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sex questions: your body
breast questions

I'm a victim of boobius smallius diseasius—I'm smaller than an A cup. When will I grow?
—Jessy, 16, Beverly Hills, CA

The truth is, Jessy, you've probably got a little more time to grow. Some girls don't reach their maximum cup size until their early 20s. For now, love your boobius smalliuses!

I have a lot of stretch marks on my chest. How can I make them go away?
—Rae, 15, Cochran, GA

It may be hard to believe, but you are definitely not alone. Stretch marks appear on almost everyone's body—on breasts, butts, thighs, stomachs, you name it! Experts say the marks are tiny tears that show up when your skin grows or stretches quickly. Unfortunately, there is no miracle cream that will make them go away. Just remember, your squiggly marks are normal, and they may fade somewhat over time. You can think of them as badges of honor from your teen years!

I have constant pain in my breasts. Help!
—Harmony, 15, Temecula, CA

Most likely, there's nothing to worry about. Breast soreness is common, especially before your period. That's when hormones are raging in your body, often causing breast tissue to fill with fluid, which makes your breasts feel heavy and sensitive. Some girls might feel pain more regularly if their breasts are still growing. Try padded bras to relieve the soreness. If the pain is sharp or if you think you might be pregnant, make an appointment to see a doctor.

One boob is bigger than the other. What's wrong with me?
—Heather, 17, Flowery Branch, GA

If we measured every woman's breasts, we'd find that one is always bigger than the other, some by as much as a cup size or more. But we bet you've never noticed that about other girls, right? Chances are, no one notices on you either. (Phew!) When your breasts stop growing, you're likely to be less lopsided. But just so you know, they'll never be perfectly symmetrical. If the difference still bugs you, Heather, add a little padding on your smaller side.

I'm a DD, but my family all have small boobs. Is that normal?
—Tiffany, 15, Milford, NY

Breast size is based on genetics, but the genes that determine your cup size may have come from a distant relative or ancestor. Generally, you have nothing to worry about unless your breast size keeps you from doing normal activities. If that's the case, talk with a doctor. Otherwise, get fitted for a comfy bra, hold your shoulders back, and walk with pride!

My nipples stick in instead of out. Why?
—Corinne, 23, Corte Madera, CA

Just as some people have "outie" belly buttons and others have "innies," up to 35% of girls have inverted or flat nipples. Innies are just as sensitive as outies. You can breast feed just as well too, though it can be trickier for the baby to latch on. So when the time comes, ask your doctor how to make it easier.

If I get implants, will I be able to breast-feed?
—Leslie, 16, Calgary, Alberta

The short answer is yes. But remember, Leslie, your breasts grow until you're 18, or even older. So right now, you don't know how big you'll ultimately be! Once your breasts have stopped growing, if you still want implants, make sure you find a board-certified surgeon and tell her your concerns about breast-feeding. She should agree to make the incision under the armpit or breast on the borders of your nipples, which should avoid any damage to the milk ducts.

My breasts are really dry and itchyand lotion doesn't work. Help!
—Courtney, 18, Granite City, IL

If your skin's dry only on your breasts, your bra might be too tight, causing chafing. Many girls don't know their correct bra sizego to a lingerie shop or department store and ask for a fitting. You could also be allergic to the fabric. If your boulder holder is made of say, Lycra, try a cotton one. If you're still itchy, see a dermatologist. You may have eczema, which causes extremely dry skinbut can be treated.

My boobs aren't that big, but my nipples are huge! I don't think it's normal for people to have nipples this large. Why do I have this? Is it a problem? Is it hereditary?
—Heather, 18, Bronx, NY

There's nothing to freak out aboutyou're completely normal. What you're talking about are not your actual nipples (the small part of your breasts that sticks out when it's touched or exposed to the cold) but your areolas, the circles of darker skin surrounding your nipples. They can range in size from a barely noticeable small circle to one that can cover most of your breast. The size and color of a girl's areolas (which can range from light pink to dark brown) are basically determined by one thing: genetics. In fact, you can bet that someone in your family has areolas that look just like yours. (Have you asked your mom or grandmother about this? It might ease your mind.) and don't worry, your large areolas will not make you more likely to have a breast problemor any other medical issue. So next time you're getting dressed in a locker room, just remember that the other girls are probably wondering if theirs are normal sized too. And guess what? In almost all cases, they are.

My nipples leak twice a day. Is this normal?
—Ashlee, 16, Murphy, TX

Is there any blood? If so, see your doctor. Even though breast cancer is extremely rare in women under 20, it's better to get checked out. No blood? It's most likely one of two things: (1) You're pregnant. Nipples often leak during pregnancy because breasts are producing milk for your baby. If you're sexually active, get a pregnancy testpronto! (2) You or someone else is touching your nipples too much. When nipples are stimulated, your body can think it's from a baby; milk producing hormones kick in, and sometimes milk can leak out. So try to keep your nipple stimulation to a minimum.

Will drinking milk make my boobs grow?
—Wisteria, 15, Salem, MA

No, Wisteria, the only thing that will make your boobs grow is time! Breasts usually reach their full size by age 20. You're only 15, so you may have a little bit of growing still to do. But be happy with your breasts, no matter what size they end up. Remember, lots of women with large breasts complain that they can't wear certain tops because they're cut for smaller-breasted women. So if you're an A cup, think about all the fashion opportunities out there!

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