Study Explores Potential Impact of Microplastics Found in Penises on Fertility

Male infertility remains a global issue, with its causes often not well understood.

Given the growing evidence of microplastics infiltrating various biological systems, such as blood and lungs, researchers are now exploring their potential effects on reproductive systems.

Previous research has investigated the presence of microplastics in male reproductive organs.

Now, new research published in the International Journal of Impotence Research

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(IJIR) has revealed that four out of five penis tissue samples from five men contained seven different types of microplastics.

These polymer fragments can vary in size from less than 0.2 inches (5 millimetres) to as small as 1 micrometre (1/25,000th of an inch).

Microplastics form when larger plastic materials degrade chemically or wear down physically into tinier pieces. They enter the body through various means, including ingestion of contaminated food and water, inhalation of airborne particles, and absorption through the skin. Once inside, they can circulate through the bloodstream and accumulate in organs, potentially causing health issues.

In the study, researchers collected samples from participants diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) who were undergoing penile implant surgery at the University of Miami between August and September 2023.

Chemical imaging analysis of the samples revealed that 4 out of 5 men had microplastics in their penile tissue. The study identified seven different types of microplastics, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) being the most common.

“Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. They are present in the air, water, and food, especially in items like seafood, sea salt, and bottled beverages. The study found that microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, were present in the penile tissue of men who underwent surgery for erectile dysfunction. These microplastics were detected in 80% of the samples, with the most common types being polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP),” said Ranjith Ramasamy, lead author of the study.

Reference: Codrington, J., Varnum, A.A., Hildebrandt, L. et al. Detection of microplastics in the human penis. Int J Impot Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-024-00930-6