Microplastics found in seminal plasma and ovarian follicular fluid

02 July 2025

Spanish scientists have found microplastics in semen and ovaries, according to a study by Murcia University, presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), El País reports.  

Several studies show that microplastics have been found in the human body and pose a significant risk to human fertility. This time researchers have found microplastics in fluids directly linked to human reproduction: seminal plasma and ovarian follicular fluid.

Researchers and doctors found microplastics in 69% of ovarian follicular fluid samples, from a total of 29 samples. In the 22 samples of seminal plasma analysed, microplastics were found in 55% of them.

The microplastics found were polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, and polyurethane. These substances were found in very low concentrations, sometimes two or three particles per sample. Teflon was also present in one sample.

The presence of microplastics in the human body is also linked to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.