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

Microplastics have been found in human reproductive fluids, raising new concerns about their possible impact on fertility, according to research presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, formed through the breakdown of larger plastic products such as packaging, synthetic clothing, and personal care items. Even smaller particles, known as nanoplastics, are invisible to the naked eye and can penetrate living tissues. Scientists have previously detected microplastics in various organs, but their presence in reproductive fluids introduces new questions about their effects on human fertility.

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/