Microplastics have been discovered in penises for the first time, raising questions about a potential role in erectile dysfunction, and coming hard on the heels of recent detection of the pollutants in testes and semen.
The Guardian reports that with the decline in male fertility over the past few decades, experts are now calling for more research on the potential harm of microplastics to reproduction.
The researchers said the penis could be particularly vulnerable to contamination with microplastics due to high blood flow during erections. People ingest microplastics through eating, drinking and breathing and the tiny particles have also been detected in blood.
The study, published in International Journal of Impotence Research, assessed tissue taken from five men who were undergoing surgery related to erectile dysfunction.
Microplastics were found in four cases, with PET and polypropylene being the most prevalent. Both are used in food and drink packaging and other everyday items.
The microplastics detected ranged in size from 0.5mm down to 0.002mm.
Dr Ranjith Ramasamy, who led the research at the University of Miami, said: “The penis is a vascular, spongy organ so is definitely vulnerable. During an erection, a fifth of the blood volume in the whole body gets pumped to the penis.
“We know erectile dysfunction is multifactorial. You need good hormones, nerves, blood supply, and good smooth muscle tissue for an erection to happen.
“We found microplastics were present in the smooth muscle of the penis and we know they are not supposed to be there. We suspect that it could lead to smooth muscle dysfunction.”
Ramasamy said more research was urgently needed to determine the potential role of microplastics in erectile dysfunction and male infertility.
Sperm counts in men have been falling for decades and 40% of low counts remain unexplained, although chemical pollution has been implicated by many studies.
The scientists said the pervasive spread of microplastics was alarming and it was imperative to understand the potential implications for human health.
Ramasamy said: “As a society, we need to be cognisant that drinking water from plastic bottles, buying takeaway food in plastic containers and, even worse, microwaving food in plastic containers, are all contributing to having things in our body that should not be there. And the penis is the one organ that everybody will pay attention to.”
Study details
Detection of microplastics in the human penis
Jason Codrington, Alexandra Aponte Varnum, Ranjith Ramasamy et al.
Published in International Journal of Impotence Research on 19 June 2024
Abstract
The proliferation of microplastics (MPs) represents a burgeoning environmental and health crisis. Measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, MPs have infiltrated atmospheric, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, penetrating commonplace consumables like seafood, sea salt, and bottled beverages. Their size and surface area render them susceptible to chemical interactions with physiological fluids and tissues, raising bioaccumulation and toxicity concerns. Human exposure to MPs occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. To date, there is no direct evidence identifying MPs in penile tissue. The objective of this study was to assess for potential aggregation of MPs in penile tissue. Tissue samples were extracted from six individuals who underwent surgery for a multi-component inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Samples were obtained from the corpora using Adson forceps before corporotomy dilation and device implantation and placed into cleaned glassware. A control sample was collected and stored in a McKesson specimen plastic container. The tissue fractions were analysed using the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System (Agilent Technologies. Moreover, the morphology of the particles was investigated by a Zeiss Merlin Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), complementing the detection range of LDIR to below 20 µm. MPs via LDIR were identified in 80% of the samples, ranging in size from 20–500 µm. Smaller particles down to 2 µm were detected via SEM. Seven types of MPs were found in the penile tissue, with polyethylene terephthalate (47.8%) and polypropylene (34.7%) being the most prevalent. The detection of MPs in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health. Our research adds a key dimension to the discussion on man-made pollutants, focusing on MPs in the male reproductive system.
IJIR article – Detection of microplastics in the human penis
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Microplastics found in human and canine testes – US study
Premature birth rate may be linked to plastics – US study
Plastics found in placentas as US bans ‘forever chemicals’ in food wrappings