Almost everyone has nipples, whether male or female, transgender or cisgender, a person with large breasts, or a person with a flat chest. But nipples seem to make a lot more sense in people with the ability to breastfeed, right? It’s evident that the nipples that we refer to as female nipples. Like the nipples of cisgender women, serve a purpose.
But what about the male nipples?
These are the ones that cisgender men have. The answer is mostly quite simple. Men have nipples because the nipples develop in the womb before the embryos become male or female. To distinguish a fetus from a male, the nipples have already secured their place. Wait, so they all technically started as women in the womb? Some people see it this way.
Wait, so everyone technically started as a female in the womb?
Everyone, as a woman, begins early in their development in the womb. According to this understanding, a man’s nipples appear to be left over from when he was originally a woman. Here’s another way to think about it. Everyone is starting to be gender-neutral. A few weeks later, the Y chromosome begins to produce changes that lead to the development of the testicles in males. Female fetuses undergo changes that eventually lead to the development of breasts.
Our development is different at this point and also during puberty when secondary sex characteristics such as pubic hair develop. Why didn’t evolution select against this trait? If a trait is not necessary for our survival, evolution eventually eliminates it. And if men aren’t made to breastfeed babies, does that mean their nipples aren’t needed? Well, that’s not entirely correct.
Remnants
The truth is that we have many extraneous features like wisdom teeth that are left over from our evolution as a species. Such traits are called remnants, meaning we still have them because they are not a priority for evolution. It’s not like male nipples hurt anyone, so it’s no big deal that evolution leaves them alone. But there’s another level: While not used for breastfeeding, nipples are more useful than you think.
So Does It Make Sense To Have Nipples?
Describing male nipples as a remnant of fetal development sounds pretty pointless, doesn’t it? Are male nipples something like… there? In reality, the male nipples still serve as an erogenous zone. Like female nipples, they are sensitive to touch and can be useful for foreplay. Hello, nipple orgasms! One study found that nipple stimulation improved sexual arousal in 52% of men.
What About Lactation (Galactorrhea)?
Although male nipples are not typically used for breastfeeding, lactation is possible. Possible physical transition steps for transgender men can be surgery, taking hormones, or nothing at all. Depending on the physical and hormonal changes that have taken place, lactation can occur just as it does in cisgender women. But cis men can also breastfeed if a certain hormone called prolactin is at work. This is a condition known as male galactorrhea. It is usually the result of:
- Medication
- Malnutrition
- A Health Condition Like An Overactive Thyroid
Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
Men can get breast cancer, although it is rare. It accounts for less than 1 percent of all breast cancer cases. This can happen at any age. But just like women, men are more likely to develop breast cancer in old age. However, most men do not get regular mammograms or reminders of lumps while showering as women do. This means they are also more likely to miss the signs of breast cancer.
If You’re A Man, Look Out For Symptoms Like:
- A Lump In One Breast
- Discharge Or Redness Around The Nipple
- Discharge From The Nipple
- Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Your Arm
If you begin experiencing these or other unusual symptoms, see a doctor or other healthcare provider. But don’t men have breasts?
We tend to think of breasts as a feminine trait, so you might be surprised to learn that breasts are gender-neutral. The only difference between what we call male and female breasts is the amount of breast tissue. In general, hormones that kick in during puberty cause girls’ breasts to grow while boys’ breasts grow. Kids stay flat.
Are There Any Other Conditions To Consider?
Not all cisgender men have flat chests. For some, a condition called gynecomastia can lead to the development of larger man boobs. It is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance, such as low testosterone levels.
Other Conditions To Look Out For Are:
- This is an infection of the breast tissue. It typically shows up as breast pain, swelling, and redness.
- These are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast.
- This noncancerous tumor can form in the breast.
These are all more common in female breasts. But they are not unheard of among males. Talk to a doctor about any unusual inflammation, pain, or lumps.
Are There Other Differences Between A Male And A Female Nipple?
Finally, there are many parallels between what we refer to as male and female nipples. They come out the same in the womb and stay similar until puberty. There is also a difference in breast size after puberty, and breast tissue is still present in everyone, including boys and girls. Sure, if you ask Tumblr or Instagram. They’ll tell you that female nipples are more explicit than male.
But someone should tell them to check what the science has to say because when it comes to the details, that distinction makes little sense. work can develop health problems. And are the only way to present nipples uncensored on the Internet. So pay attention to the nipples, males, and others who were assigned males at birth. They’re not as useless as they seem.
Women’s Nipples
Women’s nipples have long been a source of fascination and controversy, from celebrity gossip to wardrobe mishaps and nipple slips to feminist movements for gender equality. The nipples even became a fashion accessory. Man, nipples are a different story. The question even became a popular science book.
