Information about breast cancer

Tying off your breasts, can it hurt?

Trans men, non-binary and genderfluid persons with a female birth sex, sometimes tie off their breasts because breasts make them uncomfortable. Does it do anything to your health?
Two individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community tying off their breasts

Bra straps that are too small, tight sports bras or commercial binders are often used for strapping. Some trans persons wear them only on special occasions; others wear them almost continuously. Nearly 9 in 10 people experience occasional discomfort from tying off, including tightness, back pain, breast pain, cuts or abrasions or rashes, but only a small minority dare discuss it with a doctor, according to research (1). Whether tying off affects the risk of breast cancer has not yet been studied, but seems very unlikely when used judiciously.

Tips to save your breasts when tying down

  1. The more often and longer you tie off your breasts, the greater the discomfort. Leave the tying off at night, insert days when you don't tie off and breaks on days when you do tie off.
  2. When exercising, do not wear a binder, but a fitted, tight sports bra in your size. During physical exertion, a binder will interfere with your breathing.
  3. Before you buy a commercial binder, inform yourself carefully which size is most suitable for you. Do not go for too tight, as the risk of discomfort would be very high. Combine a well-fitting binder with a loose sweater or t-shirt, which will help conceal your breasts.
  4. Never tape your breasts with sports tape, duck tape or other adhesive bandages. Tape can damage your skin.
  5. Listen to your body: remove the binder when in pain or when you are gasping for breath.

(1) Peitzmeier S, Gardner I, Weinand J, Corbet A, Acevedo K. Health impact of chest binding among transgender adults: a community-engaged, cross-sectional study. Cult Health Sex. 2017 Jan;19(1):64-75. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1191675.

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