Microplastics Detected in Human Reproductive Fluids Raise Fertility Concerns

Recent research presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting has revealed the presence of microplastics in human reproductive fluids, raising significant concerns about potential impacts on fertility. The study, led by Dr. Emilio Gómez‑Sánchez from Next Fertility Murcia in Spain, analyzed follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men, finding microplastics in 69% of female samples and 55% of male samples. This alarming discovery highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and its potential implications for human health.

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles measuring less than five millimeters, have increasingly infiltrated various aspects of human life, including the bloodstream, organs, and now, reproductive fluids. According to Dr. Gómez‑Sánchez, the presence of polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polypropylene—materials commonly found in cookware and food packaging—was particularly surprising. The study's findings align with previous research that detected microplastics in placental tissues, suggesting these particles can cross biological barriers.

The implications of microplastics on human fertility are profound. Past studies on animals have indicated that exposure to microplastics may lead to reproductive issues, including DNA damage in sperm and disrupted hormone levels. For example, research published in the journal Environmental Pollution in 2024 demonstrated that polystyrene particles could induce oxidative stress, impairing sperm motility and DNA integrity (Zhang et al., 2024).

Despite the low particle counts found in the reproductive fluids—typically one or two particles per sample—experts emphasize that even minimal exposure could pose risks. Professor Carlos Calhaz‑Jorge from the University of Lisbon stated, “They should be considered an additional argument in favor of avoiding the generalized use of plastics in our daily lives.” He further noted that more extensive research is necessary to establish causation between microplastics and fertility impairments.

The mechanisms by which microplastics enter the human body are well-documented. Individuals primarily ingest these particles through contaminated food and drink or inhale them from the air. Microplastics can infiltrate tissues, escape bodily filters, and potentially act as carriers for other harmful chemicals, complicating their effects on human health.

As global plastic production continues to rise, increasing from under two million tons in 1950 to approximately 460 million tons in 2019 (Minderoo‑Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, 2019), the urgency for effective intervention measures grows. Dr. Philip Landrigan, a public health expert at Boston College, highlighted the need for a global treaty to curb plastic production, calling it a pivotal moment for protecting human health.

Looking forward, Dr. Gómez‑Sánchez's team plans to expand their research to include hundreds of patients, correlating microplastic levels with embryo quality during in vitro fertilization cycles. This future work may offer critical insights into how microplastics affect human fertility and provide a clearer understanding of associated health risks.

In the meantime, experts recommend several lifestyle modifications to reduce microplastic exposure, such as opting for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic, avoiding the use of scratched nonstick cookware, and letting take-out food cool before transferring it from its packaging. While these changes may not eliminate exposure entirely, they can contribute to a decreased risk of ingesting harmful particles.

As the body of evidence regarding microplastics in human health continues to grow, it is imperative that both individuals and policymakers take action to mitigate the risks associated with plastic pollution. The study, which underscores the urgent need for further investigation, was published in the journal Human Reproduction.