A man's nipple hurts due to hormonal imbalance and other reasons, treatment of discomfort. Do men need nipples?

Everyone knows that nature created women's breasts to feed a child. But for some reason men also have nipples. Accordingly, the question arises - “Why do men need nipples and where did they come from?” if a man does not feed his offspring.

IN childhood In girls and boys, the mammary glands look exactly the same, but subsequently, under the influence of the hormone estrogen, the female breast develops and increases in size. In men, this hormone is not produced in sufficient quantities, so the mammary glands remain unchanged.

But the history of nipples begins in the first weeks of human embryonic development. At that time, the human body develops according to the basic human type. Sex differences begin to form at 4-5 weeks of development. And the formation of the genital organs occurs only at 7 weeks.

Accordingly, mammary glands and nipples form in the fetus before primary sexual characteristics appear. That is, we can say that we were all once women. And therefore, male breasts may well become the same as those of women if a sufficient amount of female hormone is present in the body. This can lead to, for example overuse beer, excess fat tissue in the body or when taking certain hormonal drugs, including for bodybuilders, so be careful.

Moreover, scientists have experimentally found that if you take certain hormones, men will also produce milk. Where did it turn out that minerals and there are much more vitamins in men's milk than in women's milk. Tests are now being conducted on volunteers to find out whether these hormones have any side effects.

AND main question, which worries experimental men whether their breasts will increase in size like women’s. But doctors assure that even if a slight rounding occurs, then after finishing taking hormones everything should return to shape. And if the drug turns out to be safe, it will go on sale in the next 2 years.



Nature created human body perfect, each organ is called upon to perform its function. But the presence of some parts of our body makes us think about their appropriateness.

Why do men have nipples - what is their purpose?

Why do men who are not breastfeeding need them? Let's consider the most common versions of their necessity. Let us immediately make a reservation that none of the versions is a scientifically proven fact.

So, according to one version, men need nipples for beauty. Indeed, a representative of the stronger sex without this part of the body looks, to put it mildly, not aesthetically pleasing. But the concepts of aesthetics and beauty are purely human, existing only in the minds of people. In nature, everything is thought out, and each organ plays a specific role necessary to ensure and continue life on earth.

For the same reason, the version that nipples are necessary to cause pain and injury (if you grab the enemy by them and twist them) seems unfounded.

Many people view nipples as an erogenous zone. But men have enough other organs involved in arousal and the occurrence of sexual desire. Some men are generally irritated by any touch to the chest. Some view the presence of nipples as a “legacy” from the distant past, when all people were asexual beings. According to this version, the nipple is an organ that has lost its functions in the process of human development (rudiment).

An interesting fact is that theoretically, males can have milk for breastfeeding. But the male hormonal background does not create for this favorable conditions. For proper feeding, a certain amount of female hormones (estrogens) is necessary. In fact, in life and medical practice There are men with abnormally enlarged breasts. This phenomenon is called gynecomastia and is associated with excess estrogen in the body, hormonal imbalances. Gynecomastia is common in alcoholism.

Normally, the development of the mammary glands and nipples in boys is inhibited by early stages, and they take on the unfinished appearance of a woman's breasts. Main function chest protection remains internal organs(primarily the heart and lungs) from external unfavorable factors.

The version about the intrauterine formation of nipples is scientifically substantiated. According to scientists, between 10 and 15 weeks of fetal development, male and female embryos are exactly the same. After this period, a surge of hormones occurs, which are determined by the presence of male or female chromosomes in the fetus. After this, the formation of sexual differences occurs.

Nipples, along with arms, legs and other body parts, appear in fetuses of both sexes before the hormonal explosion. Thus, the presence of nipples in men is explained by the biological processes of the embryonic development of the fetus.

It’s worth saying right away that the question “Why?” modern scientists cannot yet give an exact answer. However, there are several common - and erroneous - versions on this matter.

Male nipples are an erogenous zone that serves as arousal during sex. How reliable is this answer? If you conduct a survey among representatives of the stronger sex, you can hear different answers - positive, negative, and neutral. Not everyone is turned on by having their nipples caressed. For some, touching this part of the chest can cause different sensations - from disgust to irritation.

Men need nipples for beauty. This stereotype has historically developed in the minds of many people. In most cases, the laws of nature are not aimed specifically at aesthetics, but all human organs and appearance his body “works” more to support life and survival. It is very difficult to imagine male breasts without nipples. By at least, in the human mind, a man without nipples looks unaesthetic. However, this version is unlikely to justify the presence of nipples.

This part of the body is needed in order to inflict damage on the enemy. severe pain and humiliation. It is known that it is a rather vulnerable and painful area. In addition, infliction of pain and a feeling of weakness in the understanding of the stronger sex is, in its own way, a humiliation of dignity. It is unlikely that any man will like it when his nipples are twisted, pinched or bitten. However, there are many more painful and vulnerable places on the body, the injuries of which can bring not only unbearable pain, but also disruption of the functioning of vital organs. Such vulnerable areas on the male body include the penis and groin area.

The following answer to the question “Why does a man need nipples?” has mythical origins. According to this version, the first people were hermaphrodites who acquired sexual characteristics not immediately, but after some time. All hermaphrodites had breasts, but in men they stopped developing due to uselessness and remained in the form of nipples. However, this version also has no scientific basis and evidence.

According to early scientific theory, the original purpose of male nipples is to procreate. This version was based on the fact that female and male mammary glands have a similar structure, so an analogy can be drawn between their functional purpose.

Proponents of this theory argued that in the process of evolution, breastfeeding of offspring by males was not necessary, and because of this, the mammary glands of the stronger sex stopped developing. But if you look at other mammals, for example, you can say that males have never had the function of a “nurse.” Therefore, this version was considered erroneous.

Why do men need nipples: scientific version

Here's another answer. Until 10-15 weeks of fetal development, embryos do not yet have sexual differences. And only at this time does a change occur hormonal levels, and then, based on whether the fetus is a girl or a boy, there is a change in . The nipples themselves form much earlier than hormonal changes occur.

This scientific version explains why a man develops nipples, but is not able to accurately answer the question of whether a representative of the stronger sex needs them.

Why do women need breasts is clear - the mother must feed the baby with milk, which comes through the nipples. Men don’t feed their offspring - does that mean he doesn’t need her?

In small children, the mammary glands look the same. With age, under the influence of the hormone estrogen (produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands), the breasts develop. In the male body, the hormone estrogen is also present (produced by the adrenal glands), but its quantity is not enough for full development breast tissue. Overdevelopment mammary glands– pathology, and gynecomastia. There are many causes of gynecomastia (more than 30), but the most common is an imbalance of testosterone-estrogens.

The breast tissue functionally protects the heart and lungs from damage. But the heart and lungs are protected even more hard fabric– bone, in the form of ribs.

There are many versions of having nipples in men - for external attractiveness, as an erogenous zone, as a vulnerable spot, and even mythical (we were all once hermaphrodites). In fact, the answer can be found by tracing human embryonic development. Until the 8th week of intrauterine life, there is no difference between male and female embryos. During this period, everyone has nipples. After 8 weeks, under the influence of hormones, the embryo begins to develop either in the female or in the male type, so both sexes have nipples. A similar process is observed in all mammals, including humans.

Sore nipples in men most often occur due to hormonal imbalances or due to the development of cancer mammary gland. Other causes of health deviations are diseases of the pituitary gland, testicles, adrenal glands, gynecomastia and diabetes.

Pain in the nipples in men as a sign of mastopathy

Sore nipples are not a rare occurrence. Often deviation bothers them even in adolescence, which is explained by hormonal imbalance. Normal in puberty Breasts should not develop, but as a result of hormonal imbalance, growing alveolar tissue in the breasts can lead to an increase in size. TO pain mucous membranes or purulent discharge from the nipples, as well as seal lymph nodes. Such changes serve as the basis for diagnosing “mastopathy”, and “gynecomastia” in adolescents.

Prevention of nipple diseases in men is to avoid bad habits, rational organization work and rest, proper nutrition. If all medical recommendations are followed, the disease will be successfully defeated.

Painful sensations in the nipples as a symptom of breast cancer in men

Nipple cancer usually develops in men over 60 years of age. Another name for the pathology is Paget's disease. The diagnosis is made easier by the fact that this malignant process not quickly, but gradually. Thus, the disease can be recognized at the earliest stages.

The first signs of nipple cancer in men are:
- itching and flaking;
- swelling;
- redness;
- appearance of erosion areas;
- enlarged lymph nodes in armpit from the side of the sore nipple;
- pain that increases due to the development of the oncological process.

If there are ulcers on and surrounding the areola male body is additionally affected bacterial infection. In this case, to properly prescribe treatment, nipple cancer should be differentiated from microbial eczema. But main feature Paget's disease is considered to be a rapid growth of gland tissue with subsequent spread to neighboring tissues.

Treatment of Paget's disease is carried out in an oncology clinic. After surgery, the patient is prescribed courses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Which doctor should a man see for nipple pain?

Despite increased sensitivity, nipples in men should not hurt. As the first alarming changes appear, you should contact a mammologist, oncologist, endocrinologist or urologist. If the identified cause of the disease is within the competence of a specific specialist, the patient will be diagnosed immediately or a medical commission will be assembled. As the factor that provoked the changes is identified, the patient will be offered an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and donation of a piece of the affected tissue for histological examination.

Sources:

• Why do men's nipples hurt?
• Sore nipples in men: the reason is hormones
• If men have sore nipples, a serious examination is required
• Mastopathy - is there a risk for men?

Gynecomastia is a disease that exclusively affects men. The essence of the pathology is the enlargement of one, and most often both, mammary glands. Normally, in men, the mammary gland is an underdeveloped organ consisting of a nipple, as well as reduced short ducts surrounded by adipose tissue.

First of all, there are unilateral and bilateral gynecomastia. IN 80% of cases the increase occurs symmetrically, but sometimes deviations occur. Asymmetrical gynecomastia can be bilateral, but in this type of pathology one of the glands is more enlarged.

According to the mechanism of development, two types of disease are distinguished:

• True (the increase is due to the proliferation of glandular tissues and connective tissue);
• False gynecomastia in men (mainly adipose tissue grows).

There is also mixed type gynecomastia, in which, in addition to the growth glandular cells, fat is deposited.

Physiological enlargement of the mammary gland

1. Gynecomastia of newborns. The enlargement of the organ in the first days of life is caused by maternal female hormones that circulate in the boy’s body. Colostrum-like discharge is possible. By the end of the first month, the size of the mammary gland returns to normal.
2. Teenage gynecomastia. Beginning around the age of 13, boys may notice breast enlargement, which is associated with hormonal imbalance during this period of development. Puberty characterized by a violation of the ratio of sex hormones, therefore, in adolescents, gynecomastia is associated with a natural predominance female estrogens. After leveling out the indicators, the mammary gland decreases.
3. Gynecomastia in older men. It is most common and is associated with a significant decrease in testosterone production. Because of this, the level of estrogen in the body increases, which leads to breast enlargement.

These forms of gynecomastia do not require complementary therapy and are variants of the norm, which, due to physiological processes in the body they regress on their own.

Causes

• Klinefelter's syndrome ( genetic disease, characterized by the presence of an additional X chromosome in the male karyotype, which entails an increase in female hormones and a number of other disorders);
• Testicular feminization (the essence of the pathology is that the patient’s karyotype is absolutely normal, and the appearance includes some female characteristics, including gynecomastia in men);
• Hormone-producing tumors of the testicles and adrenal glands;
• Chorionic carcinoma ( malignant tumor produces a hormone that increases testosterone levels, and subsequently estrogen);
• Hormonal disorders in the thyroid gland;
• Chronic hemodialysis (causes a decrease in testosterone in the blood, which leads to symptoms of gynecomastia);
• Various liver diseases (any pathology that affects liver function leads to a decrease in the processing of excess testosterone, which then turns into estrogen);
• Bronchial cancer (noted tumor syndrome, causing symptoms gynecomastia);
• Long-term use of medications ( hormonal drugs, some diuretics, cytostatics, calcium channel blockers, psychotropic substances and some antibiotics);
• Increased nutrition after prolonged food restriction.

Disease in bodybuilders

Enlargement of the mammary glands in men actively involved in sports is quite common occurrence. However pathological condition they don't call physical exercise, and the use of various drugs by athletes.

Negative influence anabolic steroids on the male body:

• Increased production of estrogen caused by excess testosterone;
• Due to the large intake of hormones into the blood from the outside, their natural production in the body atrophies;
• Excess testosterone is processed into estrogens.

It should be noted that the treatment of gynecomastia in men who have been taking anabolic steroids for a long time does not only consist of stopping their use.

Therefore, you should be more careful with these products, and it is better to refrain from using them altogether.

Symptoms

Enlargement of the mammary glands can be either slight (2 cm) or very noticeable ( up to 15 cm). Discharge from the nipples is rare, but it does occur and is associated with true gynecomastia. Men may have large nipples. Often, in addition to visible hypertrophy, patients complain of other symptoms:

• Discomfort when wearing clothes;
• Feeling of fullness and compression;
• Painful sensations;
• Increased sensitivity of the nipples;
• Decreased sexual function up to impotence;
• Damage to the central nervous system.

There are several stages in the development of the disease:

1. Proliferation. The stage lasts several months from the onset of the disease and is characterized by active proliferation of glandular or adipose tissue. Any changes at this stage are completely reversible. At the proliferation stage, it is possible to treat gynecomastia in men without surgery with complete recovery.
2. Intermediate. The duration of the stage is approximately a year. The glands mature, and it is extremely rare to reverse the development.
3. Fibrous. Complete completion of the development of the gland and the proliferation of connective tissue fibers, which makes regression of the process completely impossible. The second and third stages require surgery to remove gynecomastia.

Diagnostics

Patients faced with this pathology are most often confused, not knowing which doctor is best to see. The disease, despite the visible damage to just one organ, is associated with the functioning of the entire organism.

Most often, men with gynecomastia undergo consultations with the following specialists:

• Endocrinologist;
• Surgeon;
• Oncologist;
• Mammologist;
• Urologist.

Each of the specialists examines their area, thanks to which a general idea about the mechanism of development of the disease and an adequate complex treatment gynecomastia.

The main aspects of diagnosis are: determining the level of sex hormones, identifying tumors various organs, determination of karyotype and phenotype, clarification of family and individual anamnesis.

Treatment without surgery

Therapy that excludes surgical intervention, can be carried out only at the first stage of the disease, sometimes at the second, when the proliferation processes in the body are still subject to correction. Medicines for gynecomastia should influence the etiology of the disease and the mechanisms of its development.

1. Gynecomastia, which appears as a result of eating disorders, goes away on its own as soon as the regime is normalized.
2. If the disease is provoked by an iatrogenic cause (medicines), then most often it is enough to stop taking them.
3. Hormonal imbalances caused by insufficient functioning of the glands are corrected by the direct administration of sex hormones.
4. Gynecomastia caused by diseases thyroid gland, liver dysfunction, is treated by eliminating the underlying pathology and does not require additional adjustments.
5. At increased production estrogen, drugs that inhibit the production of female hormones are prescribed.

It is important to understand that conservative treatment gynecomastia in men at home is possible only for first half of the year.

If the effect of therapy is not observed or the disease has developed for a long time, surgical intervention is required.

Surgical treatment

Surgical procedures for this disease involve minimal risk complications. Patients who have undergone surgery do not require long-term hospitalization and rarely stay in the hospital for more than two days.

Types of surgical intervention:

• Endoscopic mastectomy (indicated in cases where the increase is insignificant);
• Subcutaneous mastectomy with preservation of the areola (the essence of the intervention is that the hypertrophied glands are removed, but the areola of the nipples remains intact);
• Subcutaneous mastectomy with liposuction (in addition to excision of the gland, excess fat tissue is also removed).

The final correction of gynecomastia after surgery involves wearing compression bandages. within a few weeks. Thus it is restored skin covering and correct muscle contour.

In general, patients with timely identified and properly treated gynecomastia have a favorable prognosis. However, we should not forget that the cause of the disease can be tumor processes.

You should also remember that ignoring the problem for a long time can lead to the growth glandular tissue will become malignant and ordinary gynecomastia will transform into breast cancer.

We have already touched upon pressing issues more than once modern society themes, such as obscurantism in the form of telegony (“Telegony. The other side that was hidden”) and universal total control (“Shock! Chips in the heads are not needed! Total control is implemented differently!!! “). And then we came across a topic that trembles even more vividly: what is the purpose of male nipples? Moreover, the awe from ignorance was soon replaced by the awe from the knowledge outlined below. Unfortunately, we do not know the author. But grateful for.

The dominant view today is that the role of male nipples is vestigial and, therefore, they are not intended for any purpose. However, this point of view may be wrong. After all, almost until recently the appendix was also considered an unnecessary vestige. Whereas now it is one of the most important organs immune system bodies.

There was a similar story with the spleen. So, in the Middle Ages, it was even cut out for walkers to make it easier to run and not get stabbed in the side. However, it has now also become known that the role of the spleen in immune reactions organism is essential. Therefore, the question remains:

What is the purpose of male nipples? What are they needed for? So, let's start opening our eyes.

A man's nipples are not a vestige, but an important part bodies. What is the function?

Male nipples express the “aggression of presence,” turning the torso into a huge “second face.”

That’s why the man doesn’t have nipples, but “boobs.” Proof? Please.

"Second person" is common among primates. It actively helps " declare oneself", enhancing presence aggression.

Usually the “second person” is… on the ass. So, at the back of a mandrill, baboon or bonobo, something similar to a muzzle is formed:

• ischial calluses,
• genital skin,
• wide colored scrotum
• etc..

So the monkey looks like Pull and Pull and declares itself on both sides what is needed to retain status in a close social group.

In bipedal hominids, in connection with upright walking, another “face of presence” was formed - on the torso: geladas, gorillas, sifakas.

Gestalt created

• furry armpits,
• groin,
• navel,
• muscles
• and boobs

inspires respect: " there are a lot of me! Or disrespect: " I'm small...»

In society, the role of nipples has increased: even girls have a complex if their breasts are small. And - they are shy if they are not high in rank. After all, this causes counter-aggression, which there is nothing to repel. A high-ranking woman gains “social points” and is proud, emphasizing: “how fat I am, it’s time to go on a diet!”

Male nipples are marked with color and often fur. “Eyebrows”, “eyelashes”, and a whole “muzzle with eyes” are formed on the chest.

With age, high-ranking men's chests and shoulders fill with fat, their nipples swell, and mottled gray hair appears.

They also help to emphasize the impressiveness of the “muzzle”

• orders,
• amulets,
• epaulets,
• buckles,
• carnations in the buttonhole,
• tattoos
• and similar attributes of gentlemanliness (or simply “manship”).

So boobs are a signal!

In wild mammals, the mammary glands are hardly noticeable (and in males they are not visible at all). However, relative to body weight, they produce no less milk than humans.

But in a Homo sapiens woman, the breasts are specially distinguished on the body: by relief, coloring of the areolas, hairs, the ability to sway funny while running and tactile charm. These are no longer mammary glands or nipples, but “boobs,” that is, signal-information formations.

But do all sapiens have it? No. Big breasts do not develop if the population density:

• a) too low (Arctic aborigines, pygmeoids of equatorial forests)
• b) too high (natives of the river valleys of Indochina, South India, Central Africa).

There are such rags hanging that babies waste.

In order for a population to have big boobs, a moderate population density is needed - with high crowding within the group. The bustiest women are among central and southern Caucasians, Polynesians, and West Africans. And when their societies become overcrowded, their boobs are inflated artificially - with silicone, overlays, and artistic traditions.

Thank you that nipples do not grow throughout your life and do not curl into spirals.