Private health

Q: I’m 53 and exercising regularly to prevent weight gain. My workouts are going well—except that I’ve noticed my nipples are often sore. Why is this and what can I do?

A: Exercise can lead to nipple chafing, especially if you’re doing high-impact activities like jogging or jumping. Nipples are sensitive, and your skin in general can become thinner and more delicate after menopause. To soothe your soreness, stick to fragrance-free soaps and body washes, which are less likely to aggravate the irritation, and keep your nipples dry when you’re not exercising. If chafing occurs, apply a lanolin ointment and cover the nipple with sterile gauze.

To avoid this issue going forward, make sure your sports bra and top fit comfortably: Too much friction (from tight tops) and not enough support (from baggy ones) can lead to chafing. You can also wear nipple guards (like NipGuards or NipEaze) while exercising. But if increasing pain and redness occur and the abrasion isn’t healing, see a doctor to rule out a skin infection.

A high cervix has no impact on your health; it simply means your cervix and uterus are high in the pelvic cavity, at the top of the vaginal canal. The position of the cervix and uterus can change over time—for example, heavy women have a longer “reach” to the cervix, while narrowing of the vagina can occur in menopause. As you found, a high cervix can make pelvic exams uncomfortable since your doctor must insert the speculum farther up to reach your cervix and collect cell samples for a Pap smear.

The key to a more comfortable exam: taking slow, deep breaths to relax and distract your mind. Also, at your next exam, remind your doctor that you had this discomfort; she might be able to use a smaller speculum. Having the conversation and greater awareness will likely help make the experience better.