What is Nipple Discharge? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
January 19, 2026
What is Nipple Discharge? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Spotting fluid coming from one or both nipples can be a surprise and sometimes alarming. While nipple discharge is usually harmless and associated with normal body processes in women, it may occasionally point to an underlying illness which needs immediate attention. Understanding the type of nipple discharge, its underlying cause, and how to seek relief can reduce anxiety and improve early detection of a more serious condition.
What Is Nipple Discharge?
Nipple discharge is fluid that comes out of the nipple without being breastfed or pumped (not including breastmilk). The discharge may appear spontaneously or only when the nipple is squeezed. It can affect one or both breasts and may vary in colour, thickness, and consistency.
Breast discharge is more common in women during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth (lactation). It happens for many other reasons. In most cases, it is benign, especially when its association with hormonal changes is well known.
However, some symptoms, such as bloody discharge, persistent discharge or single breast discharge, may be serious and are subject to medical evaluation. A doctor can examine your breasts and determine the cause of any nipple discharge other than lactation.
Nipple discharge can occur in men and is always abnormal.
What Types of Nipple Discharge Are Normal?
Not all nipple discharge is a concern. Some types are physiological, i.e. they occur naturally and without disease. Your nipple discharge may be normal if:
- It is either clear or slightly cloudy.
- It is white, yellow, or green.
- It is from both breasts.
- It occurs when the nipple is held or squeezed.
- It is secreted from several milk (or breast) ducts.
- It does not cause any pain, lumps or skin changes.
What Types of Nipple Discharge Are Abnormal?
Your nipple discharge is not normal if:
- It discharges blood from one or both breasts.
- It comes out of one breast.
- It comes out without touching or pressing your nipple.
- It is associated with other symptoms, such as breast pain, swelling, redness, or nipple changes, such as inversion or rash.
What are the common causes of nipple discharge?
Nipple discharge can occur for many reasons, from normal physiological processes to medical conditions.
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Hormonal change (like adolescence, menstruation and menopause)
- Some drugs, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and blood pressure drugs
- Non-cancerous cysts
- Breast injury
- Stress
- Sexual arousal
Another common cause is benign breast conditions. They include:
- Duct ectasia, where milk ducts loosen and become inflamed.
- Intraductal papilloma, a non-cancerous growth or lump within a milk duct.
- Fibrocystic breast changes, which may result in tenderness and fluid release.
- Hypothyroidism, an underactive, severe thyroid disorder.
- Galactorrhoea, a condition where milk is produced and secreted from the breast spontaneously due to high blood levels of the hormone prolactin.
Mastitis or abscesses of the breasts can cause thick, pus-like discharge with redness, swelling and pain.
In some rarer cases, nipple discharge may be associated with breast cancer, particularly when bloody, spontaneous, or occurs in only one breast. Cancer is not the most likely cause, but it should always be excluded if there are warning signs.
What Nipple Discharge Colours May Indicate
In some cases, the colour of nipple discharge can provide information about its cause, but it is not diagnostic on its own.
|
Milky White |
It can also be attributed to hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or drugs. |
|
Clear or Watery |
The discharge from one breast is a rare but consistent, clear discharge and should be evaluated for breast cancer. |
|
Yellow or Green |
It is associated frequently with duct ectasia or infection. |
|
Brown |
This might indicate old blood in the ducts. |
|
Bloody |
It is alarming and warrants immediate medical attention. |
Transparencies in colour or breast discharge, as well as other symptoms, should not be ignored.
Also Read: Preconception Check-up
How Is Nipple Discharge Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with an accurate medical history and physical examination of the breast. Your doctor may ask when the discharge began, whether it occurs alone, or if there are any underlying symptoms such as pain, lumps or skin changes.
Additional tests may be needed based on the findings:
- Blood tests to test for hormones, primarily thyroid and prolactin.
- Mammogram (breast X-ray), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used as diagnostic markers of breast cancer.
- Ductography, a specialised imaging technique used to photograph the milk ducts.
- Biopsy, if a suspicious lump or abnormal tissue is found.
These tests are used to determine whether the discharge is benign or needs further treatment.
Treatment Options for Nipple Discharge
Treatment is entirely dependent on the cause. Your treatment may be the following:
- Change or discontinuation of a medication.
- Removal of a lump or cyst.
- Taking out a milk duct.
- Antibiotics for breast infections.
- The discharge-causing condition, such as abscesses, may require drainage.
- Benign forms, such as intraductal papillomas, are sometimes surgically removed.
When to Call Your Doctor
While white, watery discharge from the nipple is typically harmless, some signs should prompt a visit from a medical professional. Make sure to notify your doctor if the discharge:
- Is pink or bloody.
- Happens spontaneously and does not squeeze.
- One breast is affected.
- Is associated with a breast lump or skin damage.
- Occurs in men.
- Persists for a long time, without explanation.
Getting a proper evaluation can help relieve stress and provide appropriate treatment if needed.
Conclusion
Nipple discharge is common, with many possible causes, most of which are benign. Understanding what normal is and what warning signs are possible can reduce unnecessary worry and prompt medical attention when it is necessary. Check for colour, consistency, and symptoms, and ask for a checkup when something seems off to maintain breast health.
Yes. White, milky, or watery discharge from the nipple is usually normal. It occurs in both breasts. The discharge happens only when the nipple is pressed or squeezed. However, unusual nipple discharge needs evaluation.
Bloody nipple discharge is less common and often indicates an underlying breast condition. It always requires professional evaluation.
Stress itself does not cause milky, white discharge from the nipple. Rather, it may alter the hormonal balance, which causes the condition.
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