Dear Dr. G,

In the spirit of Pink October, I have some embarrassing matters on my chest.

As far as I can remember as a child, I noticed a small mole on the left side of my chest, next to my nipples.

Although a bit unsightly, the lump is not troubling at all.

Things began to change after I started puberty, when I noticed the moles became darker in colour and associated with bulkier lumps.

The curious thing is when I am aroused, I also noticed the lump to be more prominent and sensitive.

I went to the doctor, who told me the lump is likely to be two extra nipples; I was told it is just a remnant from a development as a child and has absolutely no role in sexual stimulation.

I have never heard of such nonsense and would like to put Dr. G on the spot to set the record straight.

What exactly is an extra nipple? Why does it appear?

How many types of extra nipples are there and where do they usually appear?

Incidentally, why do men have nipples and are they completely functionless?

I often find the nipple as a source of sexual stimulation; will this extra nipple play

such a role too?

I am so confused, please help me to clarify whether this is double trouble or potential double eroticism in my chest?

Yours truly,

Double-nipple David

Nipples are formed during development in the womb, appearing along the milk line, or the mammary ridge. This is the locations where breast tissues develop and regress in mammals, and it is anywhere between the armpits and the groin. In human embryogenesis, the mammary ridge appears as a narrow skin thickening in both sexes during the first seven weeks of pregnancy. As this occurs before sexual differentiation, this explains why men have nipples too.

After initial development of the milk line, they go into regression. Most humans have two nipples, but in some cases, additional ones will develop, usually growing along the milk line.

A supernumerary nipple occurs when extra nipples appear in addition to the pair of nipples in the usual location. In medical terms, this is also known as ectopic nipples, accessory nipples, vestigial nipples, or triple nipples.‌ The occurrence of a third nipple is estimated to be as frequent as 1 in every 18 individuals, although the exact prevalence may be higher due to many cases going unreported. Despite their distinct nature, these supernumerary nipples are often similar in appearance to regular nipples, containing glandular tissue, areola, and even sensitivity.

Throughout history, the perception of supernumerary nipples has varied widely. Ancient cultures often regarded them as a sign of good luck or fortune, with some associating them with mythical figures. However, modern society tends to view the presence of a third nipple as an unusual occurrence, often leading to curiosity, speculation, or even feelings of self-consciousness.

When an extra nipple is connected to the breast tissues and glands, it is known as polymastia. Supernumerary nipples can be classified to six categories depending on its existence with or without the pigmented skin around the nipple (areola) and the underlying breast tissues. The existence of areola and glandular tissues will also be influenced by hormonal changes and sexual stimulation.

The human breasts, especially the nipples, are highly sensitive with erogenous zones for both men and women, and the number of nerve endings of the breast are similar irrespective the sizes. The tactile stimulation often has a heightened sensitivity and stimulation that can generate sexual arousal and excitement.

Nipple stimulation is a common, but less talked about mode of human sexual practice either by itself or as part of sexual experience with partner. the third nipple shares similar properties with regular nipples, it stands to reason that it may carry the potential for sexual pleasure in some individuals. However, it is important to note that individual experiences and preferences in terms of erogenous zones vary greatly, making it difficult to generalize the role of sexual stimulation of an ectopic nipple.

Supernumerary nipples are essentially harmless. Some scientific publications link the condition with kidney cancers and end-stage renal diseases; however, such association is exceedingly rare. Most individuals with ectopic nipples are oblivious to their additional nipples, while some may be bothered by them and request surgical removal for cosmetic purposes. The removal process itself is usually a minor outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, with minimal complications.

Each person’s sexual preferences and erogenous zones are unique, making it challenging to predict whether and how a third nipple might enhance sexual stimulation. Some individuals with ectopic nipples report feeling pleasure or heightened sensitivity when their supernumerary nipple is stimulated. This can be attributed to the presence of nerve endings and erogenous tissue, like regular nipples.

When Dr. G is put on the spot by troubled men and women with a mole-like lesion on their chests and curious of a possible extra nipple, his view is that the extra nipple is a thing of beauty that needs no explanation. Questioning whether it fulfil its purpose is pointless, as the additional interpretation by the creator is lacking. Why interfere with nature when the double trouble may just actually be doubly pleasurable.

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