That said, theres a small chance your nipples might be trying to tell you something about your health.
First, a word about your nipples.
Before we start talking about normal nipples, lets get some definitions out of the way.
Getty/Ekaterina Morozova
So keep in mind that well be going by the anatomical definitions in this article.
Your nipples are big or small.
The size of your nipples means nothing.
Like really, nothing.
There are all different sizes and shapes.
Check outthis (NSFW) galleryfor a reality check on the wide range of what nips really look like.
You think youve got the wrong nipple color.
Nipple color is not indicative of health in any way, Patt tells SELF.
The exception here is if your nipples have suddenly turned red.
Otherwise, head to the doc and let them know how your nipple color has changed.
With any major nipple changes, seek evaluation from your health provider, she adds.
Your nipples dont stick outthey stick in.
Inverted nipples can be congenital, but they can also be acquired during ones lifetime, DiNome tells SELF.
And theyre not that uncommon.
Inverted nipples are totally safe and can happen with one or both breasts.
Generally, most women with inverted nipples canbreastfeednormally, though they may pose some challenges, notes Patt.
In some cases, inverted nipples can be altered surgically.
Theres discharge coming out of your nipples.
But for that same reason, those who are not breastfeeding can also have nipple discharge.
Most of the time it is physiologic, meaning its a result of normal processes, DiNome explains.
So itcanbe totally normal.
That said, lets talk about times when it might be a sign of something else.
In some cases, discharge can signalthyroid diseaseor be a sign of breast cancer.
Your nipples are really sensitiveor not sensitive at all.
Nipples can have all sorts of feelings (and not the emotional kind).
If your nipples are sensitive to the point where its painful, see the doctor.
This could be a sign of breast cancer or mastitis, infection of the breast.
Youve got hair on your nips.
Really, its fine.
[Hair around the nipples] is generally linked to hormonal changes, says Gaither.
So a few strands shouldnt freak you out.
This can stem from medical diagnoses likepolycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) and Cushing syndrome, Gaither says.
There are little bumps on your nipples and areolasknown as Montgomery glands, FYI.
Yes, those little bumps have a name!
Thats pretty cute, so were into it.
You experienced nipple growth or a change in nipple color during and after pregnancy.
Anyone whos been pregnant can anecdotallyattest to big nipples, but doctors too note the nipple growth.
The nipple usually darkens during pregnancy and after delivery, says Patt.
Likewise, Gaither tells SELF that the areolae become larger and the Montgomerys glands may become more pronounced.
You have an extra nipple.
It wasnt onlyChandler Bing: Third nipples do exist.
Another little nipple is totally safe, and total NBD.
This is called a supernumerary, or accessory nipple, Gaither tells SELF.
