Clear liquid coming out of breast when squeezed male

Nipple discharge is not usually a sign of anything serious, but sometimes it's a good idea to get it checked just in case.

Nipple discharge is often normal

Lots of women have nipple discharge from time to time. It may just be normal for you.

It's also not unusual for babies (boys and girls) to have milky nipple discharge soon after they're born. This should stop in a few weeks.

Nipple discharge in men is not normal.

The colour of your discharge is not a good way of telling if it's anything serious. Normal discharge can be lots of colours.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

you have nipple discharge and any of these:

  • it happens regularly and is not just a one-off
  • it only comes from 1 breast
  • it's bloodstained or smelly
  • you're not breastfeeding and it leaks out without any pressure on your breast
  • you're over 50
  • you have other symptoms – such as a lump, pain, redness or swelling in your breast
  • you're a man

It's probably nothing serious. But there's a small chance it could be cancer, so it's best to get checked.

What happens at your GP appointment

The GP will look at and examine your breasts.

They may refer you to a hospital or breast clinic for further tests. These will usually show that you do not have cancer.

What happens at the breast clinic

At the hospital or breast clinic, you may have a:

  • breast examination
  • scan – usually a breast X-ray (mammogram) or ultrasound
  • biopsy – where a needle is inserted into your breast to remove some cells for testing

The tests are often done during the same visit.

You'll usually be told the results on the same day, although biopsy results can take longer – you should get them in a week or two.

Read more about what to expect at a breast clinic appointment from Breast Cancer Now

Causes of nipple discharge

Nipple discharge has many possible causes.

Common causes include:

  • breastfeeding or pregnancy – see leaking from your nipples
  • a blocked or enlarged milk duct
  • a small, non-cancerous lump in the breast
  • a breast infection (mastitis)
  • a side effect of a medicine – including the contraceptive pill

Read more about common breast conditions that can cause nipple discharge from Breast Cancer Now

Information:

Nipple discharge by itself is not usually a sign of breast cancer.

Page last reviewed: 26 April 2021
Next review due: 26 April 2024

Nipple discharge refers to any fluid that seeps out of the nipple in a nonlactating woman.  Nonmilk discharge comes out of your breasts through the same nipple openings that carry milk.

One or both breasts may produce a nipple discharge, either spontaneously or when you squeeze your nipples or breasts.  A nipple discharge may look milky, or it may be clear, yellow, green, brown or bloody.  The consistency of nipple discharge varies from thick and sticky to thin and watery.

Nipple discharge is a symptom that largely affects women.  However, nipple discharge in a man under any circumstances is problematic and should be investigated.

Causes of Nipple Discharge

Sometimes, nipple discharge is just a normal (physiological) part of your breast’s function.  If that’s the case, the discharge might resolve on its own.  Most often, nipple discharge stems from a noncancerous (benign) condition.  However, breast cancer is a possibility, especially if:

     – You are over age 40
     – You have a lump in your breast
     – The discharge contains blood
     – Only one breast is affected
     – The discharge occurs spontaneously (without squeezing)

Possible causes of nipple discharge include:

     – Abscess
     – Breast cancer
     – Breast infection
     – Excessive breast stimulation
     – Fibroadenoma
     – Fibrocystic breasts
     – Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
     – Galactorrhea
     – Hormone imbalance
     – Injury or trauma to the breast
     – Intraductal papilloma
     – Mammary duct ectasia
     – Medication use
     – Paget’s disease of the breast
     – Pregnancy
     – Prolactinoma

When to see a doctor

Rarely is nipple discharge a sign of breast cancer.  But it might be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment.  If you’re still having periods and your nipple discharge doesn’t resolve on its own after your next menstrual cycle, or if it’s bothersome, make an appointment with your doctor.  If you’re postmenopausal and experience nipple discharge any time, see your doctor right away.

In the meantime, avoid nipple stimulation – including frequent checks for discharge – because stimulation actually makes the discharge persist.

Is it normal to squeeze your breast and clear liquid comes out?

One or both breasts may produce a nipple discharge, either spontaneously or when you squeeze your nipples or breasts. Nipple discharge may look milky, clear, yellow, green, brown or bloody. Discharge that isn't milk comes out of your nipple through the same ducts that carry milk.

Why are my nipples leaking when I squeeze them male?

Men who are going through puberty may experience nipple discharge because of the changing hormone levels in their body. Squeezing and manipulating the nipples can cause discharge to happen more frequently.