Okay, background info: I’m 23, on no medications, no history of breast-related problems in my family, definitely not pregnant, never had any problem like this before. Also, my period isn’t due for two weeks.
The problem: My breasts are sore. It’s a similar sensation to the tenderness I get a day or two before onset of my period, however, I also have occasional twinges of sharp pain in my nipples, which I don’t get with my period. This has been going on for about two weeks. Except for aforementioned twinges, it’s just a dull, annoying ache that improves somewhat with massage, but comes back. I’ve checked, I don’t have any masses or lumps, no textural abnormalities at all.
There are two things that have been different in my life in the past two weeks concerning my breasts:
I’ve been wearing Wonderbras exclusively for a little more than two weeks, instead of just occasionally. I switched over to a regular, non-padded one today with no noticeable improvement.
I may have suffered some trauma two weeks ago. I was on a trip to California to see my (now) boyfriend, one night we were making out, and he (being kind of inexperienced in this sort of thing) was a bit rougher than what I’m used to. I first noticed the achiness the morning after.
So, what do you guys think? Could it be the Wonderbras? Could it be my overzealous boyfriend? (Wouldn’t think I’d still be having pain if it were.) Combination of the two? Should I head to the doctor tomorrow? Or just wait and see if it goes away?
Period-related breast pain can get drastically worse (or better) as you move through life and your hormones fluctuate. There are some excellent treatments though.
However since you are obviously worried and there may have been “trauma” see a doctor asap. If for no other reason than to put your mind at rest.
See a doctor, just to be sure. I remember hearing that using a poorly-made breast pump even just a few times can do long-term damage to breast tissue, so it’s possible that rough foreplay could do the same. Your breasts are your friends, you wanna keep them in tip-top shape.
On a tangent, I think breasts are amazing. I never understood the fascination for men, but now I do. Wow.
Mishell, talk to your doctor to be sure, but you might be having a growth spurt. Lucky girl!
When I am pregnant, my boobs get HUGE, and I experience many of the same symptoms during the boob explosion. I have gone from a B/C cup to a DD this time, and I’m only four 1/2 months along! Once I start breastfeeding, the sky’s the limit!
Umm, yeah, anyway… Sorry I got carried away, but as Cranky said, I have a newfound appreciation for my ta-tas lately.
I had a boyfriend who paid so much attention to my breasts that they started to lactate! Possibly the overstimulation from your boyfriend set off this reflex. Since I had breast fed a son some years before, I suspected what was happening and was able to express some milk and prove my theory. It went away as soon as the stimulation decreased.
If they are sore like they are before your period you might have a cyst. A cyst feels like a small lump. Cysts are NOT CANCER – they are fluid-filled – but you should have the ladies looked at by an ob/gyn. I’m 26 with no family history and and dealing with this right now. The Twins may also just be bruised, or you might be having a “growth spurt” or really any number of things. See a doctor, as they say “its better to know than wonder.”
Also – cutting out caffeine and taking some vitamin E can help if your breast tissue tends to fill w/ fluid and get sore.
I think I know the twinges you’re talking about, because I got them for a couple of days after getting hit right on the nipple by a paintball. I had to wear a sports bra even while I slept because it hurt so much. I’m most inclined to think it was a combination of the bra and b’friend, but I want to put in my “me too” remark to call up your ob/gyn. I would’ve gone to the dr. if my bruise hadn’t cleared up even though I knew what caused it.
The pain has actually gotten worse today, so I called up a nurse, and he thought I should probably see someone as well, so I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow afternoon.
Man, a growth spurt would be *cool…*do people get those at 23?
Anyway, thanks everybody, and I’ll let you know what the doctor says.
In case anyone was wondering, I did see the doctor today, and he found nothing worrisome. He thinks it’s just a hormonal thing, and I should take Aleve for it. In case that doesn’t improve the discomfort, I have an appointment in the Breast Clinic scheduled.
I had a similar problem once and the doc said it was due to caffeine. About six thousand cups of coffee later, that pain has never come back. Maybe you really are experiencing a growth spurt. Could be a very good thing, as long as you have plenty of support (and don’t forget the cocoa butter!). Don’t want any of those wiggly stretch marks on your new and improved rack!
