We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Paparan Mikroplastik dan Kualitas Sperma Pria: Scoping Review Perspektif Kesehatan Lingkungan Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together 37 studies on tiny plastic particles (microplastics) and found that these particles have actually been detected in men's testicles and semen—and their presence is linked to lower sperm count, movement, and health, likely by causing cell damage and hormone disruption. While scientists haven't yet proven microplastics directly *cause* fertility problems in humans, the pattern is concerning enough—especially for Indonesia, a major source of ocean plastic pollution—that researchers say more studies and precautionary plastic policies are needed now, not later.
Background: The escalating contamination of environmental microplastics (MP) has raised increasing concern about its role in declining male reproductive health. MPs have been physically detected in human testicular tissue and semen, underscoring the importance of a systematic evidence synthesis. Objective: This scoping review consolidates evidence published between 2015 and 2025 regarding the effects of MP exposure on male fertility parameters, characterizes the underlying biological mechanisms involved, and identifies research gaps pertinent to Indonesia. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the PCC framework, systematic searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Portal Garuda). Of 150 retrieved records, 37 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria (Cohen's κ = 0.82). Results: Polystyrene (PS) was the predominant polymer identified in testicular tissue (mean 11.60±15.52 particles/g) and semen (0.23±0.45 particles/mL). MP exposure was associated with reductions in sperm motility, vitality, and concentration alongside elevated DNA fragmentation, mediated through four pathways: oxidative stress, blood-testis barrier (BTB) disruption, endocrine interference, and spermatogenic apoptosis. Downregulation of sperm-oocyte fusion genes (DCST1, IZUMO1, SPACA6) constituted an additional reproductive risk dimension. Conclusion: Converging evidence indicates that MPs can impair male fertility through multiple toxicological mechanisms, though definitive causal evidence in humans remains lacking. As one of the world's top contributors of plastic waste to the ocean, Indonesia bears a disproportionately high exposure burden relative to its available reproductive health data. Prospective epidemiological research and the application of the precautionary principle in national plastic policy are urgently warranted.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Exposure and Male Infertility: Mechanisms, Effects on Semen Quality and Emerging Human Evidence
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes research on tiny plastic particles found in human semen and testicular tissue. In rodent studies, exposure was linked to cell damage, hormone disruption, and reduced sperm count and quality; human studies show similar associations but are too limited to prove the particles cause male infertility.
Effects of micro- and nanoplastics exposure on male semen quality and associated mechanisms: A research progress review
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics are showing up everywhere, including inside our bodies—and this review of existing research suggests they can build up in the testes and semen, where they're linked to lower sperm count, weaker sperm movement, and abnormally shaped sperm. Scientists think these plastics may harm sperm by triggering cell stress, inflammation, and hormone disruption, though most evidence so far comes from animal and lab studies rather than large human trials. Given the ongoing global decline in male fertility, this is a good reason to reduce unnecessary plastic exposure while researchers work to confir
Microplastics and male reproductive toxicity: Research progress on injury pathways and regulatory mechanisms
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles from our environment can build up in male reproductive organs, where they've been linked to lower sperm quality in humans. Studies in animals and cells suggest these plastics may sneak past the body's natural defenses in the testicles, causing cell damage, inflammation, and hormone disruption that harms sperm production. While more research is needed to confirm exactly how much risk this poses to human fertility, the findings add to growing concerns about everyday plastic exposure and reproductive health.
The Impact of Microplastics on Male Fertility
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in testicular tissue and disrupt spermatogenesis through oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and structural damage to reproductive cells, consistently impairing sperm quality in experimental models. With global plastic production accelerating alongside documented declines in semen quality, this review highlights microplastic exposure as a plausible environmental contributor to male infertility warranting urgent human study.
Invisible Barriers to Male Reproductive Health: Microplastic Toxicity, Fertility, and Psychosexual Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing animal and human research showing that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) we're exposed to every day may harm male fertility, damaging sperm quality, lowering testosterone and other key hormones, and stressing the tissue that protects developing sperm cells. While much of this evidence comes from animal studies, the pattern is concerning enough that scientists are calling for stronger regulations and more research on how plastic pollution could be quietly affecting men's reproductive and sexual health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.