Inverted nipple 2295417 220155621 2008-06-18T15:14:19Z Berkunt 7077148 [[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 220155520 by [[Special:Contributions/78.151.99.92|78.151.99.92]] ([[User talk:78.151.99.92|talk]]) vandalism An '''inverted nipple''' (occasionally '''invaginated nipple''') is a [[nipple]] that, instead of pointing outward, is retracted into the [[breast]]. In some cases, the nipple will be temporarily protruded if stimulated, but in others, the inversion remains regardless of stimulus. Women and men can have inverted nipples. == Pregnancy and breastfeeding == Women with inverted nipples may find that their nipples protract (come out) temporarily or permanently during pregnancy, or as a result of [[breastfeeding]]. Most women with inverted nipples who give birth are able to breastfeed without complication, but inexperienced mothers may experience higher than average pain and soreness when initially attempting to nurse. When a mother uses proper breastfeeding technique, the infant latches onto the [[areola]], not the nipple, so women with inverted nipples are actually able to breastfeed without issue. An [[infant]] that latches on well may be able to slush out an inverted nipple. The use of a [[breast pump]] or other suction device immediately before a feeding may help to draw out inverted nipples. A hospital grade electric pump may be used for this purpose. Some women also find that using a [[Nipple shield (breastfeeding)| nipple shield]] can help facilitate breastfeeding. [[Image:invertednipple.jpg|thumb|Inverted Nipple]] [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/IBC] ==Methods which cause inverted nipples to protract== Some people with inverted nipples consider them to be a cosmetic [[deformity]] and seek methods to protract them. [[Plastic surgery]] is one method of protracting inverted nipples. If a woman elects to have this surgery performed on her inverted nipples, it can permanently destroy her capacity to [[breastfeed]]. Another method of protracting inverted nipples is to have the nipple [[body piercing|pierced]]. This method will only be effective if the nipple can be temporarily protracted. If pierced when protracted, the jewellery may prevent the nipple from returning to its inverted state. Like surgery, this method can have adverse effects. The success of both of these methods, from a cosmetic standpoint, is mixed. Other strategies for protracting inverted nipples include regularly stimulating the nipples to a protruding state, in an attempt to gradually loosen the nipple tissue. Some [[sex toy| sex toys]] designed for nipple stimulation, such as suction cups or [[nipple clamp|clamps]] may also cause inverted nipples to protract or stay protracted longer. There are special devices specifically designed to draw out inverted nipples or a homemade nipple protractor can be constructed out of a 10 cc disposable [[syringe]]. These methods are often used in preparation for breast-feeding, which can sometimes cause inverted nipples to become protracted permanently. Two methods which are now discouraged are [[breast shell| breast shells]] and the [[Hoffman technique]]. Breast shells may be used to apply gentle constant pressure to the [[areola]] in order to try and break any adhesions under the skin that are preventing the nipple from being drawn out. The shells are worn inside the [[brassiere|bra]]. The Hoffman technique is a nipple stretching exercise that may help loosen the adhesions at the base of the nipple when performed several times a day. Although both techniques are heavily promoted, a 1992 study found that not only do shells and the Hoffman technique not promote more successful breastfeeding, they may actually disrupt it.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Alexander |first=JM |coauthors=et al. |year=1992 |month=Apr |title= Randomized controlled trial of breast shells and Hoffman's exercises for inverted and non-proctractile nipples, |journal=British Medical Journal. |volume=304 |issue=6833 |pages=1030–2}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== * [http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T021800.asp Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples] *Inflammatory Breast Cancer http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/IBC [[Category:Breast]] [[da:Indadvendte brystvorter]] [[nl:Ingetrokken tepels]] [[ja:陥没乳首]]