CUH

Breasts

SHAC - Sexual Health Advice Centre

When will my breasts start to grow?

Girls breasts start to grow some time before you start your periods. One breast might grow faster than the other and they, or the nipples, might itch or tingle.

 

 

 

Why aren't my breasts the same size and shape as my friends' breasts?

Some girls and women have breasts that always remain small. Breasts can be small, or large and point up or down. Nipples can point up, down, or inwards and can be dark or light.

 

"Different girls and women have different shaped and sized breasts."

 

 

Is it normal to have one breast bigger than the other?

Some women have breasts that differ slightly in size and, or, shape. In most cases only they will notice this difference.

 

 

 

Can breasts change size and shape?

The size of breasts can change because of weight gain, or loss, during the menstrual cycle and when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. As you get older your breasts usually get bigger and sometimes droopier.

 

 

 

Do I have to wear a bra, and when should I start?

Bras are not necessary for the health of breasts. Girls and women wear bras for comfort, to stop their breasts wobbling about, to change their shape, or for fashion, or just because they enjoy wearing them. You can start wearing a bra whenever you want. Some girls wear a bra only when they are doing sports, others wear one all the time, except when they are sleeping. Bras are made with different sized cups to fit different breast sizes, and you can ask to be measured in many shops that sell bras to ensure you get the correct size.

 

 

 

Sometimes I get sore breasts, is there anything I can do to make this better?

If you get sore breasts before your period a close-fitting or sports bra might help

 

 

 

What changes in my breasts and nipples should I look out for?

Nipples can temporarily change their size and shape when it gets colder, or hotter and when the girl or woman is feeling sexy. If you notice other changes in your breasts that last for longer you should go to see your doctor in case it is a sign of illness.

 

 

"Enjoy your breasts but also keep an eye on them."

 

 

What do lumps in the breasts mean?

It is very common for girls or women to develop small lumps in their breasts most of which are not serious. This is because breasts are a mixture of fatty parts and the parts that can make milk. Both parts often make little lumps. Because some lumps might be a developing cancer it is important to teach yourself how to examine your breasts to look for changes in texture, size and shape. Your GP will be very good at deciding which lumps are not serious and which ones should be looked at more closely.

> Breast pain

 

 

 

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Telephone SHAC for advice

Lines open Mondays to Friday: 0900 to 1630 hrs

 

Tel: 01223 217 774

 

There is a drop-in service for young people (19 and under) on Mondays (12.00-14.00).

 


 

Cambridgeshire Sexual Health Services

Book an appointment online

 

 

www.sexualhealthcambs.nhs.uk

 


 

On this site:

> Clinic 1a: Genito-Urinary medicine