My son and I have strangely shaped nipples

I'm male and have swollen, puffy nipples

My life is being ruined by my large breasts

My son appears to be developing breasts?

Question

My son and I both have what I would describe as puffy nipples and surrounding area. They seem to act like women's nipples and become hard when cold. This has caused me to avoid times and places where I should remove my shirt and join in the fun.

Is this a normal condition or can it be treated?

Answer

I'm sorry that you have been unnecessarily embarrassed for so long.

The basic anatomy of both male and female nipples and the surrounding areola is the same. At puberty under the influence of either male or female sex hormones appropriate changes occur.

This means that the response of the male and female nipples will be similar in the circumstances that you describe. The hardening that you notice when you become cold is quite normal and something you share with other men.

The actual shape or 'puffiness' is simply a genetic characteristic that you and your son have inherited.

Finally, although it is probably not relevant here, in some adolescent males the breasts or one breast may develop a small lump. This is fairly common and is due to the rudimentary breast tissue misunderstanding the sex hormone signal. Should this happen it is wise to seek your GP's advice but it almost always settles spontaneously.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

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