Akin to your body, your breasts also undergo major changes as they hit puberty, till the rest of your life. They go through various stages of physical change during pregnancy, breastfeeding and then menopause, while adapting to them. It means that your breasts affect your health in ways you probably do not realise.
But did you know that your breasts could actually be indicators of your physical well-being? And if you thought that breast cancer is the only medical problem they can inform you about, then you are in for a surprise.
There is more to breast health than just bumps and lumps. Take a look at how breasts can affect your health.
#1 Breasts experience pain, too
Commonly called mastalgia, breast tenderness and pain is a common problem that occurs cyclically. It maybe caused due to bodily changes like hormonal changes, or if you are on the pill.
But it can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, if your pain is due to reasons other that menstruation, you might want to consider seeing a doctor.
#2 Breasts can get infected, too
You may have heard of a common medical condition among lactating mothers, called mastitis. It is a bacterial infection that occurs with cracks in the breast. They may painfully increase within the breast and need you to express or breastfeed as much as possible.
However, it can be treated with antibiotics but you must consult the doctor, if the pain or engorgement remains after 24 hours.
#3 Your bra may be aggravating your breast-area lymph nodes
Selecting the ‘right’ bra that fits and also makes you feel comfortable can be a colossal task. Most women wear bra sizes that are either too tight or too loose for comfort. Both can be bad for your ladies.
Although, a tight strap and underwire may prevent the drainage of lymph nodes that are naturally present in your armpits. But you can take care of this by either wearing a loose bra or going bra-less at home.
#4 Your breasts may produce discharge
Your breasts may experience leaking, a phenomenon that is commonly called- nipple discharge. This could be in different colours like white, yellow, green and even brown!
Usually nipple discharges are of two types: nonspontaneous discharge and spontaneous discharge. While a nonspontaneous discharge is normal; experts suggest that the more a nipple is stimulated, the more discharge it may let out.
Spontaneous discharge may include blood or fluid and if you are not lactating, it could be a serious condition.
#5 Nipple stimulation is also necessary
It’s nice to be felt up sometimes, but did you know that it is also important for your health. Nipple stimulation releases oxytocin, which is a hormone related to bonding and care. In fact, it also exhibits bonding in sexual relationships.
That is perhaps the reason why breastfeeding increases the bond between a mother and her child.
Don’t over-stress yourself with lumps in your breast. Your breasts affect your health, so get yourself examined just to be sure.
#6 Lumps in your breasts are common
Breast lumps are common among young women. However, you can get it examined by your doctor to better understand the gravity of the situation. Don’t get worked-up on assumptions.
Read up on the various myths of breast cancer.
#7 Breastfeeding has several positive benefits
Breastfeeding is more than just a way to feed your baby. It has various health benefits including reduced risk of cancer and diabetes. In addition to that it also helps women reduce post-baby weight. It is also a great way to connect and bond with your baby and is packed with perfect mix of vitamins, proteins, and fat- all the things a baby needs to grow.
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