discharge may be: Spontaneous fluid leaks from the breast without any squeezing of the nipple or pressure on the breast ; or On expression fluid only comes out of the nipple when the nipple is squeezed or there is pressure on the breast.

Other questions which can be used to describe nipple discharge include: Is it coming from one breast unilateral or coming from both breasts bilateral?

Is it coming from one duct one opening on the nipple or more than one? What colour is it? Nipple fluid is most often yellow, green or milky. This is not usually a cause for concern. Discharge that is blood-stained bright red , brown or crystal clear can be more significant.

If it is difficult to tell what colour it is, then putting some fluid onto a white tissue can help. Normal hormonal nipple discharge Nipple discharge is very common. When is nipple discharge abnormal?

What causes abnormal nipple discharge? There are many causes of nipple discharge. These include: Duct ectasia This is a non-cancerous benign condition in which the milk ducts under the nipple enlarge and there is inflammation in the walls of the ducts. Duct papilloma A duct papilloma is a growth within a milk duct in the breast, usually near the nipple. Nipple eczema Eczema or dermatitis which affects the skin of the nipple, particularly if it becomes infected, can cause a weeping, crusty nipple discharge.

Breast cancer Breast cancer is an uncommon cause of nipple discharge. Hormonal causes Galactorrhoea is milky nipple discharge not related to pregnancy or breast feeding.

Drugs and medication Abnormally high prolactin levels can also be caused by some drugs. How is nipple discharge treated? Read more about common breast conditions that can cause nipple discharge from Breast Cancer Now. Nipple discharge by itself is not usually a sign of breast cancer. Page last reviewed: 26 April Next review due: 26 April Nipple discharge. Nipple discharge is often normal Lots of women have nipple discharge from time to time.

It may just be normal for you. Nipple discharge in men is not normal. Nipple discharge can occur normally during the last weeks of pregnancy and after childbirth when breast milk is produced. A nipple discharge can also be normal in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, especially during the reproductive years. For example, in women, fondling, suckling, irritation from clothing, or sexual arousal can stimulate a nipple discharge, as can stress.

However, a nipple discharge in men is always abnormal. A normal nipple discharge is usually a thin, cloudy, whitish, or almost clear fluid that is not sticky. However, the discharge may be other colors, such as gray, green, yellow, or brown. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, a normal discharge is sometimes slightly bloody.

Abnormal discharges vary in appearance depending on the cause. An abnormal discharge may be accompanied by other abnormalities, such as dimpled skin, swelling, redness, crusting, sores, and an inverted retracted nipple.

A nipple is inverted if it pulls inward and does not return to its normal position when it is stimulated. If a discharge from only one breast occurs on its own without any stimulation of the nipple , it is considered abnormal.

A discharge from one milk duct or from one breast is likely to be caused by a problem with that breast, such as a noncancerous benign tumor or, less commonly, a cancerous malignant breast tumor Breast Cancer Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast become abnormal and divide uncontrollably.

Breast cancer usually starts in the glands that produce milk lobules or the tubes ducts that carry A discharge from both breasts or from several milk ducts in one breast is more likely to be caused by a problem outside the breast, such as a hormonal disorder or use of certain drugs. Fibrocystic changes Fibrocystic Changes of the Breast Fibrocystic changes of the breast formerly called fibrocystic breast disease include breast pain, cysts, and lumpiness that are not due to cancer.

See also Overview of Breast Disorders and A breast infection or abscess Breast Infection and Breast Abscess Breast infections are usually caused by bacteria. Rarely, breast infections lead to a breast abscess a collection of pus in the breast. Mastitis refers to painful inflammation of the breast Intraductal papilloma is the most common cause. It is also the most common cause of a bloody nipple discharge when there is no lump in the breast. Certain disorders stimulate the production of breast milk in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding see table Some Causes and Features of Nipple Discharge Some Causes and Features of Nipple Discharge Fluid that leaks from one or both nipples is called a nipple discharge.

See also Overview In most of these disorders, the level of prolactin a hormone that stimulates production of breast milk is elevated. Taking certain drugs can have the same effect. Occurs without the nipple's being squeezed or stimulated by other means when it occurs spontaneously. If a nipple discharge continues for more than one menstrual cycle or if any of the warning signs are present, women or men should see a doctor. Women with such symptoms should see a doctor within 1 or 2 days.

Doctors first ask questions about the woman's symptoms and medical history. Doctors then do a physical examination.