About this topic
Some people may have a milky discharge come out of one or both breasts. This happens even though they are not breast-feeding. This condition is galactorrhea. Most often, this happens in women. It may also happen in men or newborn babies. The breasts may leak when touched or without being touched. Sometimes, this problem will go away on its own. In newborn babies, the problem most often goes away within 2 weeks. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as directed by the doctor.
- Wear breast pads to prevent leakage through clothing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Change your hormone levels
- Treat pituitary tumors
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activity should not be limited with this problem. You may want to avoid too much stimulation to the breasts. ‚
What problems could happen?
Discharge from the nipple could be a sign of breast cancer or a pituitary tumor. It is important to see a doctor if you have any discharge from the nipple. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid breast stimulation during sex activity.
- Avoid tight-fitting or irritating clothing on the breasts.
- Do not do breast exams more than once a month.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Bloody discharge from the nipple
- You feel a lump or hardened area on the breast
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my breasts.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have bloody discharge from my nipples or a lump or hardened area in my breast.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor. org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/galactorrhea.printerview.all.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚