Researchers find microplastics in human male genitalia for the first time
Small fragments of plastic, no larger than a sesame seed, were discovered in four out of five samples of penis tissue from five different men, as part of a study published in the IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal on a Wednesday.
These microscopic particles, created as larger plastics degrade into smaller pieces, are believed to infiltrate individual cells and tissues in major organs, according to experts. Evidence suggests that they are becoming increasingly common within our bodies.
The study leader, Ranjith Ramasamy, an expert in reproductive urology who performed the research while at the University of Miami, told CNN that he relied on a previous study showing microplastics in the human heart as a foundation for his investigation. Ramasamy stated he wasn't shocked to find microplastics in the penis due to its "very vascular nature," similar to the heart.
The tissue samples were collected from research participants who had been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) and were admitted to the hospital for penile implant surgery to alleviate their condition at the University of Miami between August and September 2023. The samples were later analyzed using chemical imaging, which revealed microplastics in the penile tissue of four participants.
The analysis revealed seven distinct types of microplastics, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) being the most common, according to the study. However, Ramasamy noted that further research is needed to investigate possible links to conditions such as ED, including identifying the threshold beyond which they might cause issues and the specific types that may be pathogenic.
Ramasamy expressed hope that the study would spur greater awareness about the presence of foreign particles in human organs and inspire more research on the topic. "Until more research is conducted to identify harmful levels, I think we should be mindful about consuming water and food from plastic bottles and containers," he added.
In support of the findings, toxicologist Matthew J. Campen commented that the study "confirms the widespread presence of plastics within the body." He went on to mention that, as studies like this continue to emerge, it becomes increasingly vital to understand the possible health consequences of plastics within our bodies.
Curiously, a previous study published in May revealed that human testicles contain microplastics and nanoplastics at levels three times higher than animal testes and human placentas. The study, which examined 23 preserved human testes from males aged 16 to 88 at the time of their death, found that the levels of 12 different types of plastics in these human testes were three times greater than those found in dog testes. This finding suggests that we should be more vigilant about the plastics we consume.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the director of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, advised reducing our plastic footprint by using stainless steel and glass containers when possible. He also recommended avoiding microwaving food or beverages in plastic, including baby formula and pumped human milk, and avoiding putting plastic in the dishwasher, as the heat can cause chemicals to leach out.
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After learning about microplastics in human genitalia, it's concerning to consider the potential impact of these particles on overall wellness. The discovery of microplastics in human testicles at higher levels than animal testes and human placentas emphasizes the need for further research on this topic.
In light of these findings, implementing changes to reduce our plastic consumption could be an essential step towards maintaining wellness and potentially mitigating potential health risks. For instance, using stainless steel and glass containers instead of plastic can be a simple yet effective measure.
