Women: Nipple chafe when running

xxvogue
xxvogue Posts: 172 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hopefully this is in the right place.

I've been googling this, and everything about this is for men! Well, you know what? My nipples chafe when I run (starting at around minute 20 into my run) and it hurts. The web seems to think that because of sports bras this doesn't happen to women.

Does this mean my sports bra is a poor fit?

Tell me ladies, what do you do to prevent this? If you never get it what bras do you run in? What should my jog bra feel like?
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Replies

  • timboom1
    timboom1 Posts: 762 Member
    Can't help on the laides part, but my wife has been known to just do the same as me and us the little circle "spot" bandaids on hers and then after they are on, body glide all around them to solve any issues.
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    I use petroleum jelly on my sensitive spots.
  • ixap
    ixap Posts: 675 Member
    Bodyglide
  • emtron500
    emtron500 Posts: 102 Member
    This doesn't happen to me at all - I assume because my sports bra does not slide over the skin underneath in the slightest. Might be worth shopping around for a better bra.
  • DOElston
    DOElston Posts: 102
    I don't get chafed there but rather on my back where the sports bra rubs against the skin there during longs runs. Do you think large bandages or Op-Site would prevent that?
  • mamagooskie
    mamagooskie Posts: 2,964 Member
    I wear a regular bra and I have never get chafing.
  • xxvogue
    xxvogue Posts: 172 Member
    This doesn't happen to me at all - I assume because my sports bra does not slide over the skin underneath in the slightest. Might be worth shopping around for a better bra.

    Yeah I'm wondering if I need a better sports bra (probably true mine is getting old). I'm not sure what to look for.
  • phynyxfyre
    phynyxfyre Posts: 145 Member
    I have more of a problem with hitting myself in the chin. lol. I have heard of using a lubricant like petroleum jelly, as mentioned above. Sometimes cornstarch can help with general chafing...

    Usually I have a soft sports bra that isn't too tight; fits like a slightly tighter shirt. When I do really high impact workouts, I usually have tighter. Tight enough to hug but without digging in. Mind you, I am a 36 DD and so nothing ever fits perfect, so over the sports bra I wear a workout top with a built-in soft bra. I have never had a problem.
  • emtron500
    emtron500 Posts: 102 Member
    This doesn't happen to me at all - I assume because my sports bra does not slide over the skin underneath in the slightest. Might be worth shopping around for a better bra.

    Yeah I'm wondering if I need a better sports bra (probably true mine is getting old). I'm not sure what to look for.

    I use a Shock Absorber brand one. I love it - couldn't work out without it (I've tried - not good). And they come in a wide range of sizes.
  • kristenstejskal
    kristenstejskal Posts: 107 Member
    This just reminds me of the "Dunder Mifflin Fun Run" episode of the Office, when Andy ends up with a bloody shirt due to sensitive nipples during the office 5k. One of my favorite episodes :)
  • amberlongsine
    amberlongsine Posts: 215 Member
    I'm pretty sure that means that the bra is a tad too loose. My sports bra fits just perfect but if i wear like a regular Tee shirt with out a bra, It does chaffe and feel like its burning. Very uncomfortable. I recommend investing in a new sports bra =)
  • DOElston
    DOElston Posts: 102
    My sports bra fits pretty well but I only have problems when I go on long runs for more than 2 or 3 hours. Would that Body Glide stuff work for that length of time?
  • mwgner
    mwgner Posts: 115
    I normally just toss on two sports bras to keep my chest where I want it to be through my workout. I have never had issues with the nipples chafing when I run or work out. Maybe try two sports bras or get a new one. I know mine have lost elasticity throughout their lives.
  • vtmoon
    vtmoon Posts: 3,436 Member
    I thought this was mainly a guy issue due to lack of protection between the nipples and the shirt. Figured most ladies got their twins on a tight sports bra that minimize movement. I know for me when I use to do longer distance I used duct tape :-p

    But ya the better support bra I would think might be a better solution for you.
  • xxvogue
    xxvogue Posts: 172 Member
    Perhaps it's because I've lost quite a bit of boobage since I got my sports bra (I'm just kind of broke, so I try to put off buying anything I don't NEED at that moment).

    It's a shame because I do like that bra otherwise, my girls don't bounce, which makes the chafing a bit surprising.

    Again, sports bra recommendations are always good!
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    I've never had my nips chafe, but I have had plenty of other places... even my HR monitor strap will do it sometimes. Body Glide is awesome. I order online from amazon.
  • jayb33z
    jayb33z Posts: 87 Member
    This reminds me of lines from.Christmas vacation...

    "Oh, I was just smelling - smiling. I was just blouse - browsing. I, uh, heh heh. Well, I guess it just wouldn't... Oh hee hee, it wouldn't be the Christmas shopping season if the stores were any less hooter than they - HOTTER than they are. Whew. It is warm in here, isn't it?" - Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)

    "You have your coat on." - Mary (Nicollette Scorsese)

    "Yes, oh do I? Yeah, it is a bit nipply out. I mean nippy. What am I saying, nipple?" - Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)
  • draculaspointer
    draculaspointer Posts: 106 Member
    I wear compression sports bras. If an old bra is too loose it happens. But I havent had any problems with the 15 dollar compression ones from target. really quite good for such a low cost.
  • cubizzle
    cubizzle Posts: 900 Member
    yeah, as a guy I am offended by your targeting women with this. My nipples have gotten to the point of literally bleeding before. I now wear compression shirts, and occasionally use a lubricating material before longer runs...........it's totally a vagasil product.
  • jen10st
    jen10st Posts: 325 Member
    I wear a shock absorber aswell, the correct fitting bra is essential. Get yourself measured properly it made a huge difference to me as I was squeezing into sports bras that were painfully tight.
  • hughtwalker
    hughtwalker Posts: 2,213 Member
    At last! Finally a bright spot to osteo-arthritis preventing running!
  • AsellusReborn
    AsellusReborn Posts: 1,112 Member
    This doesn't happen to me at all - I assume because my sports bra does not slide over the skin underneath in the slightest. Might be worth shopping around for a better bra.

    Yeah I'm wondering if I need a better sports bra (probably true mine is getting old). I'm not sure what to look for.

    I use a Shock Absorber brand one. I love it - couldn't work out without it (I've tried - not good). And they come in a wide range of sizes.


    I like my Shock Absorber bras a lot. No bouncing, no chafing, 36G here (I miss being a 36D).
  • ambrwaves27
    ambrwaves27 Posts: 206
    This reminds me of lines from.Christmas vacation...

    "Oh, I was just smelling - smiling. I was just blouse - browsing. I, uh, heh heh. Well, I guess it just wouldn't... Oh hee hee, it wouldn't be the Christmas shopping season if the stores were any less hooter than they - HOTTER than they are. Whew. It is warm in here, isn't it?" - Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)

    "You have your coat on." - Mary (Nicollette Scorsese)

    "Yes, oh do I? Yeah, it is a bit nipply out. I mean nippy. What am I saying, nipple?" - Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)


    HAHAHAHA best Christmas movie EVER!
  • EllieMo
    EllieMo Posts: 131 Member
    Not something I have ever suffered from - and I am pretty well-endowed!! It does sound like you might not have a correctly fitting sports bra - if your boobs are still moving, the bra isn't doing it's job! Have you had a proper fitting? I suggest that as the first step.
  • Flixie00
    Flixie00 Posts: 1,195 Member
    I have had this problem in the past year and finally worked out that it was due to a badly fitting bra (Shockabsober funnily enough). Excrutiatingly painful, so I feel for you.
  • wilson1134
    wilson1134 Posts: 32 Member
    1. Good snug fitting sport bra
    2. Band aids
    and/or
    3. Body glide

    Body glide works wonders everywhere. I even use it on my feet to prevent blisters ( I run sockless)
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    Use Body Glide and an Under Armour type bra if you sweat a lot. Donttt wear cotton and get fitted for one if you can.
  • stephmo86
    stephmo86 Posts: 45
    Champion makes good sports bras for well endowed women that last. They have the clasp in the back like a regular bra, so if you lose weight, at least for a few inches just move the clasp over.
  • JennaM222
    JennaM222 Posts: 1,996 Member
    I agree with maybe purchasing a better bra or two. I purchased my from the running room ( running store ) and I have never had an issue with that - I ran a half marathon with no nipple issues :)

    Good Luck!!!
  • shabaity
    shabaity Posts: 792 Member
    be it running or life a properly fitting bra is essential for a woman as it helps with posture and confidence (dont ask me why it has worked for me and everyone i work with tho)

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