We are all aware of the fact that the use of plastics causes harm to our environment, and dangerously so. But what will happen when we realise that plastic can enter our bodies too?
As far as gynaecological reproductive health is concerned, the major emphasis has always been on genetic aspects, hormonal imbalance, and even the choice of food and regular exercise. PCOS and endometriosis are both known to cause health concerns in women during menstruation and during or after sex. However, today there is another threat to the health of women’s reproductive organs in the form of microplastics and nanoplastics.
Can these enter the ovaries and result in greater damage to women’s sexual and reproductive health? The answer, unsurprisingly, is a yes. Microplastics, along with nanoplastics, have actually been detected in ovarian tissues and in follicular fluid.
What is ovarian microplastic contamination?
To grasp the scale of this issue, one must first define the particles involved. Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic less than five millimetres in size, while nanoplastics are less than one micrometre. These are so small that they remain invisible to the naked eye and can easily bypass the body’s natural biological barriers. They can be identified as multiple polymers, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), commonly used in packaging and agricultural materials.
The 2024 Science of the Total Environment study, which used Py-GC/MS to confirm the presence of polymers such as polyethylene and PVC in human follicular fluid for the first time. Out of the 18 women sampled, over 80% had microplastics in their follicular fluid.
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The ovaries were once thought to be a protected zone, shielded by complex filtration systems. It is now understood that these particles enter the bloodstream through food, water, and even the air we breathe. From the bloodstream, they can directly seep into the reproductive organs, too.
Common polymers like polyethene found in plastic bags, and polystyrene used in packaging, are now being identified in the very fluid that determines the quality and competence of a woman’s oocytes.
The Trojan Horse effect: How damage occurs
From a clinical standpoint, the concern is not just the presence of the plastic itself, but the Trojan Horse effect it creates. These particles often carry Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). When these particles lodge themselves in ovarian tissue, they trigger several harmful processes:
*Oxidative stress and cellular ageing – The presence of a foreign object in the ovary triggers the production of 'Reactive Oxygen Species' (highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen). This is a form of cellular rusting as oxidative stress can damage the DNA of the oocytes and potentially cause poor maturation and a decline in overall egg quality at an early stage of their life.
*Hormonal mimicry – Most plastics contain chemicals that mimic oestrogen. When these enter the follicular environment, they disrupt the natural signalling of progesterone and oestrogen. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and has been linked to conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
*Mitochondrial dysfunction – Nanoplastics are particularly invasive because they can penetrate cell membranes. Once inside, they can disrupt the mitochondria, which are known as the cell’s powerhouses. Since an egg cell requires an immense amount of energy to develop and eventually fertilise, any disruption to energy production can compromise fertility. Also, plastic is eternal; it's very difficult for the human body to dissolve it and remove it from the body.
From environment to egg: How microplastics enter the body
It is important to recognise that this is a cumulative issue. Human beings are exposed to these particles through multiple daily touchpoints:
*Ingestion: Microplastics shed from plastic water bottles, especially when heated. They are also found in ultra-processed foods and certain seafood. We should immediately stop using plastic containers for storing food and water, and shifting towards glass containers and copper bottles can be more beneficial both for the environment and for the body. Heat is the primary catalyst that causes plastics to leach into food and water.
Switching to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel is a vital step; also, using high-quality carbon or reverse osmosis filters can catch a significant percentage of micro-particles.
*Inhalation: In urban environments, people breathe in synthetic fibres from clothing and carpets. The main component of most clothing today is polyester, especially blankets and sheets, which come in direct contact with skin. Polyester can directly penetrate our body and cause immense harm.
*Dermal contact: Some personal care products contain microbeads or plastic-based thickeners that can be absorbed through the skin. For this, we need to be very careful before purchasing our products; it is time we start reading product labels – simply flip the product and see the ingredients listed behind.
To what extent is it harmful?
While there is strong evidence that these plastics are present in the ovaries, researchers are still studying the long-term, population-wide effects on fertility. This is not a reason for panic, but it is a call for preventive action.
Pre-clinical models suggest that high levels of microplastics can reduce the ovarian reserve, which is the number of healthy eggs remaining with each passing year. In clinical settings, investigators are also beginning to explore whether the presence of these particles can explain why IVF treatments sometimes fail despite profiles being otherwise healthy. The evidence points to a dose-dependent risk, which means that if exposure is reduced now, it may protect future reproductive longevity.
The path forward: Advocacy and awareness
This issue now sits at a critical intersection of environmental science and gynaecology. There is a growing movement to go beyond viewing infertility as a purely medical issue and start seeing it as an environmental one. Furthermore, policy-level changes are needed to regulate the use of plastic in the food and beauty industries.
The presence of microplastics in the ovaries is a quiet, invisible threat, but it can be addressed through awareness and intentional living. By making small changes today, individuals are not just protecting their own health but also the biological integrity of generations to come.
Dr Rohit Raghunath Ranade is a senior consultant, clinical lead - Gynaecologic Oncology, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.