Impact of microplastics on female reproductive health: insights from animal and human experimental studies: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of microplastics on female reproductive health by analyzing experimental studies. METHOD: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to identify experimental studies published between 2021 and 2023. Studies investigating the effects of microplastics on reproductive organs, hormone levels, fertility rates, and offspring development in female subjects were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that exposure to microplastics significantly affects ovarian function, decreases fertility rates, and disrupts hormone levels in female subjects. Several studies also reported negative effects on embryo development and offsprings health. The quality of the studies varied, with some showing a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: The evidence from experimental studies suggests that microplastics have a detrimental effect on female reproductive health. However, the variation in study quality highlights the need for more rigorous research to confirm these results and better understand the underlying mechanisms.