Breast massagers have been available for many years, and with advancements in technology, electric breast massagers have become popular among women worldwide. These devices claim to offer a range of benefits, from increasing breast size to reducing pain and swelling.
However, with so many products on the market, it’s challenging to determine whether electric breast massagers really work. In this blog post, I will explore the evidence surrounding electric breast massagers and whether they live up to their claims.
First off…
What are Electric Breast Massagers?
Electric breast massagers are devices that use vibrations, suction, or a combination of the two to stimulate breast tissue. Some massagers are handheld, while others are worn as a bra or placed directly on the breasts.
These devices are being used for a variety of reasons:
- Breast enlargement: Some electric breast massagers claim to increase breast size by stimulating breast tissue growth. More on that here!
- Pain relief: Breast pain is a common issue, particularly for women who are breastfeeding or experiencing hormonal changes. Electric breast massagers can help alleviate pain and discomfort by increasing blood flow to the area.
- Lactation: Electric breast massagers can also help increase milk production in lactating women by stimulating milk ducts.
- Breast cancer recovery: Women who have undergone breast cancer treatment may experience swelling and discomfort in the affected area. Electric breast massagers can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Do Electric Breast Massagers Work?
While the claims made about electric breast massagers sound promising, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Most studies conducted on the topic have used small sample sizes, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
However, here are some of the key findings from the existing research:
Breast Enlargement: There is little scientific evidence to support the claim that electric breast massagers can increase breast size. While routine breast massages have been shown to increase blood flow to the area – which could theoretically promote breast tissue growth – there is no reliable evidence that this actually leads to breast enlargement.
Pain Relief: Electric breast massagers have been shown to be effective in reducing breast pain and discomfort. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that women who used an electric breast massager experienced a significant reduction in breast pain compared to those who did not use the device.
Lactation: There is some evidence to suggest that electric breast massagers can help increase milk production in lactating women. A study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that women who used an electric breast massager had higher milk volumes than those who did not use the device.
Breast Cancer Recovery: There is limited research on the use of electric breast massagers for breast cancer recovery. However, a study published in the Journal of Lymphoedema found that the use of an electric breast massager helped reduce swelling in the affected area in women who had undergone breast cancer treatment.
Potential Risks of Electric Breast Massagers
While electric breast massagers are generally considered safe, there are some potential risks associated with their use. These include:
- Skin irritation: The suction or pressure applied by some electric breast massagers can cause skin irritation or even bruising.
- Nipple sensitivity: Some women may find that electric breast massagers are too intense for their nipples, causing discomfort or even pain.
- Breast cancer risk: While there is no evidence to suggest that electric breast massagers increase the risk of breast cancer, there is a concern that using these devices could interfere with mammograms and other breast cancer screening tests.
Always do your research and – of course – heed the warning-signs should they present themselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric breast massagers offer a range of potential benefits, including pain relief and increased milk production in lactating women. While the evidence supporting their ability to increase breast size is limited, these devices may still be worth considering for those experiencing breast pain or discomfort.
However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with their use, such as skin irritation and nipple sensitivity. As with any health-related product, it is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before trying an electric breast massager.
