Wonder Why Men Have Nipples?

These are some scientific reasons as to why men have nipples!

Monday, June 19, 2017, 12:33

We all humans have nipples and when a woman looks at a man's nipples it makes us wonder why are they even present. This article will give you all the scientific reasons and a better understanding about the human anatomy!

Did you know that it is not only the humans who have nipples, but a few other mammals have it as well. Now we are sure, even if you were not curious, this point would have made you think!

Check out the reasons as to why the male species has nipples when they do not even feed their offsprings!

Males Follow A Female Blueprint!

During the first 4 weeks of development in the womb, human embryos are said to follow a sort of genetic and developmental blueprint. This is generally a female one. During these 4 weeks, the foetus grows like a female, regardless of what sex and gender it turns out to be. After the 4th week the 'Y' chromosomes kick in and the foetus becomes male.

They Develop Milk Lines Before Chromosomes Kick In

One of the first things that develop in a foetus are the milk lines that run from the upper torso to the lower abdomen. Studies reveal that these milk lines develop generally before the XX or the XY chromosomes kick in!

The Testosterones Decide The Size Of The Nipples!

Testosterone presence in the womb spurs the foetus's body to shrink the milk lines and the breast tissue. This results in the reduced size of the nipples when compared to men.

Few Newborn Males Lactate At The Time Of Birth!

This comes as a surprise, but there have been cases of male babies lactating and this phenomenon is known as the "witch's milk." The lactating hormone known as the 'prolactin' passes from the mom into the baby via the placenta. This is why it results in babies lactating.

At Times When They Try To Feed Babies!

As seen in the African pygmy tribe, cuddling or spending time with a baby while pretending to feed the babies tends to show an increased amount of prolactin hormone while cutting down on their testosterone. During this process, their nipples turn into effective breasts.

Did You Know That Humans Are More Likely To Have An Extra Nipple?

According to researchers, humans are born with extra nipples. This phenomenon is more common in males than females. The rate of increased nipple growth is one in every forty newborn babies!

All Mammals Do Not Have Nipples!

Researchers reveal that other mammals like horses, mice, platypuses and a few others are born nipple-free. Even though these animals begin to grow nipples while in the womb, through the stages of development, the nipples shrink or disappear completely.

They Are Just There!

Since male nipples do not interfere with humans' lives it is okay for its existence as it doesn't impede the breeding, movement or even the human survival! Hence, there's no reason for natural selection to weed them out!

It Is Present Due To Heredity As Well!

Though this sounds dumb, it is a fact that nipples' presence in kids is due to heredity as both the parents have it and it passes on to the babies' genes. In few cases, if a person had one parent without nipples, then the future children are said to be born without them.

Men Can Also Get Breast Cancer!

Even though male nipples are said to be small, they can still pose a health risk. Males have enough breast tissues to get breast cancer. Though the numbers are lower than those among women, yet they are still at risk!

Guess these points are an ultimate answer to the male mystery! What is your take on it? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below!