I am a 34 year old female who has never given birth. I have taken birth control for the past seven years and this month, about 3 days before my period, my right nipple became very sore and painful, so much so, that it kept me up in pain the first night I noticed it. It has been three days now and the pain, although duller most of the time, is still there and a small lump has formed on the areola, directly underneath the nipple, almost on the nipple itself. It is very tender and hurts when touched and even clothes rubbing against it bothers it. I have no history of breast cancer in my family and am unable to see a doctor in the next 2 to 3 weeks. I have never experienced anything like this before and my last gynecological breast exam was 11 months ago. Does anyone have any experience with something like this or any ideas of what the problem could be? Is this something that, despite the discomfort, can wait until I am able to see a doctor or does it sound more like an emergency situation?
Thank you all in advance for any help you may have.