A research evaluating the tissue from six individuals who had undergone erectile dysfunction surgery was published in the scientific journal Nature.
\Seven different forms of microplastics were found in 80% of the samples; some of them were as small as two micrometres, or two thousandths of a millimetre.
“The detection of microplastics in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health,” according to the research.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PTE) is a common microplastic found in clothing and food and drink containers, accounting for over half of the microplastics identified.
The tougher microplastic polypropylene, which is also utilized in packaging, made up 34.7% of the materials.
Researchers reported that some of them measured up to half a millimeter in size.
“Our study presents a ground-breaking investigation into the presence of microplastics in penile tissue,” investigators stated.
“By shedding light on the presence of microplastics in human tissues, our research adds a crucial dimension to the ongoing discourse about the effects of environmental pollutants on human health, with a specific focus on male sexual health.”
The research team’s leader, Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy, told News that additional research is required.
