LONDON – Microplastics have been found in human penises for the first time, prompting concerns about their potential link to erectile dysfunction. Almost half the microplastics found were polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The majority of the world’s PET production is for synthetic textile fibres with bottle production accounting for around a third of global demand.
This discovery follows the recent detection of microplastics in testes and semen. With male fertility declining in recent decades, experts stress the urgency of further research into the reproductive harm caused by microplastics.
Researchers suggest the penis might be especially susceptible to microplastic contamination due to increased blood flow during erections. People are exposed to microplastics through eating, drinking, and breathing, with these particles also detected in the bloodstream.
The study analyzed tissue samples from five men undergoing surgery for erectile dysfunction. Microplastics were found in four of the cases, predominantly PET and polypropylene.
Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size that are increasingly being found in various environments, including the air, water, and soil. These particles have even made their way into common food items like seafood, salt, and bottled drinks. Their small size and large surface area make them capable of interacting with body fluids and tissues, raising concerns about their potential to accumulate in the body and cause harm.
People can come into contact with microplastics through eating, breathing, and skin contact. Until now, there was no direct evidence of microplastics in penile tissue. This study aimed to find out if microplastics could be present in penile tissue.
Researchers took tissue samples from six men who were undergoing surgery for a penile implant. They used Adson forceps to collect tissue samples from the penis before implanting the device. The samples were then carefully stored and analyzed.
The tissue samples were examined using advanced technology to detect microplastics. They used the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System and a Zeiss Merlin Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). These tools helped identify and measure the size of microplastic particles in the tissue.
Microplastics discovered ranged in size from 20 to 500 micrometers, with some as small as 2 micrometers detected by SEM.
The discovery of microplastics in peánile tissue raises important questions about how environmental pollution might affect sexual health. This research highlights a new aspect of the impact of man-made pollutants on the male reproductive system, emphasising the need for further studies on the health effects of microplastics.
