Things I've Learnt About Breasts
Okay, so many or most men have a bit of a thing about women's breasts. But what are the realities of having breasts, even quite modest ones, in my short experience of gynaecomastia?
Firstly, they are a nuisance. They get in the way! They rub against your arms when you move, they rub against your clothes, and alter the way your clothes fit.
Next, they are uncomfortable, but I'll talk about painful in a moment. Breasts move uncontrollably. They need to be constrained to restrict that movement and that really does mean a bra because no one has come up with a better solution. Nipples can rub on clothing even under a thin bra, so nice warm padding is the first solution, or weird silicone nipple covers are the alternative.
While we're doing uncomfortable, let's talk about gynaecomastia clothing.
The simple suggestion is a compression vest which is what it says, but they are a type of Spandex, which doesn't allow for sweating and, frankly, doesn't give much support to breasts.
Bras? They seem to vary from very easy to wear, but lacking in support (uncomfortable) to very supportive but very noticeable (uncomfortable) or Sports Bras which can be the worst of all worlds (uncomfortable) although I do have a M&S sports bra that's a pretty good compromise for a few hours - so I'm holding out hope here!
Some online advice suggests men try wired bras as they may be most suitable for the non-standard anatomy. My puppies aren't big enough for that, so I can't comment.
Painful? Yes. This is for women a cyclical thing, but there's the itchy, painful aspects of gynecomastia while they are growing, and the unexplained nipple pains. Then there's the dragging from unsupported breasts in the upper chest. Oh, and do not sleep on one of your breasts, just don't!
These lessons have taught me that I have been behaving very unpleasantly as a man and making private comments about women and their breasts. They are a painful, bloody nuisance!