Human Testicles Found to Contain Nearly Three Times More Microplastics Than Canine Samples, Study Reveals

Albuquerque, NM – A recent study by researchers at the University of New Mexico has revealed the pervasive presence of microplastics in human testicular tissue, with concentrations nearly three times higher than those found in dogs. The findings, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, raise significant concerns about the potential impact of environmental plastic pollution on male reproductive health and fertility.

The study, led by Professor Xiaozhong Yu, analyzed 23 human and 47 canine testicular samples, identifying microplastics in every single specimen. On average, human tissue contained 329.44 micrograms of microplastics per gram, compared to 122.63 micrograms per gram in dogs. Polyethylene (PE), commonly used in plastic bags and bottles, was the most prevalent type, followed by polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

While direct sperm count assessment was not possible for the preserved human samples, the research found a correlation in canine testicles: higher levels of PVC were associated with reduced sperm counts and decreased testicle weight. This suggests a potential link between microplastic accumulation and male fertility issues, a trend that has seen global decline in recent decades.

Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size, are ubiquitous in the environment, entering the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and potentially skin absorption. Experts like Dr. Tracey Woodruff of the University of California, San Francisco, note that these particles can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals, further impacting hormonal balance critical for reproduction.

The alarming rate of accumulation has been highlighted by commentators, with one recent tweet from Trung Phan provocatively stating, > "This isn’t the quarterly datacenter revenue chart ($Bn) for Nvidia since 2020…it’s the amount of microplastics found in your testicles over the past half decade." This comparison underscores the rapid and concerning increase of these foreign particles within the human body.

Previous research, including a 2023 study in China, has also detected microplastics in human testes and semen, reinforcing the growing body of evidence. Scientists emphasize the urgent need for further research to fully understand the long-term health implications, including potential for inflammation and the overall effect on sperm production and quality. The findings serve as a critical call to action for policymakers and individuals to address plastic pollution and its widespread impact on human health.