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7 Myths About Breasts You Might Not Realize You Believe

by Lindsay E. Mack

Breasts are the best. I meant, they allow mothers to feed their babies from their own bodies. How cool is that? Although the awesomeness of breasts should be celebrated without reserve, the way popular culture often views them can lead to some skewed ideas about what breasts should look like and how they should be. In fact, there are likely some myths about breasts you might not realize you believe.

Sure, the internet is filled with promises about breasts. If you eat this food, they will grow. If you do that exercise, they will grow. If you wear a bra all the time, they will stay perky until you’re a centenarian. As is to be expected, most of the myths are centered around the idea that you need gigantic, gravity-defying boobs for whatever reason. This is just crass: all breasts are worthy of admiration.

Additionally, buying into some of these myths may be potentially harmful. For instance, it’s easy to believe that women with smaller busts may be at a lesser risk for breast cancer, but this is not true. In cases such as this, misinformation can have serious consequences. So it’s a good idea to know the truth about how your breasts may affect your health, appearance, and even workout choices.

Myth #1: Only Big Breasts Sag

Sagging affects everyone. As explained in Prevention, small breasts are also subject to droop — they just might not appear to sag as much because they contain less tissue. Gravity and time are the great equalizers, at least as far as perky breasts are concerned.

Myth #2: Bras Keep Your Boobs From Sagging

There's plenty of conflicting information about the ways bras will affect your breasts. But as explained in Health, breasts are just made up of skin, fat, and ligaments, so some amount of sag will likely happen over time. It isn't like they're a muscle you can work out. (Although that would be really cool and/or weird).

Myth #3: Breast Cancer Is Less Likely In Smaller Boobs

Breast cancer does not discriminate based on cup size. According to Prevention, breast cancer develops in cells that line the ducts for milk production, and these are the same for women of any breast size. Self-exams and mammograms are a good call for all women.

Myth #4: Breastfeeding Changes Your Boobs' Shape

No, you won't be left with a pair of half-deflated beach balls by the time your baby has weaned. According to WebMD, pregnancy may change the shape and size of your breasts a bit, but breastfeeding probably won't make them change much more. After all, breasts are designed for baby feeding, so there's no real harm in letting them carry out their natural purpose.

Myth #5: Exercise Can Boost Your Boobs

Well, not exactly. Exercise won't sculpt your breasts — they aren't muscle — but you can take a word of advice from Women's Health and do exercises to build your pectoral muscles. Developing these muscles may make you happier with your rack.

Myth #6: Eating Soy Will Make Boobs Bigger

Drinking a glass of soy milk won't boost your cup size into the middle of the alphabet. According to the advice of medical professionals on Real Self, food cannot noticeably change your breast size. Although it's a cool concept, there is not yet any scientific evidence that you can snack your way to bigger breasts.

Myth #7: Boob Size Matters

Sure, everyone has certain preferences when it comes to partner selection. But your boobs — whether they're big, small, mismatched, or surgically enhanced — are perfectly fine. You definitely don't have time to deal with anyone who makes critical comments about your cup size. Finding a partner who appreciates them (and of course the rest of you) is worthwhile.