Microplastics might sound like a \u201880s cartoon series based on a set of action figures \u2014 but the reality is significantly less fun. A recent study attracted worldwide headlines when researchers found the presence of microplastics in every testicle they studied. Microplastics might impact male fertility, experts warn, and could be a reason why global sperm counts have declined 50% in the last 40 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic less than five millimeters in size. Primary microplastics are designed to be small (think the microbeads in cosmetic products), while secondary microplastics are produced when larger pieces of plastic degrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microplastics smaller than 1 micrometer, also known as nanoplastics, are particularly concerning to scientists because they can infiltrate cells. Microplastics have been detected throughout the human body, including in the saliva, blood liver, kidneys, placenta \u2014 and, in recent studies, the testicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because plastic has become so ubiquitous in modern life, microplastics are found just about everywhere \u2014 in dust, trash, fabrics, personal care products, water, air, soil, and food. They can take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plastics are composed of large molecules called polymers. Polymers are chemical compounds that are bound together in long, repeating chains. Polymers can be natural \u2014 wool, cotton, and wood are polymers \u2014 or synthetic. Plastics came about in the early 20th century when chemists found they could engineer polymers to have certain properties, such as strength and moldability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common polymers found in microplastics include polyethylene, PVC, PET, and polycarbonates. These polymers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs, which can interfere with hormones like testosterone. Experts believe EDC exposure is the primary reason behind the worldwide 50% drop in male fertility<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most widely used plastic in the world, PE is commonly used for packaging, plastic bags, children\u2019s toys, and many other consumer products. Most notably used in plumbing and construction (such as PVC pipes or vinyl plank flooring), PVC can also be found in clothing, shower curtains, and inflatable products. PET is the chemical name for polyester. Nearly ubiquitous in clothing \u2014 from underwear to overcoats \u2014 PET is also used to make containers that hold beverages, food, and personal care and household items. Your soda or water bottle is probably made from PET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research has determined that PET bottles leach endocrine disruptors into their contents. One study found PET-bottled water caused estrogenic activity.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n PC is commonly used in baby bottles, refillable water bottles, sippy cups, and many other food and drink containers. It is also found in eyeglass lenses, compact discs, dental sealants, and plastic dinnerware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polycarbonate plastics typically contain bisphenol A or S (BPA or BPS), both of which are known endocrine disrupting substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We eat, drink, and inhale microplastics every day. Research suggests we consume more than 100,000 microplastic particles a year. That\u2019s about 5 grams, or the weight of a credit card, each week.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common source of microplastic exposure is through our food:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We may also be exposed to microplastics elsewhere in the home, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the aforementioned study that went viral in spring 2024, university researchers in New Mexico looked at testicular samples from 47 humans and 28 dogs.7<\/sup> (Dogs are considered \u201csentinel animals\u201d \u2014 animals that can be studied to understand risks to human health \u2014 because they\u2019re exposed to many of the same environmental factors as humans.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The scientists measured the amount of microplastics in testicular samples by dissolving the biological tissue and observing the solids that were left. About 75% of what remained was plastic. Ultimately, microplastics were found in every<\/strong> sample studied \u2014 12 types of microplastics in all, including PE, PVC, PET, and PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not the first study to find something similar. In 2023, a small study in China found evidence of microplastics in semen as well as the testicles.8<\/sup> In that research, polystyrene (the chemical in Styrofoam), PE, and PVC were the most common polymers found in the samples studied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts know microplastics \u2014 and especially nanoplastics \u2014 can move around the body through the bloodstream. But exactly how they get into specific organs is unclear, researchers say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of the testicles, microplastics might \u201chitchhike\u201d through the gut via tiny fat particles that are metabolized and spread throughout the body, suggests Dr. Matthew Campen, a professor focusing on pollutants and toxicants at the UNM College of Pharmacy.9<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, microplastics\u2019 impact on male fertility is an under-studied area. A 2023 paper called evidence of reproductive health damage from microplastics \u201clacking.\u201d8<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n But it\u2019s not a wild extrapolation to suggest microplastics could cause reproductive harm. Several studies have found that exposure to other endocrine disruptors in plastic, such as phthalates, can negatively affect sperm quality.10<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a 2024 mini-review of studies, researchers found that exposure to BPA, found in microplastics, can cause damage to the blood-testis barrier, testis dysfunction, defects in sperm and semen quality, altered gene expression, and immunological responses that may negatively affect the male reproductive system.11<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n In another 2024 review, scientists found that \u201cexposure to bisphenols can lead to adverse effects on male fertility, including declined semen quality, altered reproductive hormone levels, and adverse reproductive outcomes.\u201d12<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the New Mexico study, researchers noted a correlation between the presence of microplastics and lower testicular weight.7<\/sup> Testicular weight may decrease due to a loss of germ cells used to make sperm, among other reasons \u2014 none of which are positive for fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The research team also found that the presence of PVC in the canine testicles was correlated with lower sperm count. They didn\u2019t analyze sperm count in the human samples.7<\/sup> This suggests that the chemicals in microplastics could have a wide-ranging impact on sperm production and male fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about <\/em>endocrine-disrupting chemicals and male fertility<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, no test is available for you to test your own semen for microplastics \u2014 it\u2019s still relatively advanced lab work. There are urinalysis tests that can detect common chemical compounds found in plastic, such as bisphenols and phthalates, but those tests can\u2019t tell you where the microplastics live in your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to understand if your sperm production is at risk is with a semen analysis<\/a>. In this simple test, a lab scientist examines a sample of your semen to assess your sperm count and the overall health of your sperm. While a semen analysis can\u2019t detect specific microplastics, it can give you a holistic picture of your fertility health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For now, if you\u2019re wondering if you\u2019re microplastic-free, the odds are: almost certainly not. The founder of the plastic urinalysis told Time <\/em>that BPA is found in over 90% of individuals tested.13 <\/sup>\u201cThese chemicals are everywhere,\u201d concluded pediatrician and plastics researcher Dr. Christos Symeonides.13<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Xu et al. \u201cPhthalate Esters and Their Potential Risk in PET Bottled Water Stored under Common Conditions,\u201d 2024.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. De Wit et al. \u201cNo Plastic in Nature: Assessing Plastic Ingestion from Nature to People,\u201d 2019.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Yadav et al. \u201cCutting Boards: An Overlooked Source of Microplastics in Human Food?\u201d 2023.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Hussain et al. \u201cAssessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health,\u201d 2023.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Sobhani et al. \u201cMicroplastics generated when opening plastic packaging,\u201d 2020.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. <\/sup>Harvey et al. \u201cSources of microplastics and their distribution in the environment.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Hu et al, \u201cMicroplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis.\u201d 2024.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Zhao et al. \u201cDetection and characterization of microplastics in the human testis and semen.\u201d 2023.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Stone, Will. \u201cPlastic junk? Researchers find tiny particles in men’s testicles,\u201d 2024.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. Dobrzy\u0144ska, Ma\u0142gorzata. \u201cPhthalates – widespread occurrence and the effect on male gametes.\u201d 2016.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 11. <\/sup>Xue et al. \u201cEffects and mechanisms of endocrine disruptor bisphenol AF on male reproductive health: A mini review,\u201d 2024.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 12. Deng et al. \u201cAdverse effects of bisphenol A and its analogues on male fertility: An epigenetic perspective,\u201d 2024.<\/a>13. Kluger, Jeffrey. \u201cA Test Told Me I\u2019m Basically Made of Plastic. You Probably Are Too.\u201d Time<\/em>, 2024.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a 2024 study, researchers found the presence of microplastics in human and canine testicles. 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PE contains phthalates, chemical compounds designed to make plastics more durable. Phthalates are known to act as endocrine disruptors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPolyvinyl chloride (PVC)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
PVC is known to emit phthalates. When burned or landfilled, it has been found to release dioxins, a toxin linked to fertility problems. Long-term exposure to PVC can also increase cancer risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPolyethylene terephthalate (PET)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Polycarbonate plastics (PC)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How humans ingest microplastics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Study finds microplastic presence in all human and canine testicular tissue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do microplastics get to the testicles?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How microplastics may impact male fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can you test your testes or semen for microplastics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n