What should I do if my breasts are swollen and painful and I can't pump milk out?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on January 10, 2025
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If breast pain has already occurred, it is still necessary to actively treat the symptoms. Normally, if the milk cannot be completely extracted after stimulation, it is possible that a blockage in the milk ducts may be occurring. It is generally recommended to apply local heat and massage to the breasts before pumping. These treatments can effectively promote local blood circulation and help the milk ducts to clear, facilitating the complete extraction of milk. If there is continuous non-discharge of milk causing local breast swelling, it's necessary to consider the possibility of mastitis and seek medical advice promptly to receive appropriate treatment.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What is the cause of breast pain before menstruation?

Many female friends experience breast pain during the premenstrual period, what exactly is this? Mild breast pain may be due to hormonal changes in the body, which is a normal physiological condition. Of course, it could also be caused by diseases, such as the most common fibrocystic breast changes, which cause cyclical breast pain along with the menstrual cycle. Of course, other diseases can also cause cyclical breast pain, which needs our attention. Especially severe pain, or pain upon slight touch, we recommend going to the hospital for relevant examinations as soon as possible.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Will ovulation cause breast pain?

Generally speaking, breast pain may occur during the ovulation period, but this varies from person to person. However, having breast pain does not necessarily mean ovulation is occurring. If breast pain occurs during ovulation, it could be due to ovulation, but other conditions such as hormonal influences, breast hyperplasia, or mastitis cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that patients visit a hospital for examinations such as breast ultrasound or mammography to rule out any medical conditions.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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Frequent urination and breast pain, is this pregnancy?

Frequent urination and breast pain are not necessarily symptoms of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the forward tilting of the uterus presses on the bladder, which can cause frequent urination. Breast pain generally occurs around the eighth week of pregnancy due to an increase in estrogen and progesterone, promoting the growth of mammary ducts and tissue. However, these are not exclusive symptoms of pregnancy. To confirm pregnancy, detection through blood and urine HCG tests, as well as ultrasound scans can be used. For blood HCG levels, they can be detected as elevated about ten days after intercourse, and urine HCG can be detected about 14 days after intercourse using a pregnancy test. Around six weeks after missing a period, an ultrasound can determine if there is any pregnancy tissue in the uterus.

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Written by Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What position should be scraped for breast distension pain?

Breast pain should first undergo a clear diagnosis to determine the cause. If it is simply caused by breast hyperplasia, gua sha can be used for treatment. The location of the breasts is generally on the stomach meridian or the liver and gallbladder meridians. For specific treatment acupoint selection, you can choose the Jianjing acupoint, which is located between the Dazhui acupoint and the shoulder peak, i.e., between the high point behind the neck and the shoulders. Pressing this area will produce a distinct sore and swollen feeling, and gua sha can be used to treat this area. Additionally, gua sha can be performed on the opposite side or the corresponding back side, where the pain points of the breasts are located at the corresponding positions on the back side, which has a good analgesic effect. Furthermore, distant points can be chosen. If the person tends to be irritable or impatient, gua sha can be performed between the first and second toes at the Taichong acupoint. Also, gua sha can be performed at the Danzhong acupoint located between the two breasts. Another point is the Waiguan acupoint, located between the transverse wrist crease and the elbow crease on the dorsal side of the forearm, about two inches from the wrist transverse crease. This point also has a good analgesic effect for breast pain caused by breast hyperplasia.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why are breasts painful and swollen before menstruation?

Premenstrual breast pain is a common symptom among women and is considered a normal physiological response. It mainly occurs due to the increase in estrogen levels in the body seven to ten days before menstruation, leading to breast hyperplasia and enlargement, causing discomfort that makes the breasts sensitive to touch. There is no need for excessive concern as breast pain caused by hyperplasia is normal. Generally, the condition improves after menstruation and does not require special treatment. If the pain is severe, applying heat can help alleviate it.