Why Do Men Have Nipples?

Did you know that pop star Harry Styles has four nipples? Here we are wondering about why men have nipples at all, and then we find out some of them have more than the usual two! Women’s nipples, which have long been a source of fascination to many, from nip slips by celebrities to feminist movements encouraging you to ‘#freethenipple,’ are well covered (pun intended) by the media. Men’s nipples, on the other hand, though no less fascinating, pose a big question mark. 

So, why do men even have nipples if they don’t breastfeed?

Solved: The mystery of why men have nipples

It all comes down to how we start developing in the womb. Early on, all embryos follow the same basic blueprint. By default, this initial design includes nipples, which begin to form even before an embryo's sex is set in stone.

Around seven weeks into pregnancy, a gene called SRY (found on the Y chromosome) kicks in, setting the wheels in motion for male reproductive development. This gene directs the formation of male-specific organs like the penis and testicles, while female embryos without a Y chromosome continue on a path towards developing ovaries and other female reproductive organs. However, by the time this distinction begins, nipple structures are already in place and going nowhere.

Four to six weeks, that’s when nipple development begins in embryos, thanks to two small ridges known as mammary crests or ‘milk lines’ that stretch from the armpit down to the groin. These lines mostly disappear as male development progresses, but the cells around the chest — the ones that form nipples and areolas — stick around even after sex is determined.

So, men have nipples simply because they’re part of the universal human design. By the time a foetus gets the hormonal signal to develop male-specific features, the nipples are already a done deal.

Just decorative dots on dudes?

While male nipples are often thought of as vestigial — like the appendix or wisdom teeth — they’re not exactly useless. Despite being ‘leftovers’ from early foetal development, they do have a purpose. 

Male nipples are actually quite sensitive and contain a dense network of nerves, making them a secondary sex characteristic, much like facial hair or an Adam’s apple. This nerve density is even greater in men than in women, which means that when it comes to sensitivity, male nipples are topping the charts. 

While they can’t be used for breastfeeding, male nipples are responsive to touch and can even enhance sexual arousal. A study found that nipple stimulation boosted arousal in 52% of men. So, despite not having a direct biological function like lactation, male nipples hold their own in the pleasure department.

Another fun fact about male nipples is that male lactation (very rarely) is possible. If a man has the right hormonal changes (like an increase in prolactin), he can actually produce milk! This is called male galactorrhea and is typically triggered by medication, malnutrition, or health issues.

Definitely not decorative: The Importance of breasts for men

Since male nipples serve as an erogenous zone, packed with sensitive nerve endings that can boost arousal, these vestigial ‘leftovers’ from early development might have an evolutionary role as well — sparking sexual desire and pushing towards reproduction. 

An important point to note: Male nipples can also give early warning signs of serious health issues, like breast cancer, which, while rare in men, can be more dangerous due to lack of awareness. If you notice any changes in your nipple area, like lumps or skin issues, get them checked by your healthcare provider. 

Does having breasts and nipples make men prone to breast cancer? 

While the answer to this question is yes, male breast cancer is much less common than breast cancer in women. Men have a small amount of breast tissue, and like women, they can develop cancer in this tissue. Most often, it affects older men, typically over the age of 60, but it can happen at any age. Symptoms of male breast cancer may include a lump in the breast tissue, changes to the nipple or breast skin (such as dimpling, puckering, or scaling), or nipple discharge. Risk factors include genetic predisposition (especially mutations in the BRCA2 gene), exposure to estrogen, liver disease, obesity, and a family history of breast cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so any unusual changes should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.

Male lactation and other interesting facts about male nipples

Can men lactate? Yes! While lactation is typically associated with women, male lactation is a real but rare phenomenon. In men, the same milk-producing structures exist, although underdeveloped, because all humans begin development with similar basic anatomy. Male lactation can occur in certain circumstances, such as extreme hormonal imbalances, side effects from medications (like those affecting prolactin levels), or specific health conditions involving the pituitary gland.

Other interesting facts: 

• They are highly sensitivity: Male nipples can be an erogenous zone due to their nerve supply. For some, nipple stimulation releases oxytocin and prolactin (hormones linked to pleasure) and can even lead to orgasm.

• Nipples can change over time: A man's nipples may change in size, colour, and sensitivity due to puberty, hormone shifts, weight fluctuations, or ageing. Areolas can stretch or darken, especially with weight gain or loss. 

• They can be a window into other health issues: Changes in nipple size, shape, colour, or texture, especially if asymmetrical, can sometimes be early indicators of liver disease, hormone imbalances, or even testicular tumours.

Frequently asked questions

1. What purpose do nipples serve on a man?

Male nipples don’t have a biological function like breastfeeding, but they are sensitive to touch and serve as an erogenous zone capable of enhancing sexual arousal.

2. What is the purpose of the male breast?

Male breasts, while not functional for lactation, contain tissue similar to females and can be a sign of hormonal changes or health issues.

3. Are male nipples sensitive to touch?

Yes, male nipples are quite sensitive due to a dense network of nerves, making them responsive to touch and stimulating for arousal.

4. Why are men interested in nipples?

Men are often interested in nipples because they’re sensitive, and stimulating them can enhance sexual arousal, similar to other erogenous zones.

5. How can a man lose nipples fast?

Male nipples themselves can’t be ‘lost,’ but if you're referring to reducing the appearance of chest tissue, exercises and body fat reduction may help. If it's a medical concern like gynaecomastia, consulting a doctor is the best course of action.