My Trip To [Nip]al

Are my nipples normal?!

A few years ago, my nipples were the main thing I was super self-conscious about and it really bothered me because unlike the rest of my body, it appeared impossible to change. Also, because nipples aren't something we talk about - or see, thanks to bras - I just assumed that everyone else had 'perfect' nipples and that mine were the odd ones out. So, I researched how to change them and came across a medical procedure, which to me certified that there was ABSOLUTELY something wrong with mine; why else would there be an option to have surgery on them?

Then, university happened. This was one of the best things that ever happened to me for many reasons, one of which being for my 'nipple awareness' and confidence. I lived in a flat with 2 other girls and they were so open about nipples.

One night, I told one of them about my nipples and she immediately said "oh my god, mine are the same, look"!

I can't explain the relief I felt. It was such I euphoric moment; I almost cried because all those years of anxiety just melted away and finally I felt normal. A few weeks later, we all begun the rather common first year activity: we got a load of piercings. You may be thinking, how on earth is this related? Well, let me tell you.

It started out with getting the good old cartilage piercings, nose, that sort of thing and then one day I decided that I was going to get my nipples pierced. I didn't overthink it because I knew that if I did I would chicken out. But then, in the waiting room, I panicked and thought, can I even get them pierced if they're not always hard? Much to my relief, the piercer said it was completely fine and told me that lots of people get them pierced to make them pointy 24/7. This was something I hadn't even considered so hearing that I was about to have decorated, pointy nipples... you can imagine the levels of excitement. A LOT of pain later, I looked in the mirror and felt amazing, and I mean AMAZING. I finally felt sexy and womanly... all because I now had pointy nipples.

You may be thinking, why do you care so much about how pointy your nipples are? Well, 3 years later, I now just have 1 nipple pierced; not by choice (please avoid catching your piercing on wool jumpers... it's not a fun experience), but I am starting to love the 'naked' nipple as much as the 'sexy' nipple. The reason being, nipples come in all shapes and sizes and I can't say that I have ever looked at anyone's nipples and not thought they were sexy as.

Do you have constantly erect nipples? That's sexy. Do you have flat nipples that only get pointy when its cold? That's also sexy. Are yours pale pink? That's cute. Are yours dark pink or dark brown? That's gorgeous.

Whatever kind of nipples you have, they are sexy and beautiful. As there are so many different times of nipple out there, everyone's are unique so don't worry that yours don't look like the others you've seen. Also remember that we always want what we can't have but the best thing you can do is embrace your nipples because I can guarantee that they are perfect for your body and that they will be 100% sexier if you feel confident in them.

I am aware, however, that this confidence can be difficult, so in the mean time, here are a few suggestions for short-term solutions.

If you have constantly erect nipples and you don't always like it, you can use:

- nipple covers

- cable tape, which you can cross over to cover your nipple

- plasters

If you have naturally flat nipples and you don't always like it, you can:

- give them a tap/pinch

- put some ice or cold water on them

So actually, contrary to what you perhaps thought, your nipples are not just normal, they are perfect. So, love them, embrace them and feel sexy because of them.

Just a point of safety though, if you do notice anything unusual or your nipples change, feel free to go to the doctor just to check that they're all good.