Microplastics are plastic particles that occur in sizes around 1 to 1,000 μm, making them a concern, knowing they can easily enter our ecosystem. According to data from UNESCO, there are about 50 to 75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics floating in our oceans. It’s bad news because they can end up on our plates, leading to health hazards, including microplastics in human fertility.
Microplastics in the food chain affect fertility through various pathways, one of which is through seafood. A study stated that 28% of processed fish in Indonesia and 25% of commercially processed fish in California contain microplastics. When consumed by humans, there is a possibility of hormonal imbalances due to microplastic ingestion.
The fertility issues linked to microplastics are still being studied by scientists to understand all possible health risks of microplastic ingestion.
In this article, we provide various insights into current research on microplastics and endocrine disruption to raise public awareness regarding the impact of microplastics in human fertility.
Table of Contents
Microplastics and the Human Body
Speaking of microplastics in human fertility, we must understand the pathway of microplastic contamination in humans, ultimately leading to hormonal disruptions and infertility. Microplastics in the food chain affect fertility through various types of food, including salt.
As quoted by the UNDP, it is estimated that around 2,000 microplastics are consumed by the average adult each year. Meanwhile, the average accumulation of microplastics in adults’ bodies throughout their lives reaches 50,100 particles, while children consume 500 plastic particles per day.
That’s shocking!
Can you imagine the impact of microplastics on reproductive health if we unknowingly consume that much?
Before discussing the impact of microplastics on the human reproductive system, we will invite you to explore how these plastic particles end up in our human tissues.
Ways Microplastics Interact with Humans
Microplastics can interact with humans through various pathways, impacting our reproductive health and posing health hazards. One of the most common pathways is through water pollution and the food chain.
When microplastics contaminate water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, aquatic life easily gets exposed to these notorious particles and ingests them. The potential pollution effects don’t stop there.
They are harvested or caught by fishermen, ultimately ending up on our dinner plates, posing a threat to food safety.
This concern is substantiated by a recent study that discovered microplastics in human blood for the first time. Scientists collected 22 samples, of which 17 contained microplastics. The sources of these tiny plastic particles are highly diverse, ranging from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) to Polystyrene (PS).
Certainly, this is very concerning, considering health studies that reveal the connection between microplastics and hormonal changes in humans. These changes lead to endocrine interference that has fertility impacts, such as a higher chance of endometriosis, poor sperm quality, and many more.
Not only in seafood, but a study reveals that microplastics are also found in soft drinks! It’s not surprising because microplastics are commonly found in waterways.
In addition to the food chain pathway, we also receive plastic exposure from water. Scientists have found a staggering fact that each individual has an exposure rate of nanoplastics and microplastics reaching 5,700 microplastics per cubic meter.
Beyond that, Al Jazeera reported that Japanese scientists found contamination of microplastics in clouds! These plastics are generally referred to as airborne microplastics. The results of the study add to the growing concern about the health implications these plastics may have, especially since they can reach clouds and be carried by rain.
The Link Between Microplastics and Fertility
Numerous scientific research studies have explored the relationship between microplastics and human fertility impacts. Generally, they examine specific hormonal disruptions that lead to various health implications, such as pregnancy disorders, endometriosis cysts, and even infertility.
Given the concerning connection between microplastic exposure and reproduction, we will discuss in detail the effects of microplastics on male fertility and the relationship between microplastics and female reproductive health below.
1. How Microplastics Might Affect Reproductive Health?
Microplastics have been proven through several studies to disrupt the hormonal balance that regulates the reproductive system. These notorious plastic particles contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as Phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), and Dioxins which can pose reproductive risks.
These chemicals have a shape similar to certain hormonal receptors, causing disruptions. When these chemicals enter the human body through food, water, or inhalation, they lead to tissue contamination, including in the reproductive system.
Studies and research on microplastics and endocrine disruption suggest that this event could result in reduced sperm quantity and quality. Meanwhile, microplastics in the human reproductive system are also associated with menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, and even fetal growth restriction in pregnant women.
In the case of endometriosis, hormonal imbalances further exacerbate the conditions leading to this issue. Due to the complex interplay of these tiny particles, many refer to microplastics as endocrine disruptors.
2. Potential Hormonal Disruptions Caused by Microplastics
Discussing microplastics as endocrine disruptors also involves understanding how they can disrupt hormonal balance. Essentially, microplastics contain chemicals that naturally pose reproductive risks, with one of the most notable being phthalates.
These chemicals closely resemble the structure of natural hormones in our bodies. When we unknowingly ingest microplastics, we introduce these hormonal disruptors to our system. Once inside, they bind to hormonal receptors due to their look-alike shapes.
Here, they interfere with the system, causing imbalances of estrogen or androgen produced by the endocrine system. Consequently, this event leads to various health issues, including endometriosis, abnormalities in sex organs, early puberty, altered immune function, and decreased sperm fertility.
The link between microplastic exposure and reproduction underlines the need for further investigation regarding the extent of microplastic impacts on human health.
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Comparative Studies and Global Research
Research on microplastics in human fertility continues to progress, despite many findings establishing a positive connection between the two. We have come across several interesting studies that can serve as references to raise public awareness regarding microplastics and female reproductive health.
According to a study by Afreen and colleagues published in 2023, microplastics contribute to altering sex hormone levels and induce oxidative stress. Thus, they negatively influence fertility and reproduction.
Subsequently, a study by Hong in the same year also aligns with these findings.
However, Hong provides detailed research findings indicating that endocrine disruptors from microplastics also cause ovarian dysfunction in women. This has the potential to increase infertility rates, which currently exceed 15% for couples globally.
In addition to women, microplastics significantly impact the male reproductive system. Based on Zhang’s research, hormonal disruption leads to a decrease in semen quality, a finding supported by Shi, who mentions a lack of sperm swimming performance.
Still related to sperm quality, Tallec also found lower sperm motility due to the occurrence of sperm aggregation. Similarly, a decrease in sperm velocity was noted in Jewett’s study. This phenomenon will undoubtedly reduce the ability of sperm to reach a fertile egg during conception, lowering birth and fertility rates.
From these findings, we can know how significant microplastics influence our health. Hence, it’s crucial to follow safety measures when you are handling plastics. Reducing plastic packaging is also recommended to align with food safety.
In our opinion, introducing government regulations related to the plastic industry and usage is important, especially in terms of preventing microplastic-related fertility problems.
The Hormonal Disruptors
We have briefly discussed these hormone disruptors, but we will delve further into them in this section. As you know, certain chemicals in microplastics can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the normal hormonal system in our bodies that regulates human reproduction.
Excellent examples of these endocrine-disruptor chemicals are Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates. Both of these chemicals have structures and sizes similar to reproductive hormonal receptors in the human body.
When we ingest plastic particles, they will enter our bodies and bind with hormone receptors, leading to imbalances. Hormones affected by this phenomenon include androgen (in men) and estrogen (in women).
Furthermore, the endocrine disruptors in microplastics are concerning when their contamination is present in drinking water. The relationship between microplastics in drinking water and fertility is particularly interesting because these substances directly enter the body through water.
For BPA, they are often associated with menstrual irregularities, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. This substance generally affects the success rate of conception due to a reduced ovarian reserve.
On the other hand, phthalates can cause infertility in men due to a decrease in sperm quality and motility. In females, this chemical compound leads to adverse effects on fetal development and increases the risk of pregnancy complications.
Considering the various negative impacts of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates, there is a need for stricter government regulations regarding the use of these substances in plastic manufacturing.
This is also crucial, especially in preventing microplastic-related fertility problems.
Education regarding microplastics and pregnancy risks is also crucial so that pregnant women can avoid plastic packaging containing these substances or opt for BPA- and phthalates-free alternatives.
Future Directions in Research
The developments related to the impact of microplastics on human fertility are growing rapidly. However, we believe there are critical areas in the connection between these environmental pollutants and fertility that still require further investigation.
For example, it is necessary to explore the long-term influences of the ingestion of microplastics on chronic diseases and reproductive health. Studies with male and female subjects over an extended period are essential to understand the impacts and to prepare preventive measures.
Moreover, we also believe that researchers can examine the influence of microplastics on embryo development, pregnancy risks associated with maternal conditions, and the potential threat of microplastics on reproductive cancer.
We also hope for future technological advancements that can aid in detecting microplastics, including imaging technologies. This will undoubtedly assist researchers in detecting plastic and conducting more effective research.
Additionally, the availability of testing kits can serve as consumer advice to help determine whether the products they consume contain plastic contaminants or not. Thus, it can reduce the health issues surrounding plastic exposure and lead to a healthier future.
Final Thought
To sum up, microplastics in human fertility indeed pose significant health risks to our bodies. They contain endocrine-disrupting compounds that will interfere with the hormonal system, causing imbalances in male and female reproductive systems, such as reduced sperm quality, menstrual irregularities, and many more.
Continued research and awareness are necessary to understand the full risks of these tiny environmental pollutants when they enter the human body and help in strategy preparation to mitigate these issues.
We also encourage readers to be more proactive about their health status, especially in connection with environmental influences. Adopting sustainable practice is a good move if you want to maintain your health for years ahead.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are microplastics cancerous?
Microplastics are not directly linked to cancer. However, they pose serious health risks, such as hormonal disruptions and fertility issues. Their structural similarities to certain hormones can lead to significant reproductive and endocrine problems.
Who is most affected by microplastics?
Both men and women are affected by microplastics, with serious impacts on fertility and hormonal balance. Microplastics can alter male sperm quality and disrupt female reproductive health, leading to conditions like endometriosis and pregnancy complications.
These pollutants pose significant risks to human reproductive systems.
Can you absorb microplastics through the skin?
Current evidence suggests that microplastics are unlikely to be absorbed through the skin. However, handling them with caution is still important due to their overall health risks.
Do water filters remove microplastics?
Some advanced water filters can remove microplastics, but not all are effective. Choosing a filter designed to separate microplastics is essential for reducing health risks.