About This Project

Microplastics are found in our food, water, and air, yet their impact on human reproduction remains unknown. We hypothesize that microplastics in blood may be linked to impaired embryo development, reduced semen quality, and lower live birth rates. Our study will directly measure blood microplastics in couples undergoing fertility treatment, correlating levels with reproductive outcomes. This novel research could transform fertility care and highlight a pressing public health concern.

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What is the context of this research?

Microplastics (MP), plastic particles under 5 mm, are now widespread in the environment and pose emerging risks to human health—including reproduction. MPs enter the body via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, accumulating in blood, placenta, amniotic fluid, follicular fluid, and even breastmilk. Studies have detected MPs in the ovarian follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF and in placentas and amniotic fluid, raising concerns about their ability to cross biological barriers and affect fetal development. Animal research shows MPs can impair ovarian and sperm function, disrupt hormones, and harm embryo development. In humans, higher levels of plasticizers like phthalates and bisphenols are found in blood, especially among younger women, indicating ongoing exposure. Blood sampling is minimally invasive, routinely performed, and reflects systemic MP exposure, making it a promising biomarker for studying links between environmental exposure, fertility, and IVF outcomes.

What is the significance of this project?

This project addresses a critical public health concern: the impact of microplastics (MPs) on fertility and IVF success. Infertility affects 15–20% of couples, and most IVF cycles do not result in live birth, even for women under 35 (up to 47% per cycle). MPs are now found in food, water, air, and personal care products, accumulating in blood, placenta, and reproductive tissues. MPs can disrupt hormones, induce oxidative stress, and impair ovarian and sperm function, all linked to poor fertility outcomes. Blood testing offers a minimally invasive, standardized way to monitor systemic MP exposure. If we show a correlation between blood MPs and IVF failure, blood MP levels could become a biomarker to guide patient counseling and risk reduction. While proven ways to lower MPs are lacking, strategies include reducing plastic use and exposure. This project could transform fertility care and inform public health policy.

What are the goals of the project?

This project aims to determine if serum microplastic levels correlate with reproductive outcomes—including embryo development, semen quality, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates—in IVF patients. We will conduct a prospective cohort study of 30 individuals (20 females, 10 males) at our center, with IRB approval and informed consent. Blood samples will be collected at IVF cycle start and analyzed for MPs using mass spectrometry. Female data will include ovarian reserve, hormone profiles, and embryo grading; male data will include sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation. Live birth outcomes will be tracked. Multivariate regression will assess links between MP levels and outcomes, adjusting for confounders. Inclusion: females 25–39, BMI 18.5–40, AMH ≥1.0, first IVF, no smoking/vaping, normal uterus, no PCOS, endometriosis, or diminished reserve; males 25–49, BMI 18.5–40, no infertility or tobacco/drug use, no relevant surgeries or exposures.