Plastic is everywhere. It’s quite sad how we can’t escape it, and don’t even get me started with the millions of plastic waste that’s dumped all over the planet. These high volumes of plastic waste even break down into microplastics, and they’re the kind of plastic that’s inside of us. Yes, I mean that literally.
Previous research has discovered microplastics in human blood, placentas, and breast milk. This is due to us consuming them via food and water, and breathing them in. If that’s not enough, microplastics may be placing the future of the human population at risk. A recent study has identified their presence in human semen.
Microplastics and Men’s Health
A group of researchers from Qingdao University in China set out to identify the range of microplastics pollution in human samples. Per the findings, published in Science of Total Environment, the researchers detected microplastics in each human semen sample tested.
Eight different plastics were found, with the most common being polystyrene (used in packaging), followed by polyethylene (found in plastic bags), and then PVC (piping and industrial applications).
Per the startling discovery, researchers are proposing that the presence of microplastics may be linked to declining sperm counts in men.
Microplastics and Sperm Count
“As emerging research increasingly implicates microplastic exposure as a potential factor impacting human health, understanding the extent of human contamination and its relation to reproductive outcomes is imperative.” – Ning Li, Qingdao University in China
Men’s sperm count is dropping at an alarming rate, with research indicating that the global sperm count has halved over the past 50 years. One of the contributing factors may be the increase in plastic waste and the presence of microplastics.
What are the dangers of low sperm count?
Besides an increased risk of male infertility and difficulty conceiving, a low sperm count can raise the risk for serious health issues in men.
For one, low sperm count has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and hypertension. Men with low sperm count are more likely to deal with more body fat and higher levels of blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
If that’s not enough, research has also identified an association between low sperm count and an increased risk for various cancers. These include bone and joint, lymphatic, soft tissue, thyroid, and testicular cancers.
Given the latest research, and the global sperm count crisis, it’s imperative to focus on studies that work to better understand the role that microplastics may play in declining sperm count.
How can we improve sperm count?
If you’re worried about your sperm count, here’s how you can improve it;
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Engaged in safe and protective sex
- Manage stress.
- Exercise
- Quit smoking
A guide to plastic-free living
Now, if you really want to mitigate the effect of microplastics on sperm count, then it’s best to find ways to mitigate the presence of plastic in your life. Here’s how to do so:
- Stop using plastic straws and buy reusable stainless steel or glass straw
- Use a reusable produce bag.
- Give up gum. Gum is made of synthetic rubber, aka plastic.
- Buy boxes instead of bottles.
- Buy food from bulk bins and fill in a reusable bag or container.
- Reuse containers to store leftovers or shop in bulk.
- Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages.
- Bring a container for take-out
- Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters, or invest in a refillable metal lighter
- Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic
Want to know more?
As mentioned, plastics aren’t only affecting sperm count. Research has found that individuals with microplastics and nanoplastics lurking in their bodies may face a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
References
Cao, G., & Cai, Z. (2023). Getting Health Hazards of Inhaled Nano/Microplastics into Focus: Expectations and Challenges. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(9), 3461-3463. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c00029
Garcia, M. A., Liu, R., Nihart, A., El Hayek, E., Castillo, E., Barrozo, E. R., Suter, M. A., Bleske, B., Scott, J., Forsythe, K., Aagaard, K. M., & Campen, M. J. (2024). Quantitation and identification of microplastics accumulation in human placental specimens using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Toxicological Sciences, 199(1), 81-88. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfae021
Hurst, L. (2023). Scientists believe these are the reasons for falling sperm counts. Euro News. https://www.euronews.com/health/2023/06/15/sperm-counts-are-declining-scientists-believe-they-have-pinpointed-the-main-causes-why
Koelmans, A. A., Mohamed Nor, N. H., Hermsen, E., Kooi, M., Mintenig, S. M., & France, J. D. (2019). Microplastics in freshwaters and drinking water: Critical review and assessment of data quality. Water Research, 155, 410-422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.02.054
Li, N., Yang, H., Dong, Y., Wei, B., Liang, L., Yun, X., Tian, J., Zheng, Y., Duan, S., & Zhang, L. (2024). Prevalence and implications of microplastic contaminants in general human seminal fluid: A Raman spectroscopic study. Science of The Total Environment, 937, 173522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173522
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility/art-20047584
Milne, M. H., De Frond, H., Rochman, C. M., Mallos, N. J., Leonard, G. H., & Baechler, B. R. (2024). Exposure of U.S. Adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins. Environmental Pollution, 343, 123233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123233
Ragusa, A., Notarstefano, V., Svelato, A., Belloni, A., Gioacchini, G., Blondeel, C., Zucchelli, E., Luca, C. D., Gulotta, A., Carnevali, O., & Giorgini, E. (2022). Raman Microspectroscopy Detection and Characterisation of Microplastics in Human Breastmilk. Polymers, 14(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132700
Ramsay, J. M., Madsen, M. J., Horns, J. J., Hanson, H. A., Camp, N. J., Emery, B. R., Aston, K. I., Ferlic, E., & Hotaling, J. M. (2024). Describing patterns of familial cancer risk in subfertile men using population pedigree data. Human Reproduction, 39(4), 822-833. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dead270
Therrien, A. Men with low sperm counts at increased risk of illness, study suggests. (2018). BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-43429153
L. Leonard, S., Liddle, C. R., Atherall, C. A., Chapman, E., Watkins, M., D. J. Calaminus, S., & Rotchell, J. M. (2024). Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR. Environment International, 188, 108751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108751
