Microplastics Found in Human Reproductive Fluids: Fertility Concerns Rise After Study at ESHRE

Scientists have discovered microplastics in human reproductive fluids, raising concerns about potential risks to fertility and reproductive health. The study, presented at the ESHRE meeting, found microplastics in follicular fluid from women and seminal fluid from men. Researchers identified various common microplastic polymers, including PTFE, PS, and PET, prompting further investigation into the impact on reproductive health.

Microplastics, ubiquitous in our environment, have now been detected in human reproductive fluids. This alarming discovery, presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), has sparked concerns about potential risks to fertility and reproductive health.

What exactly are these microscopic pollutants?

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. Even tinier particles, known as nanoplastics (less than one-thousandth of a millimeter), also exist. These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic waste such as food packaging, synthetic fabrics, and personal care items.

The Presence of Microplastics in Reproductive Fluids

Researchers analyzed follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men to investigate the presence of microplastics in living tissue. Both fluids play crucial roles in both natural and assisted reproduction.

The findings revealed a concerning reality:

• Follicular Fluid: 69% of samples contained microplastics.
• Seminal Fluid: 55% of samples tested positive for microplastics.

The study identified several common microplastic polymers:

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Most prevalent in both follicular (31%) and seminal fluids (41%).
• Polypropylene (PP): Found in 28% of follicular fluid samples.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Present in 17% of follicular fluid and 9% of seminal fluid samples.
• Polyamide (PA): Detected in 14% of follicular fluid and 5% of seminal fluid samples.
• Polyethylene (PE): Found in 10% of follicular fluid samples.
• Polyurethane (PU): Present in 10% of follicular fluid and 5% of seminal fluid samples.
• Polystyrene (PS): Detected in 7% of follicular fluid and 14% of seminal fluid samples.

Expert Opinions and Potential Implications

Dr. Emilio Gomez-Sanchez, the lead researcher, stated, "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."

While the long-term effects of microplastics on fertility remain unclear, experts are concerned about their potential impact on human health. Animal studies suggest that microplastic accumulation in tissues can lead to:

• Inflammation
• Free radical formation
• DNA damage
• Cellular senescence
• Endocrine disruptions

These effects could potentially impair egg or sperm quality, but further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.

Should You Be Worried?

Dr. Gomez-Sanchez advises against immediate alarm, emphasizing that fertility is influenced by numerous factors. However, he suggests that individuals consider reducing their exposure to microplastics through simple measures, such as:

• Using glass containers for food storage and heating.
• Limiting consumption of water from plastic bottles.

Professor Dr. Carlos Calhaz-Jorge, Immediate Past Chair of ESHRE, added, "Environmental factors influencing reproduction are certainly a reality... Although the significance of these findings is not yet clear, they should be considered an additional argument in favour of avoiding the generalised use of plastics in our daily lives."

Further research is planned to investigate the potential relationship between microplastic presence and oocyte and sperm quality, involving a larger cohort and detailed lifestyle and environmental exposure data.