Microplastics and Men's Sexual Health

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles found in air, food, water, and clothing, and they can enter the body through inhalation, swallowing, and skin absorption. Studies have confirmed that microplastics accumulate in human organs, including the testicles, with a 2024 study finding microplastics in 100% of examined human testicles. Testosterone is produced in the testes by Leydig cells, and microplastics can interfere with these cells by decreasing testosterone production and triggering oxidative stress. Low testosterone and damaged blood vessels can reduce libido and contribute to erectile dysfunction. Global sperm counts have dropped 62% since 1973, paralleling the rise of plastic production.

"Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, less than 5 millimeters in size, and often they are much smaller than that. They break off from plastic bottles, food packaging, and countless other products we use every day. They are even in our clothes. We inhale them, swallow them in food and water, and absorb them through our skin."

"Once inside the body, they don't just pass through. Studies have confirmed that microplastics accumulate in human organs, including the testicles. A 2024 study found microplastics in 100% of human testicles they examined. This is important because the testes are where testosterone is produced."

"Testosterone is produced by specialized cells called Leydig cells. You can think of these cells as tiny testosterone factories. When microplastics infiltrate the testes, they interfere with these cells in several ways: They decrease testosterone production. A 2022 study found that mice exposed to microplastics for six months showed reduced levels of testosterone. They trigger oxidative stress. Microplastics generate harmful free radicals"

"Low testosterone and damaged blood vessels can reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction. Global sperm counts dropped 62% since 1973-a decline that parallels the rise of plastic production."

Read at Psychology Today