Microplastics and Health

How Tiny Plastics May Be Affecting Fertility and Hormones

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 mm in size, while nanoplastics are even smaller — invisible to the naked eye. These particles come from the breakdown of everyday plastics, from water bottles and packaging to synthetic clothing and cleaning products.

We now know they’re everywhere — in our water, food, and even the air we breathe. A 2024 NIH-supported study found an average of ~240,000 plastic particles per litre in bottled water, revealing how easily they enter the human body.

How Do Microplastics Affect the Body?

Microplastics have been detected in:

- Human blood, lungs, and liver

- Placental tissue and breast milk

- Semen and ovarian follicular fluid

Once inside the body, they can:

- Trigger inflammation and oxidative stress

- Act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone

- Damage cells and interfere with normal reproductive and metabolic processes

These effects raise serious questions about how microplastics may be contributing to the growing rates of infertility, hormonal imbalance, and chronic inflammation.

Microplastics and Female Fertility

A growing number of studies link microplastic exposure to changes in ovarian health and hormone balance:

- A 2023 review found that exposure reduces ovarian reserve and disrupts follicle development.

- Animal studies show changes in oestrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH, leading to irregular cycles.

- Exposure can impair embryo implantation and pregnancy rates.

- Microplastics have now been identified in human ovarian follicular fluid — directly surrounding the egg — suggesting that plastics can infiltrate the female reproductive system.

These findings point toward a potential role of microplastics in subfertility, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal disturbances, although more long-term human data are needed.

Microplastics and Male Fertility

The evidence in men is equally concerning:

- A 2024 study found microplastics in 34 of 45 semen samples, with PET (polyethylene terephthalate — the plastic used in bottles) being the most common.

- Exposure correlated with lower sperm motility and more abnormal sperm shapes.

- Microplastics were recently detected in all human testicular samples tested in another 2024 study.

- Animal research confirms these findings, showing lower sperm counts, reduced testosterone, and damage to the blood–testis barrier after microplastic exposure.

Together, these findings suggest that microplastics may be a hidden factor in declining sperm quality and male infertility worldwide.

Bottled Water vs Tap Water: Which Has More Microplastics?

Multiple studies show that bottled water contains far more microplastics than tap water.

- A 2023 Chinese study found 72 particles per litre in bottled water versus 50 particles per litre in tap water.

- The 2024 NIH study detected hundreds of thousands of smaller nano-particles per litre in bottled water.

The main sources are the plastic bottle and cap, especially when exposed to heat, light, or movement.

Better choice: Use filtered tap water instead of bottled water.

Health Impacts Beyond Fertility

Research continues to explore how microplastics may contribute to:

- Gut microbiome imbalance

- Metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance

- Immune dysregulation

- Cardiovascular inflammation and oxidative stress

While scientists are still defining the extent of harm, the early evidence supports reducing exposure wherever possible.

How to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

While complete avoidance is impossible, you can significantly reduce your exposure with small daily changes.

 1. Drink Filtered Tap Water

Use a reverse-osmosis or carbon-block filter certified for microplastic reduction. Avoid bottled water when possible.

 2. Choose Plastic-Free Food Storage

Store food in glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers. Avoid plastic wrap and disposable food packaging.

 3. Don’t Heat Food in Plastic

Heat accelerates the release of plastic chemicals and fragments. Reheat food in glass or ceramic containers instead.

 4. Reduce Synthetic Fabrics

Wash polyester, nylon, and acrylic clothing in a microfibre-catching laundry bag or install a washing-machine filter.

 5. Keep Indoor Air Clean

Vacuum with a HEPA filter, dust regularly, and ventilate your home to reduce airborne plastic particles.

 6. Support Detox Pathways Naturally

Boost your body’s resilience with:

- Fibre-rich foods (to bind toxins)

- Hydration (to support lymphatic flow)

- Antioxidants (from colourful fruits, greens, and herbs)

- Sweating via exercise or sauna to reduce oxidative stress

The Bottom Line

Microplastics are an emerging health concern — not just for the planet, but for human fertility and hormonal balance. Early research links exposure to disrupted reproductive hormones, reduced egg and sperm quality, and inflammatory changes in the body.

The good news? Small daily changes — drinking filtered water, reducing plastic packaging, and supporting natural detoxification — can make a big difference.

 

Cassandra
The Garden Apothecary
Let’s work with your body—not against it!