Dear Alice,

I have inverted nipples. Is there anything that I can do to make them come out? I think that they are unattractive inverted. I have tried massaging them daily as doctors and magazines have suggested, but they do not stay out. They have only come out a couple of times when my boyfriend has sucked on them. Is there something wrong with them? One doctor said that I might have to get a minor surgical procedure.

—Inside-out



Dear Inside-Out,

The areola and nipples of women are the darkened areas of their breasts. The color can actually be anywhere from light pink to almost black. During pregnancy, it can become larger, and in some women, darker. The areola may have small bumps on it, which are sebaceous or oil glands that secrete a lubricant that protects the nipple during nursing. Hairs often grow out of the areolas that may increase over time or with the use of the birth control pill. Nipples may stick out, lie flat, or be inverted, as in your case. Each may be different and all are normal.

As you know, the nipple is the conduit for milk when a woman is breast feeding. There is no research to say that one or another type of nipple is better or worse for getting milk to a baby. Given all this, and that your concerns are cosmetic rather than health-oriented, you can learn to enjoy your nipples as they are rather than risk unnecessary surgery to a very functional part of your anatomy. Could you and your boyfriend make a challenge out of bringing out your nipples during sex play? Can the situation be reframed in a potentially fun and interesting manner? It's one way of making YOU special!

Alice