One way to tell is to do the “pinch test.” Putting your index finger and your thumb around your areola, pinch about an inch behind your nipple. If it stays out, you’re normal. If it flattens or retracts, you probably have some degree of nipple inversion. Welcome to the club! That said, nipples can also become retracted over time due to weight loss or, in rarer cases, a disease affecting the breast tissue like breast cancer. If you suspect your nipples have changed from normal to inverted though, you should get it checked out. “If you ever notice something change with your breasts in general, it is always better to seek medical attention. Inverted nipples can be associated with infection, abscess formation, breast cancer, and trauma,” ob-gyn Shannon Clark, M.D., says. If you’ve always had innies though, don’t fret—they’re simply a variation on the mainstream, posing little to no health risks. If you plan on becoming pregnant or are currently breastfeeding with inverted nipples and having trouble, talk to your doctor. One thing to note is that a 1992 study found that a self-manipulation called the Hoffman Method and using breast shells—plastic discs worn inside your bra to prep nipples for breastfeeding—may actually hinder your ability to breastfeed. It’s worth noting that none of these methods are guaranteed to permanently change inverted nipples, and even if they do, there’s a solid chance the nipple inverts later on. Whatever you choose to do with your own body, note that inverted nipples are perfectly normal, functional, and beautiful.
