Boobs! an owner's guide - Body

Jugs. Hooters. Melons. Knockers. No matter what ya call 'em. we've all got breasts. Some are teeny; others humongo--but they can all be a mystery. We've gotcha covered when it comes to answering your biggest breast questions.

MY BREASTS HURT. WHY?

You've heard of growing pains, right? Well, quite simply, that's probably why your breasts hurt. You're at the age when there's a lot of developing going on with your breasts. And as they develop, they might be tender or sore. Breast pain can also be associated with the onset of menstruation. About a week before each period, the body produces hormones--estrogen and progesterone--that can trigger some side effects, like moodiness, cramps, headaches and bloating. "Before menstruation, breast pain is more exaggerated and tender because the hormones have made the breasts retain more fluid," says Ob/Gyn Dr. Adelaide G. Nardone. "They might even feel bigger and heavier, because they are.

i REALLY WANT TO WEAR A BRA. HOW CAN I ASK MY MOM iF iT'S OK?

We know how intimidating it can be to approach your mom about bra shopping, especially if mom still thinks of you as her "little girl." Some moms have a hard time facing the fact that their daughters are growing up and becoming young women. But the thing is, if you have breasts, you need a bra. The next time you're shopping at Limited Too or passing through the lingerie section of a department store, casually walk over to the bra section, and say, "Mom, do you think you could help me pick out a bra? I'm starting to feel uncomfortable not wearing one." If she says, "Yes," great! If she's hesitant or says, "No way," maybe you can ease her into the idea by talking her into letting you start Out with a sports bra. Pick up something in the athletic department that will fit nicely under your clothes.

i'M 13 AND FLAT. BUT ALL MY FRiENDS ALREADY HAVE BOORS. WHEN WiLL MINE GROW?

Your breasts should begin to grow before you start your period--usually between 9 and 14 years old, says Ob/Gyn Dr. Caren Craig. Breasts don't grow overnight--and don't bother comparing yours to your friends' because everybody develops at different rates. For instance, your BFF might have gone through puberty at 9 and already have breasts, while you're 13 and...still waiting. Ask your mom when she developed breasts. It could clue you in on when yours might sprout. And breasts continue to grow later than you think. Research shows breasts can grow even into your 20s or 30s. So be patient!

HOW SHOULD MY BREASTS LOOK?

There's no normal shape, size or color for your breasts, nipples or areola (the area surrounding the nipple). Like we said before, don't compare--every girl is different. Breasts can be small or large, and point up or down. Nipples can stick out or in, and can be pale pink to dark brown. Each breast can also be slightly different in size from the other. The position or shape of one breast could vary slightly also. And the size of your nipples and areola could be the size of a dime to the size of a CD--no kidding!

CAN YOU BE ALLERGIC TO YOUR BRA?

Yes. According to dermatologist Dr. Milton Moore of Houston, some rashes and skin irritations on and around the breasts are directly related to the construction of bras. Some bras have metal borders wrapped around them or in the underwire. "If you are sensitive to nickel and other metals, it could cause contact dermatitis when you sweat," says Dr. Moore. "The metal comes in contact with the skin due to the moisture connecting the two." If you have sensitive skin, find a bra with plastic underwires, clips and snaps. If you have any redness or itching, Dr. Moore suggests rubbing an over-the-counter 1-percent hydrocortisone base cream on the affected area two to three times a day.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD i CHANGE AND WASH MY BRA?

Change it every two to three days, and wash it even more if you tend to perspire a lot. Of course, you should always wash it after you exercise or are very active. "Any kind of jogging bra or sports bra should be changed every time you wear it because it harbors bacteria that can cause breakouts on the back," says Dr. Nardone. The rule of thumb should be that if you sweat in it, switch it.

HOW SHOULD i WASH MY BRA?

Very delicately. Wash your bra with a mild detergent like Ivory on your washing machine's delicate cycle in cold water. It's also important to separate your bras from the rest of your clothing by placing them in a lingerie bag before you stick them in the washer. Hook the snaps together to avoid snagging and tangling. And never put bras in the dryer. Heat breaks down the elastic in the fabric, so you'll have to replace them much more frequently.

MY BREASTS ARE SMALL, BUT i FEEL i SHOULD WEAR SOMETHiNG TO COVER UP. BUT i DON'T WANT THE BOYS TO MAKE FUN OF ME iF THEY SEE A BRA THROUGH MY SHiRT. WHAT CAM i DO?

It's totally normal to feel embarrassed about other people finding out you wear a bra. Boys especially like to tease, and even pull bra straps. But if you feel you would be comfortable covering up your breasts, no matter how small, then you should definitely get a bra. To give yourself the coverage you need without drawing attention to the fact that you're wearing an undergarment, never wear a colored or even white bra under a white shirt. The key to camouflaging your bra is to wear one that's a similar shade to your skin tone. Stay away from prints or patterns on your bras, as well, if you choose to wear a white or light-colored shirt. Unless you're Madonna, flaunting your bra through your shirt is a major fashion faux pas. If your bra lines are visible through a fitted-shirt, go for a seamless bra instead, found in most department stores. Every day before you leave for school, check yourself out in the mirror. If you can see your bra--either change your shirt or change your bra. It's as simple as that!