How do Microplastics affect Fertility? Understanding their link to growing Infertility

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How microplastics are linked to infertility: Uncovering the impact on reproductive health


Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, generated from breakdown of larger plastic items such as plastic packaging 14. With global plastic production projected to be 1.2 billion tons by 2050 the amount of plastic entering our environment is a big problem. These plastics break down into microplastics which are everywhere in our environment, including the food and water we consume. Research suggests we ingest between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics a year from various sources such as food packaging, water bottles and polybags. This widespread contamination is a big concern for health particularly on fertility, reproductive health and health of infants and pregnant women.

Microplastics come from various sources like plastic breakdown, synthetic fibers from clothing, and the degradation of packaging [Fig1]. They enter the human body through ingestion, primarily from contaminated food and water. Once inside, they accumulate in organs such as the liver, lungs and digestive system. Health risks include inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone disruption, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity. Their impact on fertility is particularly concerning with serious implications for reproductive health.


Figure 1: Microplastic Sources and impact on human health6

How microplastics and rising infertility are related?

Infertility is a real and growing issue, affecting approximately 1 in every 6 couples trying to conceive4. This makes the link between plastics and fertility a critical matter of human survival. Microplastics can disrupt hormone levels, leading to reproductive toxicity and potentially impairing fertility in both men and women. As they accumulate in the body, their harmful effects raise serious concerns about the future of human reproduction and health.

How do microplastics affect male fertility?

  1. Sperm Quality Degradation: Exposure to microplastics has been linked to a decrease in sperm count, motility and morphology, affecting overall sperm quality and fertility.
  2. Hormonal Disruption: Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) in microplastics interfere with endocrine function, leading to imbalances in hormones like testosterone
  3. Oxidative Stress: Microplastics can induce oxidative stress in male reproductive organs, leading to damage to sperm DNA and cells
  4. Testicular Toxicity: Accumulation of microplastics in the testes can cause inflammation and tissue damage, potentially impairing sperm production.
  5. Disruption of Semen Parameters: Research suggests microplastics may alter key semen parameters, such as volume and concentration which can reduce chances of conception.
  6. Genetic Impact: Microplastics have been shown to cause DNA damage in male reproductive cells leading to potential genetic issues in offspring.
  7. Other - premature puberty, erectile dysfunction

What is the link between Microplastics and female infertility?

  1. Hormonal Imbalance: Microplastics can disrupt endocrine function, interfering with hormones such as estrogen
  2. Ovarian Damage: Microplastics cause inflammation and toxicity in the ovaries, leading to reduced ovarian reserve and impaired egg quality.
  3. Altered Menstrual Cycle: Disruption of hormone levels due to microplastics can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, affecting ovulation and fertility.
  4. Reduced Egg Quality: Microplastics have been linked to the deterioration of egg quality.
  5. Immune System Impact: Microplastics can trigger inflammation in reproductive organs, affecting the implantation process and increasing the risk of infertility.
  6. Fallopian Tube Damage: Microplastics may lead to damage in the fallopian tubes, obstructing the passage of eggs and sperm making fertilization more difficult.
  7. Chemical Toxicity: Harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates are known to negatively affect female reproductive organs and contribute to infertility.
  8. Microplastics could trigger malignancies in the female reproductive system.

Figure 2: Impact of microplastics on Reproductive health and fetal development2


How Microplastics impact pregnant women and fetal development?

  1. Placental Barrier Disruption: Microplastics may pass through the placenta, potentially affecting fetal development.
  2. Increased Risk of Miscarriage: Microplastics and their toxic chemical additives could contribute to pregnancy complications including an increased risk of miscarriage.
  3. Increased Risk of Miscarriage: Microplastics and their toxic chemical additives could contribute to pregnancy complications including an increased risk of miscarriage.
  4. Developmental Delays: Toxic substances such as BPA can disrupt neurodevelopment in the fetus potentially leading to cognitive and developmental delays after birth.
  5. Immune System Impact: Exposure to microplastics may impair the immune system of pregnant women and the fetus increasing vulnerability to infections and complications.
  6. Chemical Toxicity: Chemicals leached from microplastics like phthalates and heavy metals, accumulate in fetal tissues causing potential damage to vital organs and systems.
  7. Disruption of Pregnancy Outcomes: Prolonged exposure to microplastics could lead to complications like preterm

      How can individuals reduce exposure of Microplastics to protect reproductive health?

            In today’s world there is growing awareness about the harmful impact of microplastics. This has pushed people and organizations towards natural and organic lifestyle and products. Following steps can be taken to counter the microplastics:

  1. Limit Plastic Use: Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable items like glass, stainless steel or bamboo.
  2. Choose Natural Fibers: Wear clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, wool and linen
  3. Avoid Personal Care Products with Microbeads: Choose personal care items like scrubs and toothpaste that do not contain plastic microbeads.
  4. Minimize Seafood Consumption: Reduce intake of seafood, as it can be a source of microplastics.
  5. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Opt for natural cleaning products that do not release microplastics or other harmful chemicals.
  6. Avoid Plastic-Packaged Food: Choose fresh, unpackaged and minimally packaged foods to reduce exposure to microplastics in food products.
  7. Proper Waste Disposal: Recycle plastic products responsibly to prevent them from breaking down into microplastics in the environment.

Shifting to natural products and reducing plastic usage is not only a sustainable choice but also a crucial step towards ensuring family health and wellness. By opting for natural alternatives like cloth bags and choosing fresh products over plastic-wrapped foods, we can significantly reduce our exposure to microplastics. Governments and international organizations are recognizing the need to combat plastic pollution, with efforts such as the United Nations Clean Seas Campaign, the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan, and India's Plastic Waste Management Rules. Together, individual steps combined with collective global efforts can lead to healthier families and a more sustainable plastic-pollution free planet.

Milkvilla is actively combating the microplastic issue by promoting sustainable and eco-friendly packaging such as banana leaf, coconut shell, steel cans. Our commitment to reducing plastic waste supports healthier, toxin-free choices for consumers and the environment.


👉 Visit our Website 🌱


References

  1.  https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c09524
  2. https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12958-024-01314-7
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38932480/
  4. https://www.earthday.org/plastics-the-kingpin-of-the-fertility-crisis/
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10151227/#:~:text=Microplastics%20have%20been%20detected%20in,or%20cause%20local%20particle%20toxicity.
  6. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/envhealth.3c00052

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