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Breast pain/nipple sensitivity is a completely normal occurrence amongst women and is usually nothing to be afraid of. As for everything, there is always an answer. So, what is it that is making your breasts hurt? Is it a sign you are ovulating?
Your breasts may hurt during ovulation, and the degree of pain varies from woman to woman. Estrogen can stimulate breast tissue which causes pain, with estrogen and lutenizing hormone levels being higher during ovulation.
What Is Ovulation?
Ovulation is a process that happens to the female body in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. This released egg then makes its way down the fallopian tube where it stays put for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the egg can be fertilized.
For women trying to conceive, ovulation is an exciting time as they have higher chances of being successful. With live sperm in the fallopian tube (sperm can live for as long as 5 days) its interacting with the travelling egg is a potential for a fetus to be made, resulting in pregnancy.
What Does Ovulation Do To The Body?
As women we know of the aches and pains the follow us. Whether that is stomach cramps or sore breasts, there is always something. These aches and pains occur in response to our female body working and is a completely normal situation to be in.
Each month women ovulate lasting 12 to 24 hours, and with ovulation comes reactions. Not everyone experiences side effects to ovulating however it is still very possible.
So, what exactly does ovulation do to the body?
Nipple soreness
With hormones changing and ovulation in full swing, nipple soreness can occur. Not only is it the nipple but your entire breasts can be uncomfortable. The medical term for this is cyclical mastalgia.
Spotting
Spotting is where you are bleeding, similar to a period, however very light and in spots. This is another sign that you are ovulating but will only last a couple days.
Change in vaginal discharge
Some find that the way their vaginal discharge is has changed, becoming wetter and clearer.
Ovary pain
Ovary pain is common among most women. This is the pain women feel in the lower abdomen and only lasts for a few minutes or hours.
Ovulation Or Pregnancy?
When it comes to breast discomfort and nipple soreness, people often question whether it means they are ovulating or they are pregnant. It can be confusing to know which one is the case as many of the warning symptoms are similar.
Similarities include:
- Nipple sensitivity
- Breast discomfort
- Spotting
- Mood change
Because of these similarities, you will not truly know the answer until your next cycle (if your period does not arrive, then should you look into pregnancy possibilities).
The Difference Between Ovulation And Pregnancy Breast Pain
Telling the difference is a difficult task for the feeling of the breast pain is identical. However, there is a way you can identify what the cause is.
If you know that you are due to ovulate (this is around two weeks before your period should start) then there is a high chance you not are pregnant. There is no possible way of having your period and conceiving.
On the other hand, it may occur that your nipples are still sensitive and breasts sore past those two weeks and during the time of their expected period. If this is the case, you may be pregnant.
Alternative Reasons For Breast Pain
On some occasions, breast pain may not be a sign of ovulation. However, there are plenty of answers for this.
Other reasons breast pain can occur are:
- Cyst in breast
- Breastfeeding
- Sexual nipple play
- Changes in diet
- Cancer (however, this is rare)
When To Be Concerned
Sometimes breast pain can be a call for concern and eventually it would be best to contact your doctor. Although it could end up being nothing, it is always worth checking in with a medical professional if:
- The pain is intense
- You get a positive pregnancy test result
- Breast pain doesn’t go away
- You find a lump in the breast
How To Relieve Breast Pain
Breast pain is nothing fun, nor is nipple soreness, and every woman who experiences this would love nothing more than to make it stop. There are no specifically known remedies to cure this pain, but there are some tips that may help.
Diet
A reason for breast pain can be because of your current diet. If you know you have recently changed your way of eating, this may be a reason as to why you are suffering. Try switching your meals and reduce the amount of fat you are consuming. This is said to have an impact.
Bras
Bras have their ups and downs and in this cause could be the cause of your breast pain. More often than not are women wearing bras too small for them. If this is you, buy a larger size or don’t wear a bra at all to release that tension.
Soothing
Soothe your breasts with ice packs or a heated compress. This will soothe the area and make the problem bearable.
Medication
If the pain becomes too much, try taking some over the counter medication. If you are feeling comfortable, let the pharmacist know what you are feeling – the more they know about your symptoms, the more specific their advice and suggestions for relief will be.
Final Thoughts
Breasts can hurt during ovulation – unfortunately it is a normal symptom to experience, and doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong. That doesn’t mean it is a ‘good’ thing, though!
There are many women who jump to the worst conclusions when more than likely this breast pain is due to subtle reasons. Either they are ovulating, breastfeeding, or their bra is on too tight.
Aside from ovulation, the next theory is pregnancy. One known sign of pregnancy is sore breasts and this feeling is identical to ovulation pain. Because of this, it is hard to know what the answer is – the only thing you can do is wait.
Overall, breast pain during ovulation is a normal thing to happen; this is just your body changing. However, if you do have any concerns, do not be afraid to contact your doctor.
