Papers

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Article Tier 2

Microplastics are present in women’s and cows’ follicular fluid and polystyrene microplastics compromise bovine oocyte function in vitro

Researchers detected microplastics in the follicular fluid of both women and cows, marking one of the first studies to find these particles in reproductive tissues. In laboratory tests, polystyrene microplastics impaired bovine egg cell function at concentrations comparable to what was found in the follicular fluid. The findings raise questions about whether microplastic exposure could be a contributing factor in the widespread declines in reproductive health observed in recent decades.

2023 16 citations
Article Tier 2

Size- and hydrophobicity-dependent accumulation of microplastics in follicular fluid is linked to impaired ovarian reserve in women undergoing medically assisted reproduction

Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in follicular fluid and blood from women undergoing fertility treatment and found that nearly all samples contained microplastics. Higher microplastic concentrations in follicular fluid were significantly associated with reduced oocyte yield and lower odds of pregnancy, with evidence suggesting that certain hydrophobic polymers selectively accumulate in the ovary.

2026
Article Tier 2

Microplastics are present in women’s and cows’ follicular fluid and polystyrene microplastics compromise bovine oocyte function in vitro

Researchers detected microplastics in follicular fluid from both women and cows and showed that polystyrene microplastics disrupt oocyte development, providing the first evidence that microplastics can penetrate reproductive barriers and potentially contribute to the global decline in fertility.

2023 4 citations