Nipple discharge – what’s normal and what’s not

Nipple discharge is often normal, but sometimes it can be a sign that something’s wrong. Here’s what you should know.

What is it?

What causes it?

When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

What’s the treatment?

Have you noticed fluid leaking from your breasts? It may make you feel scared and unsettled, but many causes of nipple discharge are harmless and nothing to worry about. In some cases, however, it can be a sign of something more serious. Here’s what you need to know.

Nipple discharge is when liquid leaks from a nipple. It can happen in 1 or both breasts, either when the nipple is squeezed or on its own.

It’s very common – research suggests more than 80% of women will have nipple discharge during their lifetime. It’s most likely if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.

There are lots of reasons why you might have nipple discharge. Most causes are harmless, but sometimes it’s a sign of something more serious – so it’s best to get it checked.


## What is it?

Nipple discharge is any fluid that comes out of a nipple. It can be different colours – from clear, white, or yellow to green or black.

It’s common, and is usually nothing to worry about. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a problem, especially if:

- it’s bloody 
- it comes out without you touching or squeezing your nipple
- it only happens on 1 breast
- you also have other symptoms, such as [breast pain](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/breastpaincyclical), swelling, redness, or changes to how your nipple looks.

You [should see a doctor](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/nipple-discharge#when-to-see-a-doctor) if you’re getting nipple discharge, so they can check what’s causing it.


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## What causes it?

While anyone can get nipple discharge, it’s most common if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, which can lead to leaking from your nipples. 

Other reasons why you might have nipple discharge include:

- a milk duct that has become blocked or enlarged
- a breast infection ([mastitis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/mastitis))
- non-cancerous changes in your breast that happen as you age (duct ectasia)
- side-effects from medication, such as the [contraceptive pill](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/drugs/combined-pill)
- a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma), which causes a milky white discharge
- a breast injury – such as during sports
- hormonal changes – such as during your [period](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/periods) or [menopause](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/menopause)
- non-cancerous cysts
- a small, non-cancerous lump in the breast (papilloma)
- underactive thyroid ([hypothyroidism](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/thyroid-under-active)) 
- your nipples are being stimulated by friction from clothing 
- sexual arousal
- stress.

Nipple discharge can be a sign of breast cancer, so get yourself checked.


## When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

You should always see a doctor if you’re getting nipple discharge. It’s likely to be nothing to worry about, but there’s a small chance it could be a sign of a cyst or breast cancer.

At the appointment, your doctor will run you through a chest/breast exam, and ask about your symptoms.

If they think it needs investigating, they may refer you to a hospital or a breast clinic for tests, such as:

- a mammogram (breast X-ray) or an ultrasound scan
- hormone blood tests – to check your thyroid and prolactin levels
- a biopsy – when a small sample of cells is taken for testing.


## What’s the treatment?

If a cause isn’t found, you may not need any treatment.

If you do need treatment, this may include: 

- changing or stopping a medication
- antibiotics – if you have a breast infection
- medicated creams – to treat skin conditions such as [eczema](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/eczema-atopic)
- surgery – to remove one or more milk ducts, or to remove a lump or cyst. 


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References

Amelia Glean

Susie Parker

Dr Emily Blount

Article information

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