When the researchers examined follicular fluid, the fluid that surrounds the egg cell, they found microplastics in 69 percent of the samples. For semen, the result was 55 percent.
The most common was polytetrafluorene, which is used in products such as teflon and gore-tex.
No surprise
Since previous studies have shown that microplastics occur in human organs, it was no surprise that they were also found in the examined fluids - but the researchers were not prepared for them to be present to such a large extent.
The samples came from a relatively small number of people – 29 women and 22 men – but the researchers plan to proceed with a larger number and complement with information about, for example, lifestyle.
Although the study does not investigate how microplastics affect fertility, it points to the need to examine what impact the plastics may have on reproductive health.
Simple measures
Emilio Gomez-Sanchez, professor at the university in Murcia, Spain, who led the study, emphasizes that fertility is affected by a range of factors, such as age and health, and that there is currently no reason for concern among people trying to become pregnant.
"Microplastics are just one of many factors that can affect fertility. However, it is wise to consider different ways to reduce our exposure to them. Simple measures, such as using glass containers to store and heat food, or limiting the amount of water we drink from plastic bottles, can help minimize intake", he comments.
The study was presented in connection with the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) holding its annual conference and has been published in the journal Human Reproduction.
