Are microplastics negatively impacting reproductive health of men and women?

Reducing plastic waste, advocating for stricter regulations and adopting sustainable practices can help mitigate exposure to microplastics and promote overall reproductive health. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, have become a growing concern due to their widespread presence in the environment, including air, water and food sources. As the understanding of the potential health effects of microplastics expands, questions arise regarding their impact on reproductive health, including miscarriages and infertility in both men and women. Dr Ankita Kaushal, consultant, fertility and IVF, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar offers a health perspective on the potential link between microplastics and reproductive issues.

Understanding microplastics
Microplastics are derived from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products and fibres from synthetic textiles. These particles are now found in various ecosystems, including oceans, rivers and even the air we breathe. Due to their small size, microplastics can easily enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposure.

Microplastics and reproductive health

1. Female reproductive health:

Miscarriages: Limited studies suggest a potential association between microplastics and an increased risk of miscarriages. Animal studies have shown that exposure to certain types of microplastics can induce oxidative stress, inflammation and hormonal imbalances, which may disrupt the delicate reproductive processes and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Infertility: Some studies have indicated that microplastic exposure might have adverse effects on female fertility. Research on animals has shown that microplastics can accumulate in the ovaries and disrupt ovarian function, leading to reduced fertility. However, further studies are needed to establish a direct causal relationship in humans.

2. Male reproductive health:

Infertility: Emerging evidence suggests that microplastic exposure may affect male fertility. Animal studies have demonstrated that microplastics can disrupt sperm quality, reduce sperm count and impair sperm motility. These effects may be attributed to oxidative stress, inflammation and hormonal disruption caused by microplastic exposure.

Hormonal imbalances: Microplastics contain chemicals known as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs can interfere with hormonal regulation in the body, potentially leading to imbalances in testosterone, estrogen and other reproductive hormones. Such imbalances may contribute to male infertility.

Potential pathways and concerns

1. Inflammation and oxidative stress: Microplastics can trigger an inflammatory response in the body and generate reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been associated with reproductive issues, including miscarriages and infertility.

2. Endocrine disruption: Microplastics contain EDCs, which can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. Disruptions in hormonal balance can affect reproductive processes and increase the risk of miscarriages and infertility.

3. Placental transfer: There is emerging evidence suggesting that microplastics can cross the placental barrier, potentially exposing the developing fetus to these particles. The impact of fetal exposure to microplastics on reproductive health requires further investigation.

4. Cumulative effects: Although individual exposure to microplastics may be minimal, the cumulative effects of long-term exposure and the potential for bioaccumulation raise concerns about their impact on reproductive health.

While the link between microplastics and reproductive health issues such as miscarriages and infertility is an area of active research, the available evidence suggests a plausible association. The potential for microplastics to induce inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal disruptions and their ability to cross the placental barrier raise concerns regarding their impact on reproductive health in both men and women.

However, it is important to note that further research is needed to establish a definitive causal relationship and understand the full extent of the risks posed by microplastics. In the meantime, reducing plastic waste, advocating for stricter regulations and adopting sustainable practices can help mitigate exposure to microplastics and promote overall reproductive health.

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