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Plastics in human reproductive tissues: A systematic review of detection, characterization, and effects on fertility.
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This review summarizes 41 studies on tiny plastic particles found in human reproductive tissues, including semen, testis, follicular fluid, and placenta. These particles were linked to cell stress, metabolic changes, and in some studies, poor sperm motility, though effects on ovarian markers and fertility outcomes were inconsistent across studies.
OBJECTIVE: To synthesize studies that identify and characterize microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in human reproductive tissues, as well as their potential effect on ovarian reserve markers and sperm quality. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A search of PubMed and Embase was performed to include any publications prior to September 4th, 2025, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Forty-one studies were included. Seven studies analyzed female tissues (follicular fluid and granulosa cells), nine studies examined male reproductive tissues (testis, epididymis, and semen), one study included tissues from males and females, and 24 investigated placental tissues. MPs and NPs were found to accumulate in follicular fluid, testis, epididymis, semen, and placenta. Preparation and detection methodology varied between the included studies. The exposure of MPs and NPs to human reproductive tissues was associated with metabolic dysfunction, an activation of oxidative stress pathways, and a shift toward apoptosis. While multiple studies found associations between MPs or NPs exposure and poor sperm motility, findings on associations between plastic particle presence and ovarian reserve markers or reproductive outcomes were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: The findings of this review show that MPs and NPs accumulate in human reproductive tissues and may induce cellular dysfunction. Additional investigations into the impact of MPs and NPs on ovarian reserve markers and reproductive outcomes are needed to better understand the potential impacts of plastic particle exposure on reproductive health.
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