Changes in breast sensitivity at puberty, during the menstrual cycle, and at parturition

Abstract

Sensitivity to pain and touch was measured in the nipple, areola, and cutaneous breast tissue of prepubertal boys and girls, postpubertal men and nulliparous women, and pregnant women before and after delivery. Before puberty there were no differences between the sexes, but after puberty the tactile sensitivity of all areas of the women's breasts was significantly greater than the men's. Tactile sensitivity of all areas also varied during the menstrual cycle, with maximal sensitivity at mid-. © 1977, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.