Microplastics Detected in Human Ovaries for First Time, Raising Alarms Over Fertility and Hormonal Health
Microplastics Detected in Human Ovaries for First Time, Raising Alarms Over Fertility and Hormonal Health
April 23, 2025: In a landmark discovery, researchers have found microplastic particles in the follicular fluid of human ovaries for the first time—raising serious concerns about female fertility, hormonal health, and long-term reproductive outcomes. The study, published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, was conducted in Salerno, Italy, where scientists examined the ovarian follicular fluid of 18 women undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. Microplastic contamination was detected in 14 of the samples.
Follicular fluid plays a crucial role in egg development and hormonal signaling during ovulation. The presence of microplastics in this sensitive reproductive environment has alarmed experts. “We are only beginning to understand the implications of microplastic exposure on female reproductive health,” said Professor Luigi Montano, the study’s lead author and researcher at the University of Rome. “This is deeply concerning and has far-reaching consequences.”
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter—are now known to invade nearly every part of the human body. Previously detected in the lungs, heart, liver, and brain, this is the first time they’ve been found in the female reproductive system.
These particles enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, and can carry harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and PFAS—known endocrine disruptors. Montano described microplastics as a “Trojan horse,” delivering toxic compounds that could disrupt hormone function and impair fertility.
Animal studies have already shown that microplastics can reduce egg maturation and damage ovarian tissue. In humans, this could potentially lead to irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalances, and infertility.
Montano’s team has also found microplastics in human urine and semen, adding to growing evidence of a global reproductive health crisis. Sperm concentrations have drastically declined over the past eight decades—from 113 million/ml in 1940 to just 15 million/ml in recent WHO guidelines—mirroring the rise in global plastic pollution.
Beyond fertility, scientists warn of broader health risks, including immune system dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and prenatal complications. There’s growing concern that microplastics may cross the placental barrier, affecting fetal development and possibly leading to low birth weight and neurological issues.
Women in urban areas face heightened risk due to greater exposure to polluted air, processed foods, and synthetic materials. Experts are now calling for urgent precautionary measures, such as reducing plastic use, avoiding single-use packaging, and screening for microplastics in fertility diagnostics.
“This is no longer just a scientific discovery—it’s a public health emergency,” Montano emphasized.
The findings mark a critical turning point in understanding the unseen toll of plastic pollution on human health, particularly for women.
