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The impact of microplastics on the human reproductive system: a narrative review
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in human blood, placenta, semen, and other reproductive tissues. In animal and lab studies, exposure was linked to sperm and egg problems and placental issues, while human studies only show detection in tissues and some associations with semen measurements, not proof of causing harm.
Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and have been reported in human blood, placenta, semen, testis, ovarian follicular fluid, and penile tissue. This narrative review examines evidence relevant to reproductive and sexual health, with emphasis on endocrine signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, and possible multigenerational effects. Human studies currently demonstrate tissue detection and, in cross-sectional semen studies, associations with selected semen parameters; they do not establish causation. In rodents, fish, invertebrates, and in vitro systems, MP exposure has been associated with impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, ovarian granulosa-cell injury, altered oocyte maturation, placental dysfunction, and reduced erectile function. Evidence concerning pregnancy outcomes and assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains predominantly experimental or hypothetical. The available literature therefore supports biological plausibility and the need for standardized exposure assessment and longitudinal human studies, but not firm clinical risk estimates or causal conclusions.
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Effects of micro(nano)plastics on the reproductive system: A review
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This review summarizes research on how micro and nanoplastics affect the reproductive system in both animal studies and cell experiments. Evidence indicates these particles can cross biological barriers, accumulate in reproductive organs, and disrupt hormones, egg development, and sperm quality. While human studies are still limited, the animal data suggests microplastic exposure may be a meaningful concern for reproductive health.
Microplastics and human fertility: A comprehensive review of their presence in human samples and reproductive implication
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This review examines the growing evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic exposure to potential effects on human fertility. Researchers noted that these tiny plastic particles have been detected in blood, placenta, and seminal fluid, suggesting continuous systemic exposure and the ability to cross key biological barriers. Animal studies indicate that microplastics may affect reproductive health through oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and tissue damage, though more standardized human research is needed.
Toxicological effects of micro/nano-plastics on human reproductive health: A review
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This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics affect human reproductive health in both men and women. Evidence from animal and lab studies shows that these particles can accumulate in reproductive organs, disrupt hormones, damage eggs and sperm, and cause inflammation and oxidative stress. While human studies are still limited, the growing body of evidence suggests that microplastic exposure is a potential threat to fertility that warrants further investigation.
Effects of nano and microplastics on the reproduction system: In vitro and in vivo studies review
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This review summarizes both lab and animal studies on how micro and nanoplastics affect the reproductive system in males and females. Evidence shows that microplastics can reduce sperm quality, damage ovaries, disrupt hormone levels, and even cross the placenta during pregnancy. The findings raise significant concerns about how widespread microplastic exposure might contribute to fertility problems and reproductive health issues in humans.
The Microplastics and Human Health: Focus on the Reproductive System
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This review examined evidence that microplastics accumulate in human reproductive tissues and evaluated their potential effects on fertility and reproductive health. The authors found microplastics detected in testes, ovaries, placenta, and semen, and summarized mechanistic evidence linking them to hormonal disruption, oxidative stress, and impaired gamete function.
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