Nipple discharge is when fluid leaks from one or both nipples and it can happen during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it’s also quite common for many people with breasts who aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding to experience discharge.
Discharge isn’t usually a problem if it’s milky, yellow, or green, or if it’s because someone recently stopped breastfeeding. But if the discharge is abnormal, like if it’s bloody, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.
Normal nipple discharge usually doesn’t happen spontaneously; someone has to provoke it. It typically comes from both breasts and may come out of multiple ducts. Milky, yellow, green, or white discharge can occur and still be normal, often due to various reasons.
Milky discharge can be triggered by nipple stimulation, especially if someone recently stopped breastfeeding. This type of discharge can also happen during pregnancy or up to a year after giving birth. There’s a condition called galactorrhea where people produce milk even when they’re not breastfeeding, due to an increased release of the hormone prolactin.
Medication can also cause nipple discharge, leading to milk production and leakage without breastfeeding.
Abnormal, or pathologic, discharge may originate from a problem inside the breast. This type of discharge often comes from only one breast or a single duct and tends to happen spontaneously, meaning it doesn’t require nipple stimulation. Signs of abnormal discharge include bloody or brown fluid and discharge resembling serum.
Intraductal papillomas, which are non-cancerous, cauliflower-like growths in the breast ducts, are a common cause of abnormal discharge. Similarly, ductal ectasia, a benign condition involving a widened milk duct with thickened walls, may cause unusual discharge.
Most of the time, nipple discharge isn’t linked to breast cancer, though clear or bloody discharge can be a symptom in some cases. While bloody discharge usually prompts a visit to a healthcare provider, it isn’t always caused by something worrisome. For instance, bloody discharge might occur during breastfeeding due to increased blood flow as the body produces milk.
If you’re experiencing concerning nipple discharge, a healthcare provider can help identify the cause. They’ll inquire about your symptoms and medical history to explore possible reasons for the discharge. If there’s concern about possible pathology, they might suggest a breast exam, including imaging like an MRI, to look at your breast ducts and identify any growths.
Recognizing the types of nipple discharge can help you monitor your health. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide more insight into whether your discharge is normal and what might be causing it.
