Exploring the connections between serum microplastics and infertility

$0
Pledged
0%
Funded
$5,000
Goal
38
Days Left
  • $0
    pledged
  • 0%
    funded
  • 38
    days left

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.

Ask the Scientists

Join The Discussion

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.

Budget

Please wait...

My team—including nurses, statisticians, and research assistants—is fully committed to this project. We will write the IRB, consent patients, draw and mail blood samples, and analyze the data ourselves, all without compensation. The $4,000 will cover specialized blood test kits; the $1,000 covers essential overhead like shipping and platform fees. We’re not asking for salaries—we’re asking for the tools to uncover how microplastics may be silently destroying fertility. Help us change the field.

Endorsed by

Dr. Stansbury is a leading researcher, and the new study exploring how microplastics may affect infertility is both important and exciting. It could help us better understand how pollution impacts our health in ways we’re only beginning to uncover.

Project Timeline

Key steps include obtaining IRB approval, timely recruitment, and efficient blood sample collection at IVF cycle start. Rapid and accurate microplastic analysis and data entry are critical. Data interpretation depends on sample quality and participant follow-up. We will pilot this study within 1 month. Manuscript preparation and submission will share results with the scientific community by this fall.

Jul 01, 2025

Project Launched

Jul 14, 2025

Complete all of the blood draws

Aug 11, 2025

Complete analysis and start manuscript preparation 

Sep 15, 2025

Finalize and complete manuscript for submission

Meet the Team

Nicholas Stansbury, MD
Nicholas Stansbury, MD
Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility Specialist

Affiliates

UT Health San Antonio
View Profile
Abigail Ellstrom
Abigail Ellstrom
Medical Student

Affiliates

Texas Christian University, Burnett School of Medicine
View Profile

Team Bio

  • Brian S. Hernandez – PHS Biostatistician – Intermediate, hernandezbs@uthscsa.edu, 210-567-0917, 210-567-0921
  • Esmeralda Resendez – Registered Nurse - Senior, HOPD Ob-Gyn REI MARC, resendeze2@uthscsa.edu, +1 210 450 9004
  • Kate Lawrenson, PhD – Associate Professor; Director, OB/GYN Tissue Repository and Database; Associate Director, Postdoctoral Scientist Program, lawrenson@uthscsa.edu, +1 210 567 4932
  • Nicholas Stansbury, MD

    I am a second-year Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellow at UT Health San Antonio. I am interested in doing simple, relatable, and realistic translational research to change patient care quickly. Join me, now!

    Abigail Ellstrom

    I am a third-year medical student at Texas Christian University interested in pursuing a career in women's health.


    Project Backers

    • 0Backers
    • 0%Funded
    • $0Total Donations
    • $0Average Donation
    Please wait...

    See Your Scientific Impact

    You can help a unique discovery by joining 0 other backers.
    Fund This Project