- For the first time, scientists have discovered microplastics in human penile tissue, raising concerns about their prevalence and potential health risks.
- The study found that four out of five samples from men with erectile dysfunction contained seven different types of microplastics.
- Experts hope these findings will raise awareness and encourage further research into the impact of foreign particles in human organs.
Male infertility remains a global problem whose causes are often poorly understood.
Given the growing evidence of microplastics entering various biological systems, such as the blood and lungs, researchers are now exploring their potential effects on reproductive systems.
Previous research has investigated the presence of microplastics in male reproductive organs.
For example, in one study, researchers discovered 12 different types of microplastics in the testicles of dogs and humans. In dogs, they found that higher levels of certain microplastics correlated with lower sperm counts and reduced testicular weight.
Now, new research published in
These polymer fragments can vary in size from less than 0.2 inch (5 millimeters) to 1 micrometer (1/25,000th of an inch).
Smaller fragments, called nanoplastics, are measured in billionths of a meter.
Microplastics form when larger plastic materials chemically degrade or physically wear away into smaller pieces.
The samples were collected from participants diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) who were undergoing penile implantation surgery at the University of Miami between August and September 2023.
Chemical imaging analysis of the samples revealed that 4 out of 5 men had microplastics in their penile tissues.
The study identified seven different types of microplastics, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) being the most common.
Ranjith Ramasamy, MD, lead author of the study and an expert in reproductive urology who conducted the research at the University of Miami, explained the key findings at Medical news today.
“Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and skin contact,” explained Dr. Ramasamy. “They are present in air, water and food, especially in products like seafood, sea salt and bottled drinks.”
He noted that these tiny particles can travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in various tissues, including penile tissue.
“The study found that microplastics, tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5mm, were present in the penile tissue of men who had surgery for erectile dysfunction. These microplastics were detected in 80% of samples, with the most common types being polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP).
– Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy
Tracey Woodruff, PhD, professor and director of the Environmental Research and Translation for Health (EaRTH) Center at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved in this research, said:
“[I]t was certainly a mind-blowing topic, but ultimately, I’m not surprised that there are microplastics in penile tissue – as they have been measured in every part of the body that has been studied so far, including blood, placenta, stool and, recently, testicles.
“Although this is the first time I have seen a measurement in the penis – so it is new – this was expected given that MPs are found everywhere – everywhere in nature, in animals and in us,” added Dr. Woodruff.
“This is to be expected given that plastic production increased significantly starting in 2000 with the introduction of hydraulic fracturing (in the United States) and has doubled its production since 2008. And we will see more plastics in us if the Planned plastic production continues, which is expected to triple by 2060.”
– Dr. Tracey Woodruff
Dr. Woodruff noted that “this paper also evaluated the types of plastics, which was interesting because more recent papers evaluated the types of plastics that make up microplastics.”
“In this case it is PET and PP, which is also expected because these are some of the most important components in plastic production,” she said.
“Microplastics can be very small, or even small enough, to move around the body and disperse into different tissues, which is why they have been found in other related body parts (e.g., testes, placenta),” Dr. Woodruff explained.
Dr. Ramasamy emphasized that “continued research is essential to fully understand the extent of these effects and to develop strategies to mitigate exposure and protect reproductive health.”
However, Ramasamy added that people might be able to limit their exposure by reducing their use of single-use plastics, filtering tap water, or choosing fresh foods over frozen foods found in plastic containers that must be microwaved.
Dr. Woodruff agrees, saying that “people can reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals (many of which are found in microplastics), but not completely, because many sources are beyond their control.”
“For plastics – don’t microwave plastic, choose non-plastic containers, including water bottles, when you can, and eat foods lower on the food chain, as well as fresh foods prepared inside the house, clean/dust with a damp mop or microfiber. »
– Dr. Tracey Woodruff
UC San Francisco has also released evidence-based guidance for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, which also works for microplastics, Dr. Woodruff explained.
Dr. Woodruff also highlighted a
“And because these chemicals are often used in plastics, these practices would also reduce exposure to microplastics: by avoiding plastic containers, bottles and packaging; avoid canned foods/drinks; eat fresh and organic foods; and avoid fast/processed foods,” Dr. Woodruff said.
“Finally, we need the government to make systematic changes to ensure we are not exposed to harmful levels of PM. This includes focusing on plastics treaties, where one proposal is to limit current plastic production so we don’t have an increase in the amount of plastic and find more of it in the human body.”
– Dr. Tracey Woodruff