When it comes to our bodies, it’s good to talk.
Because the more we talk, the more we realise that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the female body.
When we don’t talk, we allow ourselves to be persuaded by the media that our labia are too big, or our nipples too bumpy.
But this is just not the case.
When it comes to the areola, there are a rake of different things we can get caught up in – colour, size and texture to name a few.
And it’s not a bad thing to be aware of what’s going on around there, as familiarity with your nipples will help you to detect any changes that could possibly be malignant.
So here’s the story:
The little goosebump-like lumps around your nipples are called areolar glands and their job is to produce oily secretions to keep the area lubricated during breastfeeding.
They should NOT be squeezed.
According to Cosmopolitan, women typically have anything from 4 to 28 areolar glands but a little less or more is still perfectly fine.
The lumps that we should get checked are larger and tend to be under the flesh, but many turn out to be harmless cysts or benign tumours.
However, it is still important to go and see a doctor about any changes in your breast tissue, particularly new lumps, dry, cracking skin or nipple secretions from one nipple.
Any change is worth reporting, but if your nipples have always been the way they are currently, then that’s what’s perfectly normal for you.
