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European Council and Parliament agree on new rules to reduce microplastic pollution.
13 April 2025
New research reveals the presence of microplastics in human reproductive fluids, raising important questions about their potential risks to fertility and reproductive health.
The research was presented earlier this week (02 July) at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
‘It’s no wonder our babies are born pre-polluted now. From brains to balls, blood to babies – plastic is infecting every part of our bodies. Every week brings new evidence. People are now part-plastic. The only question now has to be ‘when is enough, enough’? When will we all push back against the plastics industry and the brands that persist in sticking with what is last century’s material rather than embracing new Nature-compatible solutions.
‘The term ‘polluter pays’ is taking on a whole new meaning here. We need our governments to protect us against toxic materials and chemicals that disrupt our vital living systems. The UN Global Plastics Treaty, completing this August, is a one-off opportunity to create binding policy but it may be hugely compromised by the lobbying pressure from the fossil-fuellers who see plastic as their Plan B.’
SIAN SUTHERLAND
Co-founder, A Plastic Planet & Plastic Health Council
Researchers examined follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men, both of which play critical roles in natural conception and assisted reproduction.
A range of commonly used microplastic polymers, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and polyurethane (PU), were identified in both groups.
Microplastics were present in 69% of the follicular fluid samples analysed.
Notably, the most frequently detected polymer was PTFE, found in 31% of the samples.
This was followed by PP (28%), PET (17%), PA (14%), polyethylene (PE) (10%), PU (10%) and PS (7%), in descending order of prevalence.
In male seminal fluid samples, microplastics were found in 55% of those analysed.
PTFE again emerged as the most prevalent polymer, identified in 41% of the samples.
Other polymers detected included PS (14%), PET (9%), PA (5%) and PU (5%), though in lower concentrations.
To prevent contamination, all samples were collected and stored in glass containers and underwent chemical treatment before analysis using laser direct infrared microscopy.
‘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 – found in 69% of the women and 55% of the men we studied.’
DR EMILIO GOMEZ-SANCHEZ
Lead researcher
Microplastics are defined as plastic particles under 5mm in size, and there is evidence that they pose a threat to environmental and public health.
While this research did not directly assess how microplastics affect fertility, their detection highlights the need to explore possible implications for human reproductive health.
‘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. It’s possible they could impair egg or sperm quality in humans, but we don’t yet have enough evidence to confirm that.’
DR EMILIO GOMEZ-SANCHEZ
Lead researcher
The research team plans to expand its analysis to a larger cohort, alongside detailed lifestyle and environmental exposure questionnaires.
Further phases of the project will also explore the potential relationship between the presence of microplastics and oocyte and sperm quality.
Dr Gomez-Sanchez stressed that fertility is influenced by many factors, including age, health and genetics, and that the findings should not cause alarm among those trying to conceive
‘There’s no need for alarm at this point. Microplastics are just one of many elements that may play a role in fertility. 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 minimise our intake.’
DR EMILIO GOMEZ-SANCHEZ
Lead researcher
The study abstract has been published in Human Reproduction, one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals.
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