The Perfect Nipples

Nipples are a unique topic seeing as we all have them. While women have breasts, both men and women have nipples.

Nipples are meant for more than a way for breastmilk to make its way out. Well then, what are nipples for?

Do perfect nipples exist? Nipples really are a peculiar part of our bodies, so it’s no wonder we rarely talk about them.

There are many different types of nipples, and we’re going to explore them.

The Anatomy of Nipples

When we think of nipples, we think of both the areolas & nipples together. This is simply because together they’re a team. Let’s look deeper into the nipple anatomy.

Areolas

The area surrounding your nipple is known as the areola. This area is typically darker than your skin tone, though for a few this isn’t the case.

Some areolas are very similar to a person’s skin tone while some may be significantly darker.

The color of your areolas is unique to your body, one areola may even be a different color than the other.

The areolas are typically a round shape with a 4cm diameter, though some can be uneven, lopsided, much bigger, or much smaller.

Their shape & size can change during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Nipples

Like we mentioned earlier, many different types of nipples exist.

There are arguments over how many different nipple types exist and scientific studies have even been done to determine what the preferred nipple placement on women’s breast is.

When it all comes down to it, there are 8 general types of nipples people have.

Nipples can change over time due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain or loss, and cosmetic breast surgery.

Always remember, if your nipples change and you’re unsure as to why then you should consult with your doctor to rule out any chance of breast cancer.

You may also like: The Perfect Breast

The Different Types of Nipples

Before we introduce the 8 different types of nipples, we’re going to point out that this list is specifically referring to the nipple rather than the placement.

Nipple placement can range from high to low, inside to outside, perfectly in the middle, and everywhere in between.

When you factor that into our list, there are practically endless types of nipples – even more so when you consider that one nipple can be different from the other!

The Kind that Stick Out

These nipples protrude even without stimulation. When they are stimulated, protruding nipples will stick out even more.

Flat Nipples

Flat nipples are generally flat and are at the same level as the areola. With stimulation, they will usually stick out.

Puffy Nipples

Puffy nipples team up with the areola and puff out, creating a raised mound on the breast.

Inverted Nipples

Inverted nipples are the opposite of the kind that stick out. They have an inverted look, meaning they retract into the areola. It’s possible to raise the nipples out with your hands and stimulation

Bumpy Nipples

Bumpy nipples have more defined Montgomery glands, which are the bumps that can appear around the areola.

These bumps can range from slightly bumpy to very bumpy. These bumps are often a slightly different shade than the areola, making them seem more defined.

Unilateral Inverted

This is when two nipples are on different pages; one is inverted while the other sticks out a bit. If this is a relatively new occurence, then it would be best to consult with your doctor about it ASAP.

It can be a sign of breast cancer. If your nipples have always been this way, then there is no need to worry.

Extra Nipples aka Supernumerary

Having extra nipples is referred to as supernumerary. It is more common than people think to have an extra nipple or two somewhere on your body.

They can appear as a mole or look similar to a fully formed nipple.

Hairy

The areola naturally has hairs that can be either fine or coarse depending on one’s hair type.

Some people have more hair than others. Many women pluck theirs with tweezers, which is perfectly fine to do.

So What are the Perfect Nipples?

It’s quite impossible to define what the perfect nipples are.

According to one study, the preferred nipple placement was surveyed to be slightly lateral from the center horizontally and sitting vertically in the middle.

However, this is completely referring to the placement rather than the nipple itself.

But just like we mentioned in our post about the perfect breasts, the answer to what the perfect nipples are is completely dependent on who you ask.

Some guys like nipples that stick out while other guys like them puffy. As for a woman’s preference for men’s nipples, we’re sorry to say we don’t happen to have any insight on that right now.

Don’t Hesitate to See A Doctor

Breast, areola, and nipple changes are normal. However, there are times when changes signal an underlying health conditioning is present.

If any of the following happens to you, it’s best you seek a medical care provider as soon as possible:

• Unexplained soreness & tenderness
• Unexplained bruising
• Nipple discharge
• Blood coming from the nipple
• Unusual lumps & swelling
• Redness or rashing
• Sudden changes – for example, a nipple becoming inverted

Conclusion

When it comes to nipples, they sure are weird. But don’t feel shy about them because everyone has them.

There are all sorts of nipples and the perfect type of nipple is all up to your personal preference.

And if you’re unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor.