Microplastics now spark fertility concerns

(CN) — Microplastics have now been found in human reproductive fluids — the latest in a growing list of places in the body where researchers say these tiny plastic particles, smaller than five millimeters, have turned up, including the lungs, bloodstream, placenta, breast milk and even brain tissue.

According to researchers, their detection in reproductive fluids is another indication of the widespread presence of these pollutants, raising questions about the risks they may pose.

A new study presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology’s annual meeting has found plastic particles in the follicular fluid of women and the semen of men, raising concerns about how plastic exposure might affect fertility.

The researchers analyzed samples from 29 women and 22 men, identifying several common plastic polymers, including polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyurethane and polyamide.

The findings, published Tuesday in the journal Human Reproduction, detected microplastics in 69% of the female samples and 55% of the male samples.

The most common plastic found was PTFE, which is often used in nonstick coatings and waterproof fabrics and showed up in nearly a third of the women’s samples and 41% of the men’s.

“Previous studies had already shown that microplastics can be found in various human organs,” said lead researcher Emilio Gomez-Sanchez in a press release. “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.”

To prevent contamination, all samples were collected and stored in glass containers, then chemically treated and analyzed using laser direct infrared spectroscopy.

While the study didn’t examine how the microplastics might affect fertility, their presence in the fluids that support egg and sperm function could have biological consequences.

“What we know from animal studies is that in the tissues where microplastics accumulate, they can induce inflammation, free radical formation, DNA damage, cellular senescence, and endocrine disruptions,” said Gomez-Sanchez. “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 said there’s no reason to panic just yet. Fertility depends on many factors, including age, health and genetics, and microplastics are just one possible piece of the puzzle.

“There’s no need for alarm at this point. Microplastics are just one of many elements that may play a role in fertility,” he said. “However, it is sensible to consider ways of reducing our exposure to them. Simple steps, such as using glass containers to store and heat food, or limiting the amount of water we consume from plastic bottles, can help minimize our intake.”

The research team now plans to expand the study to a larger group of patients and include detailed questionnaires about lifestyle and environmental exposure. They’ll also explore whether there’s any link between plastic levels and the quality of eggs and sperm.

Carlos Calhaz-Jorge, immediate past chair of ESHRE, said the findings add to growing evidence that environmental factors may influence human reproduction.

“Environmental factors influencing reproduction are certainly a reality, although not easy to measure objectively,” he said in the press release. “Although the significance of these findings is not yet clear, they should be considered an additional argument in favor of avoiding the generalized use of plastics in our daily lives.”