How are microplastics impacting reproductive health?
Industry Buzz
We do not yet have strong, definitive evidence linking microplastic exposure directly to infertility in humans.
—Aimee Browne, MD
The fetus is likely being exposed to microplastics before birth, and there are early warning signs that this exposure could affect growth and development.
—Lisa Patel, MD
A growing body of evidence links microplastics to harm to multiple human organ systems, including the reproductive system. [] MDLinx spoke with two experts about the risks to fertility and reproductive health.
“Microplastics and nanoplastics are now being detected throughout the human body, including in [the] blood, [the] lungs, and even the placenta. Early research suggests they can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and potentially contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Nanoplastics, because of their extremely small size, may be especially concerning as they can enter cells and cross biological barriers, raising questions about effects on organs [such as] the brain and the developing fetus,” Lisa Patel, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University and Executive Director for the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, tells MDLinx.
“Many of the clearest health risks come from plasticizers—chemicals added to plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenols. These are well-established endocrine disruptors linked to fertility challenges, pregnancy complications, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular risk,” Dr. Patel adds.
Related: We all have enough plastic in our brain to make a spoonThe problem with plasticizers
Microplastics have been detected in human organ systems, including the reproductive system, and in semen and breast milk. [] Experts say the evidence linking microplastics to infertility is inconclusive, but plasticizers are a different story.
“Experimental studies suggest possible adverse effects on ovarian function, hormone levels, fertility, and embryo development. But human data is still limited and variable. We do not yet have strong, definitive evidence linking microplastic exposure directly to infertility in humans,” Aimee Browne, MD, a triple-board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Lifestyle Medicine at Aspire Fertility in San Antonio, TX, tells MDLinx.
“When it comes to plasticizers like bisphenols and phthalates, we have more data. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors and have been associated with effects on hormone signaling, ovarian function, sperm quality, and pregnancy outcomes,” Dr. Browne adds.
While the impact of microplastics is still being studied, Dr. Browne argues it is worth paying attention to.
“The concern is real because these plastics are detected in the reproductive system in both men and women. The biology is plausible because the animal data is strong on negative effects on fertility, but the human evidence is still evolving, and we need to be careful when there is a lack of clear evidence,” Dr. Browne says.
How men and women are impacted
Experts believe both men and women could experience reproductive harm from microplastics or plasticizers.
“In men, a major concern is sperm quality and other markers of testicular function. In women, concerns include ovarian function, hormone signaling, implantation, pregnancy maintenance, and IVF outcomes. Women also have unique windows of vulnerability because pregnancy creates the possibility of placental transfer and fetal exposure. There is also some evidence that women may have higher exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals due to greater use of personal care products,” Dr. Patel says.
Emerging evidence suggests that the growing fetus may also be impacted by microplastics.
“Microplastics have now been found in the placenta, umbilical cord blood, and even a baby’s first stool, which means they can cross from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Evidence suggests that higher levels of microplastics in the placenta are linked to concerning patterns, including lower birth weight, shorter pregnancies, and impaired fetal growth, as well as changes in the baby’s early microbiome. Scientists think this may happen because microplastics can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal disruption, or interfere with how the placenta functions, potentially affecting how nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the fetus,” Dr. Patel says.
“The bottom line is that the fetus is likely being exposed to microplastics before birth, and there are early warning signs that this exposure could affect growth and development. However, the science is still emerging, and we don’t yet fully understand the long-term consequences,” she adds.
Related: A gut sponge for microplastics? Kimchi-derived probiotic sparks interest