Expert: Norman Solberg - 8/6/2010

Question
I am 20 years old and I have been on birth control for about 4 years.

The past few (4 or so) days my nipples have been very sore, and my breasts appear larger. I still have a week before my period is suppose to start.
I havent missed a pill and I have never had this problem before...

I still make my boyfriend pull out everytime before ejaculation.. even though I'm on the pill just to make sure.

Is it possible I could be pregnant or am I over-reacting?

Why would I have sore nipples now when I have been on the pill for years and have never had this problem?

please help!

Thanks  

Answer
Hi Louise,
A number of things can contribute to sore nipples, hormones being one of them.  Others are stress, weight gain, and caffeine.  I doubt that you're pregnant, so I would guess that the main cause of your sore nipples is stress.  Since you haven't missed a period, there is no real chance that the sore nipples are from pregnancy.  I would avoid caffeine until the soreness is gone.  Best wishes.