Microplastics Detected in Human Reproductive Fluids, Raising Fertility Concerns: Study Suggests

To determine whether microplastics had infiltrated human reproductive systems, researchers analyzed follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men. Both types of fluids play crucial roles in natural conception and assisted reproduction. What they found was startling: microplastics were present in 69% of the follicular fluid samples and 55% of the semen samples. Commonly detected polymers included polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polyurethane (PU).

“Previous studies had already shown that microplastics can be found in various human organs. As a result, we weren’t entirely surprised to find microplastics in fluids of the human reproductive system, but we were struck by how common they were – found in 69% of the women and 55% of the men we studied,” said lead researcher Dr. Emilio Gomez-Sanchez.

While the exact impact of these microplastics on fertility remains unknown, animal studies suggest that accumulated particles may trigger inflammation, DNA damage, and hormone disruption. “It’s possible they could impair egg or sperm quality in humans, but we don’t yet have enough evidence to confirm that,” Gomez-Sanchez added.

Reference: https://www.eshre.eu/