Microplastics Found In Human Ovaries For The First Time

News18

21-04-2025

Last Updated: April 21, 2025, 14:14 IST
'We are at the beginning of understanding how microplastics affect female reproductive health," said Professor Luigi Montano, lead author of the study and a researcher at the University of Rome. What we've found is both concerning and deeply consequential. The potential implications for fertility, hormonal health, and long-term reproductive outcomes in women cannot be overstated, he said.
Plastic is ubiquitous – from water bottles and food packaging to textiles and aircraft components. Its convenience and durability have made it indispensable, but these very properties allow it to persist in the environment, eventually breaking down into microscopic fragments known as microplastics. These particles, less than 5 millimetres in diametre, have already been detected in human organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, and even the brain. But until now, the female reproductive system had remained relatively unexplored territory.
Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Once inside, they can travel through the bloodstream and embed themselves in vital tissues. According to a Times of India report, these particles can act as carriers for a host of toxic chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known endocrine disruptors. Montano likened microplastics to a 'Trojan horse", silently delivering toxic payloads to critical systems of the body, including the ovaries.
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The detection of microplastics in the follicular fluid raises urgent questions about their role in female reproductive disorders. Follicular fluid not only supplies nutrients to the maturing egg but also helps regulate the hormonal signals required for successful ovulation and fertilisation. Any disruption in this process could hinder egg development, lower the chances of conception, and increase the risk of infertility.
Animal studies have already linked microplastics to ovarian dysfunction, reduced egg maturation, and altered ovarian tissue structure. In humans, the hormonal disruption caused by plastic-associated chemicals could contribute to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid disorders, and reduced fertility.
Montano's research forms part of a broader investigation into the effects of plastic pollution on human reproduction. His team has previously found microplastics in human urine and semen. These findings have strengthened concerns over a sharp global decline in sperm quality over the past eight decades.
While male fertility issues have been widely studied, this new research underscores that women are equally at risk. According to data cited by TOI, semen concentration among men has plummeted from 113 million/ml in 1940 to just 66 million/ml in 1990. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has adjusted its own reference values downward over time, from 60 million/ml in 1980 to 15 million/ml in its latest 2021 guidelines. This downward trend parallels the rise of industrial plastic production and environmental plastic pollution.
But the threat does not end with fertility. Scientists warn that microplastics may cause chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and hormonal imbalances that extend beyond reproductive health. There is growing concern about the long-term risks to pregnant women and fetuses, as microplastics may cross the placental barrier, leading to developmental complications such as low birth weight or neurodevelopmental delays.