Patient's question:
Sometimes my breasts hurt, and sometimes they don't. What's going on? Is the pain related to sexual activity, or is it related to physiological phenomena? I always get pain before my period. Is that normal? I'm very scared. Please answer from a professional.Doctor's answer:
Hello! First of all, I wish you a speedy recovery! I will discuss the issue of "breast pain in women" with you. Many women often experience breast pain. Medical workers, after long-term observation and research, have found that women mainly have six types of breast pain.1) Breast pain during puberty generally occurs between the ages of 9-13. After the first menstrual period, the pain usually disappears on its own. What other embarrassing issues do girls face during puberty? Experts tell you: Girls mature quietly vs How girls recognize their breasts
2) Breast pain before menstruation Many women experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness before menstruation; severe cases may cause pain even with slight vibrations or collisions. This is due to the increase in estrogen levels before menstruation, breast hyperplasia, and edema of the breast tissue. These changes usually disappear after menstruation. In fact, a certain degree of emotional change before menstruation is a physiological change for most women and does not cause them distress. However, for some women with severe mental and physical symptoms, as well as their husbands, the recurring nature of these symptoms often becomes a source of distress. These special symptoms are medically referred to as "premenstrual tension syndrome."
3) Breast pain during pregnancy Some women experience breast pain around the 40th day of pregnancy due to the large secretion of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin by the placenta and chorion, leading to breast enlargement and pain. Severe cases may persist throughout the pregnancy and require no treatment. In the early stages of pregnancy, the breasts may enlarge slightly and become firmer and heavier. The breasts may feel full and tingly, and the small bumps on the dark yellow areolas around the nipples become more prominent. Women over 30 may feel uncomfortable during pregnancy, including breast pain, and some small tips can make your pregnancy life more comfortable.
4) Breast pain after childbirth Breast fullness, hardness, and pain often occur 3-7 days after childbirth. This is mainly due to lymphatic retention in the breast, engorged veins, interstitial edema, and blocked breast ducts. From the moment a woman leaves the delivery room, she begins her "postpartum recovery period." How well this recovery period goes directly affects whether she will have lingering aftereffects. Therefore, expectant mothers should learn about postpartum care in advance, especially what to do on the first day after childbirth.
5) Breast pain after induced abortion This occurs due to the sudden interruption of pregnancy, leading to a sharp drop in hormone levels, which causes the breasts, which had just begun to develop, to stop growing abruptly, resulting in breast lumps and pain. Experts believe that considering induced abortion should be done with extreme caution and, if possible, avoided altogether. Induced abortion is like digging a sore on good flesh—it harms the body.
6) Breast pain after sexual intercourse This is related to the physiological changes in the breasts during sexual intercourse. Those with low libido or an unsatisfactory sexual life may find it difficult for the breast congestion and enlargement to subside, or they may not subside completely. Persistent congestion can cause breast pain. Women need not worry about this at all, but if the pain does not subside for a long time, worsens, or if lumps with irregular shapes, unclear edges, and poor mobility are found when touching the breasts, they should seek medical attention promptly.
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