Nearly 33% of men are affected by puffy nipples. When trying to find a solution for the problem it is first important to understand what causes puffy nipples in the first place. Most cases of puffy nipples are caused by a person's genetic makeup. Although in some cases lifestyle factors may play a role. There is no clear-cut answer as to what exact genetic factors may contribute to puffy nipples among males, however it is generally agreed upon that the hormone levels as a result of the individuals genetic makeup are the primary determinant in cases of puffy nipples.

Hormones play a very important role as a cause behind puffy nipples. Whatever the cause either genetic makeup or lifestyle factors it is the hormones themselves, or more specifically the changes in the hormones that result in the puffy nipples. So really when looking at what causes puffy nipples, the real question is what causes (or attributes to) hormonal imbalances and disturbances.

When examining what causes puffy nipples in pre-adolescent boys one needs to look at the household cleaning products, and hygiene products employed by the family. If any of these products (be at face watch, laundry detergent, or even bath oils) contain the essential oil of lavender the child is at risk for developing puffy nipples. It is not well understood why lavender oil triggers this response in preadolescent boys, but the fact is well documented. Should the child have ever been exposed to lavender oil and is experiencing puffy nipples, simply removing the lavender oil from the household will fix the problem and the puffy nipples will soon go away.

Puffy nipples are quite common among adolescents, and when looking for a cause one only needs to look to the wildly swinging hormones that result from puberty. During this time in a young man's life the body is undergoing rapid development and the hormonal systems go into overdrive; often producing inconsistent levels of hormones that affect the body in a variety of ways. There is no real treatment for this cause of puffy nipples, as hormonal imbalances attributed to puberty are both natural and expected; and more importantly eventually go away. Any attempts to regulate these hormones or treat the puffy nipples by surgical means would probably do more harm than good in the long run. In this case it is best to just sit back relax and let nature take its course.

Bodybuilders are particularly prone to developing puffy nipples. This is a fairly well documented occurrence, and very few people are left wondering what causes puffy nipples in bodybuilders. Steroid usage is somewhat common among professional bodybuilders looking to bulk up; and because steroids are essentially hormones they can lead to hormonal imbalances within the body that result in puffy nipples.

The problem is further exacerbated by the very low percentage of body fat on bodybuilders. The low percentage of body fat combined with the enlarged glands makes the puffy nipples stand out much more readily than on an average sized person.

No matter what causes the puffy nipples; there are solutions out there. Surgical solutions are the most popular as they are obviously the quickest and most successful. However if the puffy nipples are caused by a hormonal imbalance there may be ways of treating the condition by correcting the imbalance through hormonal therapy. As with any medical condition consult with a physician to discuss the best course of action. If surgery is the best option for your case, make sure to fully evaluate the surgeon you plan on working with. Ask to see photos of previous patients who had the same operation.