Galactorrhea guh-lack-toe-REE-uh is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding. Galactorrhea itself isn't a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. It usually occurs in women, even those who have never had children or after menopause. But galactorrhea can happen in men and even in infants. Excessive breast stimulation, medication side effects or disorders of the pituitary gland all may contribute to galactorrhea.
Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor. Sometimes a woman's breasts make milk even though she is not pregnant or breastfeeding. This condition is called galactorrhea say: guh-lack-tuh-ree-ah. The milk may come from one or both breasts.
What causes lactation when not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Lactation is the process of producing breast milk. For women who are pregnant or recently gave birth, lactation is normal. Hormones signal the mammary glands in your body to start producing milk to feed the baby. This is called galactorrhea, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. Galactorrhea happens to around 20 to 25 percent of women, according to Dr.
Skip to content. Is it possible for nonpregnant women or women who have never been pregnant to lactate? If so, what would be the best way to stimulate in a safe, healthy way? I'd love to please my new husband with this. Are there any draw backs?