In today’s world, plastic is a growing pollutant and health risk. It’s in what we eat and what we drink, infesting the entire human body. Microplastics are small particles of plastic that are typically less than 5 mm in size. Not only are these plastics harmful for the environment, but human exposure to these plastics via ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact may have a negative impact on female reproductive health. 

Research has shown a link between microplastic exposure and the disruption of reproductive endocrine in female organisms. This leads to a loss of energy designated for reproductive processes, restricting fertility in a variety of model organisms. Exposure may also alter the production of estrogen and progesterone, influencing hormone levels. 

Recent studies have also revealed that exposure to microplastics can cause oxidative stress, or an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals. This stress is also a contributing factor to the detrimental consequences on female reproductive systems. 

Not only are microplastics harmful to reproductive capacity, but they can also transmit transgenerationally and affect the developmental health of offspring during pregnancy. In fish, this transfer reduced the pregnancy success rate and the number of offspring. This can result in a variety of health concerns for offspring, including metabolic disorders, reproductive barriers, and other developmental abnormalities.

It’s important to note that microplastics infiltrate our bodies alongside a variety of other environmental pollutants, which also play a role in reproductive function. The majority of studies have suggested microplastic exposure exacerbates the toxic reproductive effects of other pollutants. The current information on the impacts of microplastic exposure on fertility and development is mostly extrapolated from rodents and tiny aquatic species. 

Works Consulted:

Panneerselvam, Deboral, and Anuradha Murugesan. “Maternal Microplastic Exposure during Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Gut Dysbiosis.” Medicine in Microecology, vol. 18, 2023, pp. 100091-, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medmic.2023.100091.

Geng, Yuli et al. “Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: invisible killers of female fertility and offspring health.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 14 1254886. 28 Aug. 2023, doi:10.3389/fphys.2023.1254886

Afreen, V., Hashmi, K., Nasir, R. et al. Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 76283–76296 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1

Yang, Jiayi et al. “The impact of microplastics on female reproduction and early life.” Animal reproduction vol. 20,2 e20230037. 24 Jul. 2023, doi:10.1590/1984-3143-AR2023-0037