Microplastics, these plastic fragments less than five millimeters in length, have invaded many parts of the human body. A new study has now identified these problematic particles in the human penis for the first time, sparking growing concerns about the implications for human health.
An invasive presence of microplastics
Microplastics come from a variety of sources, such as bags, bottles, food packaging, synthetic fiber clothing and other everyday items that fragment over time from wear, ultraviolet rays and other environmental factors.
These microplastics are then found in the air, water and soil, and can then be ingested or inhaled by humans. For example, plastic microfibers shed from synthetic clothing during washing and end up in wastewater which can subsequently contaminate drinking water sources.
These particles are now found in every nook and cranny of the environment and, as recent studies show, in the human body, which could potentially lead to health problems.
What about the penis?
Recently, researchers from the University of Miami, the University of Colorado and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Research Institute set out to examine whether these particles could also be found in human penises. To do this, researchers took penile tissue samples from six individuals who were undergoing surgery to treat erectile dysfunction. One of the samples also served as a control. The samples were analyzed using Direct Laser Infrared (LDIR) microspectroscopy, a technique that can identify the presence, size and quantity of microplastics in tissues.
The results then revealed the presence of microplastics in 80% of sampleswith particles going from 20 to 500 micrometers. Some particles even measured only two micrometersthus demonstrating the ability of microplastics to penetrate deep into human tissues.
Researchers have identified seven different types of microplastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most common (47.8%), followed by polypropylene (34.7%). PET is commonly used in clothing and food and beverage packaging, while polypropylene is used in various food packaging and laboratory items.
Health implications
The discovery of microplastics in penile tissue obviously adds a new dimension to the ongoing discourse on the effects of environmental pollutants on human health. Scientists are particularly concerned about the potential implications for fertility and reproductive function.
And for good reason, earlier this year, significant concentrations of microplastics were detected in human and canine testicles, as well as in each of the 36 semen samples tested by the researchers. For these reasons, scientists believe it is crucial to examine the mechanisms by which microplastics enter the human body and their long-term health effects.
Details of the study are published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.
