Some men experience nipple erections during sexual arousal due to increased blood flow. This is caused when the nerves in their nipples are stimulated, causing them to become more sensitive to touch. When a man becomes sexually excited, his body releases hormones that cause the nipples to swell and harden. The medical term for this phenomenon is "gynecomastia," which means "man boobs." It's normal and harmless. Most men will feel some level of gynecomastia at least once in their lives, but it can be embarrassing if they don't know what's happening.
Gynecomastia happens because the pituitary gland secretes a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin causes breast tissue to develop and enlarge. It also increases the amount of estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a female hormone that helps regulate many bodily functions. Men produce small amounts of estrogen naturally, but too much can cause changes in the breasts. Increased levels of prolactin and estrogen can result from things like steroid abuse or an underlying health condition.
When a man experiences gynecomastia, he may notice his nipples becoming larger and feeling more tender than usual. He may also see an increase in size and fullness around his chest area. Sometimes, gynecomastia may even cause the breasts to leak milk. These symptoms usually occur on both sides of the chest and may last for weeks or months.
There is no cure for gynecomastia, but there are treatments available. Medications such as Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) can help reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. Surgery can remove excess breast tissue and fat. Diet and exercise can also play a role in reducing gynecomastia.
For most men, gynecomastia is nothing to worry about. However, some men may experience social stigma due to their appearance. If this occurs, they should talk to their doctor about ways to manage the situation. Gynecomastia can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it's not something that needs to define them as a person. With time and patience, most men will learn to accept their bodies regardless of any changes.