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Toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm: Epidemiological and experimental evidence
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This review examined evidence from both human population studies and laboratory experiments on how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affect sperm quality. Researchers found that PFAS exposure is associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and altered hormone levels, with these chemicals being detected in human semen. The evidence suggests that widespread PFAS contamination may pose a meaningful risk to male reproductive health.
As emerging organic contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have aroused worldwide concern due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous presence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. It has been demonstrated that PFASs can accumulate in human body and cause multiple adverse health outcomes. Notably, PFASs have been detected in the semen of human, posing a potential hazard to male fecundity. This article reviews the evidence about the toxic effects of exposure to PFASs on male reproduction, focusing on the sperm quality. Epidemiological studies showed that PFASs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were adversely associated with the semen parameters in humans, including sperm count, morphology and motility. Experimental results also confirmed that PFAS exposure led to testicular and epididymal damage, therefore impairing spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of PFASs may be involved in blood-testosterone barrier destruction, testicular apoptosis, testosterone synthesis disorder, and membrane lipid composition alteration, oxidative stress and Ca2+ influx in sperm. In conclusion, this review highlighted the potential threat of exposure to PFASs to human spermatozoa.
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PFAS Toxicity and Female Reproductive Health: A Review of the Evidence and Current State of Knowledge
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This review synthesizes recent evidence on the connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and female reproductive health. The evidence suggests that PFAS exposure is associated with reduced fertility, increased risk of miscarriage, and altered menstrual cycle dynamics through mechanisms including endocrine disruption and oxidative stress. The review emphasizes the need for further research and policy changes to mitigate PFAS exposure and protect reproductive health.
Emerging Contaminants and Male Reproductive Health: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Evidence, and Research Priorities.
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This review summarizes animal and human research on pollutants, including microplastics, nanoparticles, radiation and chemicals from everyday products, found in blood, testes and semen. These substances were linked to cell damage, hormone disruption and reduced sperm quality in animal studies, though the authors note more human studies are needed to confirm effects and safe exposure levels.
Environmental and microbiome determinants of sperm quality: a narrative review on male health
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This narrative review examines how environmental factors, including microplastics and other emerging contaminants, affect male sperm quality and fertility. The study suggests that pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, PFAS, air pollution, and microplastics can impair sperm parameters through various mechanisms, and highlights the role of the reproductive microbiome in mediating these environmental effects.
The Impact of Microplastics on Male Fertility
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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.
Microplastic Exposure and Male Infertility: Mechanisms, Effects on Semen Quality and Emerging Human Evidence
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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.
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