Overview

• Researchers tested follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men, finding microplastics in 69% of female and 55% of male samples.
• Analysis identified six common polymers—including PTFE, polystyrene, PET, polyamide, polypropylene and polyurethane—with PTFE detected most frequently.
• The findings expand on earlier reports of microplastics in blood, lungs and placenta and were published today in the journal Human Reproduction.
• The research team plans larger cohort studies to assess how particle exposure affects egg and sperm health and to examine related environmental and lifestyle factors.
• While direct impacts on human fertility remain unproven, experts advise reducing plastic intake by using glass food containers and limiting bottled water consumption.