There are 9 types of nipples, which ones do you have? :
Different types of nipples vary according to shape, size, areola, and even color. In total there are 9 types of nipples in the world, what is yours?
Many types of nipples are distinguished by their shape. They can even have different shades, but they are traits that could only affect breastfeeding. It does not have to affect anything else.
In this article, we explain the different types of nipples that exist and the characteristics of each one. You may not know it, but just as each breast is different, there can be up to 9 different types of nipples. Join us in this curious article and discover which is yours.
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Types of nipples
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Flat or short
They are usually shorter or smaller than normal, although the areola does not have to be smaller. Besides, they tend to be at the same level as the areola, they do not protrude except when they are bristled or stimulated. It is not a worrying sign as it is one of the most widespread nipple types.
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Inverted or sunk
This is one of the most curious types of nipples because they are hidden in the areola. They are also known as retracted nipples and never protrude, even when stimulated. When this type occurs, it is normal for it to happen on both nipples.
In this case, there are surgeries and techniques, such as putting a piercing on the nipple, that can help you with this problem. These techniques can also be applied to pseudoinverse nipples and flat or short.
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Pseudoinverted or pseudo-sunk
Of the different types of nipples out there, these look a lot like inverted or sunken nipples, but they’re not as deep into the areola. The difference from the previous ones is that when they are stimulated, they do harden and stick out without difficulty.
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Unilateral
Having unilateral nipples means that each one has a different shape. It occurs in cases where one of the nipples is inverted or retracted, while the other is usually flat or normal. In these cases, many people choose to put a piercing on the invert to match them and not notice the difference.
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Polythelia or a third nipple
Of all the nipple types, this is most certainly the rarest of all. Also known as supernumerary nipples, it consists of a person having more than two nipples. It does not pose any health risk and is usually located close to the other nipples. [1]
However, there are cases when supernumerary nipples have appeared on other parts of the body, such as the belly, back, and even the foot. It can be more or less developed and in theory, they are smaller, but they can also be larger.
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Big nipples
The nipples are usually not too big, but there are exceptions in that they can be up to 20 cm long. In any case, it is not an inconvenience to health. Maybe you could have trouble breastfeeding if it’s too big for the baby. However, there are solutions to help pick it up so that the little one can hook easily.
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Furry
Among the different types of nipples, this occurs much more in men, but it can also occur in some women. It consists of having hair on the areola or around the nipple, and the amount can be variable depending on hormonal levels.
In women it is normal to have fine hair or some isolated hair in the breasts near the nipples, as well as there are men who hardly have any.
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Normal nipples
We can consider as a normal nipple the one that has the most natural and extended shape around the world. They are the ones that stand out a little, that does not stay too close to the areola nor very marked.
These do harden when stimulated and stand out noticing a little more. They usually have an average size of one centimeter or a little more.
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Nipples with marked Montgomery glands
The last of the nipple types is the one with the Montgomery glands marked and any of the above can have this characteristic. These areolar glands are present in the areola of all nipples, for both men and women. However, not all nipples are visible. In the case of women, the role of these glands is relevant during lactation, since they secrete a lubricating liquid that protects the areola.
It also protects the breasts against infections and the appearance of cracks in lactation. Finally, the smell of this substance stimulates babies’ appetites and guides them towards their mother’s breast to feed.
Different nipple colors
As you have seen, there are so many different types of nipples that no two are the same, sometimes even in the same body. There are also different shades of nipples, as well as skin tones, although the color of the nipples is usually some shades darker than that of the areola and the rest of the body. They can be lighter or darker, some have a more pinkish tone and others become browner in their multiple shades.
In the case of women, the tone of the nipple is darker than the color of the areola, or the skin itself also has its explanation. The reason is that at the time of breastfeeding it is much easier for the baby to locate it for suckling if it is dark in color.
Of all these different types of nipples, which ones do you have? Now you not only know all the classes there are, but you also know that none of them are harmful or evil.
