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Medically reviewed by Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki, board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Los Angeles. Last updated 2026-06-13.<\/em><\/p>

Nipple pain in men is more common than most patients realize — and while it’s usually benign, a small percentage of cases signal something that needs medical attention. This guide walks through the 10 most common causes, when to see a doctor, and what diagnostic workup to expect.<\/p>

10 reasons men get nipple pain — and what each one usually means<\/h2>
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cause of nipple pain in men<\/th>\nHow common<\/th>\nWhen to worry<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Gynecomastia (true glandular)<\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\nIf persistent >6 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hormonal shifts (puberty, andropause)<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nIf lasting >12 months in adults<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Friction \/ chafing (runner’s nipple)<\/td>\nVery common<\/td>\nRarely<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trauma or contact injury<\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nIf swelling persists >2 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Skin infection (cellulitis, folliculitis)<\/td>\nLess common<\/td>\nIf redness spreads or fever<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medication side effect<\/td>\nLess common<\/td>\nDiscuss with prescriber<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anabolic steroid use<\/td>\nCommon in users<\/td>\nIf lump develops<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allergic reaction (laundry, body wash)<\/td>\nLess common<\/td>\nIf recurs with same product<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cysts or benign growths<\/td>\nLess common<\/td>\nIf new or growing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Male breast cancer<\/td>\nRare (≈1% of breast cancers)<\/td>\nAny hard, fixed, painless lump — see doctor immediately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>
The 10 leading causes of nipple pain in men, with red-flag indicators.<\/figcaption><\/figure>

1. Gynecomastia (the most common surgical cause)<\/h2>

True gynecomastia — glandular breast tissue growth in men — affects up to 65% of adolescent males and 24–65% of adult men<\/a> at some point. Early-phase gynecomastia is often tender or painful because the tissue is actively growing. If pain persists more than 6 months or you can feel a firm rubbery mass under the areola, schedule an exam.<\/p>

2. Hormonal shifts (puberty, andropause, thyroid)<\/h2>

Testosterone and estrogen rebalancing during puberty and andropause both cause transient tender breast tissue. The Endocrine Society<\/a> recommends a basic hormone panel (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin, TSH) if symptoms persist more than 12 months in adults.<\/p>

3. Friction (a.k.a. «runner’s nipple»)<\/h2>

Long-distance runners, cyclists, and rowers regularly develop nipple pain from repetitive shirt friction. The fix: nipple tape, lubricant (Body Glide), or technical wicking fabrics. If you see cracking or bleeding, treat with petrolatum + cover with a hydrocolloid bandage until healed.<\/p>

4. Trauma or contact injury<\/h2>

Direct impact during contact sports, weightlifting straps cutting in, or even rough sleep position can cause days of soreness. Apply cold compress for 48 hours, then warm compress. If swelling persists past 2 weeks or you feel a firm lump where the bruise was, get it checked.<\/p>

5. Skin infection<\/h2>

Folliculitis, cellulitis, or — rarely in men — mastitis can cause a red, warm, tender nipple. If the redness is spreading or you develop fever, see a doctor that day for antibiotics.<\/p>

6. Medication side effects<\/h2>

Several common medications can cause breast tenderness or true gynecomastia. The most-reported include spironolactone, cimetidine, ketoconazole, finasteride, calcium channel blockers, and certain antipsychotics. UpToDate’s drug-induced gynecomastia list<\/a> is the standard reference. If you started a new drug in the last 3–6 months, that’s the first thing to discuss with your prescriber.<\/p>

7. Anabolic steroid use<\/h2>

Exogenous testosterone aromatizes to estrogen, which directly stimulates breast tissue. Steroid-induced gynecomastia often presents as painful, asymmetric, firm tissue under one or both areolas within weeks of cycle start<\/strong>. Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole) and SERMs (tamoxifen, raloxifene) are sometimes used to manage symptoms, but surgical correction is often required once gland tissue is established.<\/p>

8. Allergic or contact reaction<\/h2>

A new detergent, body wash, or fabric softener can cause contact dermatitis on sensitive nipple skin. Switch products to fragrance-free; the inflammation usually resolves in 7–14 days.<\/p>

9. Benign cysts and growths<\/h2>

Sebaceous cysts, lipomas, and fibroadenomas can occur near or under the nipple. They’re almost always benign, but any new lump deserves an exam — and possibly an ultrasound — to rule out something more serious.<\/p>

10. Male breast cancer (rare, but always check)<\/h2>

Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers<\/a> — roughly 2,800 new cases per year in the US. The classic presentation is a hard, fixed, painless lump<\/strong> — but pain doesn’t rule it out. Red flags: nipple retraction, nipple discharge (especially bloody), skin dimpling, lump that doesn’t move when you push it. Any of these warrant a same-week doctor visit.<\/p>

When to see a doctor<\/h2>