In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, researchers from the University of New Mexico have discovered microplastics in every human testicle examined. This alarming finding raises significant concerns about the potential impact of microplastics on male fertility. The study, led by Dr. Xiaozhong “John” Yu, identified 12 different types of microplastics, with polyethylene being the most prevalent.
The research team analyzed tissue samples from both dogs and humans, detecting microplastics in all samples. Notably, the human testicle samples contained nearly three times the amount of microplastics compared to the canine samples, with an average plastic concentration of 330 micrograms per gram in humans and 123 micrograms per gram in dogs. This substantial concentration of microplastics in human testicles has sparked concerns about a potential link to the global decline in sperm counts observed in men over the past few decades.
Dr. Yu initially expressed scepticism about the ability of microplastics to penetrate the reproductive system. However, the study’s findings have made it clear that microplastics are present in all human and canine testes examined. The most common type of plastic found was polyethylene, commonly used in plastic bags and bottles.
Further studies are necessary to determine the exact effects of microplastics on male fertility, but this discovery raises significant public health concerns. With microplastics now found in the human bloodstream, lungs, and even the testicles, the full extent of their health effects remains to be fully understood.
