Scientists have found microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid for the first time, sparking urgent concerns about their potential impact on women’s fertility. 

The peer-reviewed study, published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, detected microplastics in 14 out of 18 women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment at a fertility clinic in Salerno, Italy, highlighting the pervasive reach of plastic pollution into the human reproductive system.

The study, led by Dr Luigi Montano of the University of Rome, analyzed follicular fluid, which provides essential nutrients and biochemical signals for developing eggs. The presence of microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—in this critical reproductive environment raises questions about their effects on egg development, hormonal balance, and overall reproductive health.

“We are at the beginning of understanding how microplastics affect female reproductive health,” Montano said.

Microplastics, formed from the breakdown of plastic products, are found almost everywhere. They infiltrate the human body through food, water, air, and even skin contact, accumulating in organs like the brain, heart, lungs, and now ovaries.

The Salerno study identified microplastics with an average concentration of 2191 particles per milliliter in the affected samples, with a mean diameter of 4.48 micrometers, small enough to potentially cross cellular membranes.

According to the study, alterations in the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, which may have an impact on fertility, were associated with higher levels of microplastics in ovarian fluid. But there was no direct connection to issues like miscarriage or unsuccessful fertilization. 

Microplastics have been shown in animal experiments, particularly in mice, to damage the ovaries, decrease egg development, decrease the likelihood of fertilization, and induce stress and tissue damage. This also raises questions regarding potential threats to human fertility.

Montano noted that microplastics act as a “trojan horse,” carrying toxic chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and PFAS, which are known endocrine disruptors that can mimic or interfere with hormones, potentially contributing to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstrual cycles.

Microplastics women’s reproductive health

The discovery of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid has triggered alarm about their potential to harm women’s fertility. Though environmental factors significantly contribute to infertility, the impact of microplastics on reproductive health remains poorly understood. 

Research shows that these tiny particles enter the body through food, air, or skin contact and can target the ovaries, with effects varying by particle size. They may disrupt the development of reproductive cells and other critical cells in the reproductive system.

A 2023 review thoroughly examines how these plastic particles harm reproductive function, highlighting the need for further research and action.

Animal studies have shown that microplastics can disrupt egg development, lower fertilization success, and damage ovarian tissue. Now, their presence in human ovaries suggests similar risks.

Also read: Fact Check: Do Fermented Foods Remove Microplastics?