Microplastics Detected in Human Reproductive Fluids Raise Health Concerns

Recent research presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has uncovered the presence of microplastics in human reproductive fluids, prompting questions about potential impacts on fertility and reproductive health. Investigators analyzed follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men, both critical components in natural conception and assisted reproductive processes.

The study identified various common microplastic polymers, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), and polyurethane (PU), in both fluid types. Microplastics were found in 69% of follicular fluid samples, with PTFE being the most prevalent—detected in 31% of samples—followed by PP (28%), PET (17%), PA (14%), PE (10%), PU (10%), and PS (7%). In male seminal fluids, microplastics appeared in 55% of samples, with PTFE again the most common (41%), along with PS (14%), PET (9%), PA (5%), and PU (5%).

Samples were collected and stored in glass containers, with chemical treatment before analysis via laser infrared microscopy to prevent contamination. Lead researcher Dr. Emilio Gomez-Sanchez highlighted that microplastics are already known to accumulate in human tissues and organs; their detection in reproductive fluids suggests they are widespread in the human body. "Finding microplastics in over two-thirds of follicular fluids and more than half of seminal fluids in our study was surprising, yet aligns with previous findings of microplastics in human tissues," he stated.

Microplastics, particles smaller than 5mm, are recognized as environmental pollutants that pose hazards to public health. While this research did not directly evaluate effects on fertility, it emphasizes the urgency of exploring their potential implications. Animal studies have shown that microplastics can induce inflammation, generate free radicals, cause DNA damage, trigger cellular aging, and disrupt endocrine functions in tissues where they accumulate. Such effects could theoretically impair egg and sperm quality in humans, although definitive evidence is still lacking.

The research team plans to follow up with larger sample sizes, integrating detailed lifestyle and environmental exposure surveys. Future studies will aim to determine if there is a tangible relationship between microplastic presence and gamete quality. Dr. Gomez-Sanchez advised that, although these findings warrant attention, they do not imply immediate danger for individuals trying to conceive. Measures like using glass containers instead of plastic and reducing bottled water consumption may help lower microplastic exposure.

Expert voices, including Professor Dr. Carlos Calhaz-Jorge from ESHRE, underscored the importance of considering environmental factors in reproductive health. "While the significance of these findings is still being understood, they add to growing concerns about plastic use and its impact on human fertility," he stated. The full study will be published in the journal Human Reproduction.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-microplastics-human-reproductive-fluids.html