Microplastics Detected in Bodily Fluids of Infertile Patients, Threatening Reproductive Health

Microplastics Detected in Reproductive Fluids of Over 60% of Infertility Patients
Concerns Raised Over Possible Link Between Environmental Pollution and Reduced Fertility

Spanish researchers have revealed that microplastics were detected in the reproductive systems of infertile patients, once again raising concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on reproductive health.

Spanish researchers have revealed that microplastics were detected in the reproductive systems of infertile patients (photo provided to aid article understanding and unrelated to the content). Pixabay

According to the Spanish daily El Pais on July 4 (local time), researchers from the University of Murcia and the assisted reproduction clinic Next Fertility detected microplastics in more than half of a study group of men and women undergoing infertility treatment, and presented these findings at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

The researchers analyzed semen samples from 22 men and follicular fluid from 29 women receiving infertility treatment, detecting microplastics in 55% of the semen samples and 69% of the follicular fluid samples, respectively.

Using a laser infrared microscope, the team identified microplastic particles such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), and polystyrene (PS), all commonly encountered in daily life. The researchers reported that while the concentration of microplastics was minimal in most samples, up to 38 particles were identified in one individual.

The team led by Professor Pilar Banas at the University of Murcia, who conducted the study, emphasized that these results cannot rule out the possibility that microplastics may affect reproductive cells, and highlighted the need for further research into how microplastic exposure may be related to reduced fertility.

Fei Cuseriu, a professor at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom who participated in the study, also stated, "In the context of declining birth rates worldwide, the impact of environmental factors cannot be overlooked."

Recently, Italian researchers also highlighted the seriousness of the issue by publishing a paper in an international journal reporting the presence of large quantities of microplastics in the follicular fluid of women undergoing infertility treatment. Luigi Montano, a professor at the University of Rome, explained that if follicular fluid?which provides essential nutrients for egg development?is contaminated with microplastics, it is highly likely to have a negative impact on reproductive capacity and hormonal balance.