Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for reaching out to our community for suggestions.
I am glad that you have spoken with your physician about this problem. Follow his or her recommendation.
I am wondering if indeed you are lactating or is this just a discharge caused by sexual arousal.
When a woman is pregnant or has just had a baby, lactation is an entirely normal and expected process. This secretion of milk from the mammary glands is created by the hormone oxytocin. This hormone stimulates uterine contractions and kicks lactation into high gear within days after giving birth.
However, sometimes lactation happens when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. This milky white discharge from the breasts is known as galactorrhea, and it is usually a sign of an underlying problem, such as a disorder of the pituitary glands or a side effect of some medications.
Galactorrhea is considered abnormal lactation, which results in a milky discharge from the nipples that is not part of normal milk production, nor does it happen during times that milk production would be expected, such as during late pregnancy or after birth. The good news is that galactorrhea usually goes away on its own, especially when the underlying medical condition is treated.
Anonymous, regarding your concern that this may interfere with or prevent conception, speak with your physician again. Be certain you do not have galactorrhea.
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Hello Anonymous,
Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for reaching out to our community for suggestions.
I am glad that you have spoken with your physician about this problem. Follow his or her recommendation.
I am wondering if indeed you are lactating or is this just a discharge caused by sexual arousal.
When a woman is pregnant or has just had a baby, lactation is an entirely normal and expected process. This secretion of milk from the mammary glands is created by the hormone oxytocin. This hormone stimulates uterine contractions and kicks lactation into high gear within days after giving birth.
However, sometimes lactation happens when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. This milky white discharge from the breasts is known as galactorrhea, and it is usually a sign of an underlying problem, such as a disorder of the pituitary glands or a side effect of some medications.
Galactorrhea is considered abnormal lactation, which results in a milky discharge from the nipples that is not part of normal milk production, nor does it happen during times that milk production would be expected, such as during late pregnancy or after birth. The good news is that galactorrhea usually goes away on its own, especially when the underlying medical condition is treated.
Anonymous, regarding your concern that this may interfere with or prevent conception, speak with your physician again. Be certain you do not have galactorrhea.
Regards,
June 8, 2016 - 8:14amMaryann
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