Microplastics detected in the reproductive fluids of men and women

New research presented at the 41st Annual Congress of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has revealed the presence of microplastics in human reproductive fluids, a finding that raises important questions about their potential impact on fertility and reproductive health.

The study, led by Emilio Gómez-Sánchez and conducted by a team in Murcia, analyzed samples of follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men, essential for both natural conception and assisted reproduction treatments.

The results show that microplastics were present in 69% of the female samples and 55% of the male samples. The most commonly found polymer was polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), followed by polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), and polystyrene (PS), among others.

To avoid external contamination, all samples were collected and stored in glass containers, and chemically treated before analysis using direct infrared laser microscopy.

" We weren't surprised to find microplastics in these fluids, given that they've already been found in several human organs . But we were shocked by how common their presence was," says Gómez-Sánchez. "We don't yet know if they directly affect egg or sperm quality, but in animal studies, they've been linked to inflammation, cell damage, and hormonal changes."

Although this study does not directly assess the impact on fertility, the researchers emphasize the urgent need to explore this field further. Further studies are underway that will include a larger cohort, as well as data on participants' lifestyle and environmental exposures.

Rita Vassena, CEO of Fecundis, believes the results, although preliminary, are worrying: "They confirm a trend already observed in previous studies. It will be key to analyze their relationship with indicators of inflammation or environmental exposure," she told the Science Media Centre .

For her part, Rocío Núñez Calonge, scientific director of the UR International Group , highlighted the methodological soundness of the work and its relevance. "This study highlights how the widespread use of plastics can affect the human reproductive system. Although the sample is small, it opens up a new avenue of research in reproductive health."

However, not all experts agree on this interpretation. Stephanie Wright, an environmental toxicologist at Imperial College London , warned of possible contamination during sample collection or analysis. " This finding should be treated with caution . Without knowing the exact size of the particles, we cannot confirm whether they actually originate from human exposure or methodological sources."

Despite the uncertainties, researchers and experts agree that this study adds weight to the argument for reducing the widespread use of plastics in everyday life, given their potential implications for human health.