Patient's question:
I just had a baby a short while ago, and lately I've been experiencing breast tenderness and pain. This has been going on for several days, and it hasn't improved at all.Doctor's answer:
Women mainly experience six types of breast pain.1. Breast Pain During Puberty: This usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 13. After the first menstrual period, the pain typically resolves on its own.
2. Breast Pain Before Menstruation: Many women experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness before their period. In severe cases, even slight vibrations or collisions can cause discomfort. This is due to elevated estrogen levels, breast hyperplasia, and interstitial edema before menstruation. These changes usually disappear after the period begins.
3. Breast Pain During Pregnancy: Some women experience breast pain around the 40th day of pregnancy due to the placenta and villi secreting large amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, leading to breast enlargement and pain. In severe cases, the pain may persist throughout the pregnancy and does not require treatment.
4. Postpartum Breast Pain: From 3 to 7 days after delivery, women often experience breast fullness, hard lumps, and pain. This is primarily caused by lymphatic retention, venous congestion, interstitial edema, and blocked breast ducts.
5. Breast Pain After Abortion: Sudden pregnancy interruption leads to a sharp drop in hormone levels, causing the newly developed breasts to stop growing abruptly. This results in breast lumps and pain.
6. Breast Pain After Sex: This is related to the physiological changes in the breasts during sex. Those with low libido or an unsatisfactory sex life may find it difficult for the breasts to return to normal after arousal, or the congestion and swelling may not fully subside, leading to persistent breast pain.
You should visit a hospital for a checkup to determine the cause, so that you can receive targeted treatment.