Mastitis is possible even if not pregnant, though it’s most common during lactation. Non-lactational mastitis can occur in people of reproductive age and beyond, including men, usually due to infection or inflammatory conditions of the breast tissue. If you’re not breastfeeding and develop breast pain, redness, swelling, or fever, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Key points to know
- What can cause mastitis when not pregnant or not breastfeeding:
- Bacterial infection entering through a crack in the skin, nipple irritation, or an infected piercing.
- Ductal problems such as duct ectasia or blocked milk ducts in non-lactating individuals.
- Inflammatory conditions around the ducts, such as periductal mastitis, which can be linked to smoking or other risk factors.
- Skin conditions or trauma to the breast that create an entry point for bacteria.
- Rare cases in men or non-pregnant individuals can still develop mastitis.
Symptoms to watch for
- Local: one-sided breast pain, tenderness, warmth, swelling, or a lump.
- Skin changes: redness, skin thickening, or a nipple discharge.
- systemic signs: fever or malaise.
When to seek care urgently
- If you have a high fever, worsening redness or swelling, a rapidly enlarging lump, or severe pain, seek prompt medical attention.
- If you have a history of breast cancer or a known breast condition, any new or changing breast symptoms deserve evaluation.
What to expect in evaluation
- A clinician will typically review symptoms, risk factors (including smoking, skin trauma, piercing), and perform a physical exam.
- They may order tests such as a breast ultrasound or mammogram if indicated, and possibly blood tests or a sample (culture) of any discharge or drained abscess to identify the organism and guide antibiotics.
- Treatment depends on the cause:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infection.
- Drainage if an abscess is present.
- Management of skin conditions or ductal problems; smoking cessation may be advised for periductal mastitis.
- Pain control and local care (warm compresses, rest).
Self-care while awaiting care
- Avoid squeezing or massaging a tender breast forcefully.
- Use warm compresses to relieve discomfort if no abscess is suspected.
- Maintain good skin hygiene; avoid irritants on the breast skin.
- Monitor symptoms and seek care if they worsen or if a fever develops.
Important caveat
- Breast symptoms can mimic other conditions, including benign lumps or, rarely, breast cancer. A healthcare professional should determine the cause through examination and possibly imaging or tests.
If you’d like, share any specific symptoms (e.g., redness pattern, fever, duration, whether you have a nipple discharge or a history of breast skin conditions), and the advice can be tailored to your situation.
