Written by Dr Phoebe Howells. Reviewed by Dr Katherine Joseph (2026). 

Dr. Phoebe has been a doctor since 2012 with a decade of experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology focusing on fertility. She's undertaken a clinical fellowship in Reproductive Medicine at a top London fertility clinic alongside authoring articles, sharing insights at global conferences, contributing to fertility trials for women with adenomyosis and working as the Co-Chief Medical Officer for OVUM.

When thinking about fertility health, the focus is often on age, nutrition and other lifestyle factors. However, there is a growing environmental issue that deserves more of our attention: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are found almost everywhere, including our bodies, and emerging research suggests that they may play a part in our health, including fertility. 

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres. They come from two main sources. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured small plastics, such as microbeads, which were formerly used in cosmetics. Then there are secondary microplastics, which are fragments created when larger plastic items break down, such as water bottles, food packaging, clothing fibres, and household products.

Because plastics degrade very slowly, microplastics persist in the environment and enter our bodies through food, water, air, and skin contact.

Scientists have now detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, placentas, breast milk, and reproductive tissues. This is obviously raising concerns about their long-term effects on reproductive health.

So how could microplastics affect fertility?

Research in this area is still evolving, but several studies suggest that microplastics may interfere with fertility in both men and women. 

Hormonal Disruption

Firstly, they could cause hormonal disruption as many plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols, BPA, phthalates and PFAS. These chemicals could potentially mimic or block natural hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, disrupt ovulation and the menstrual cycles and affect sperm quality. 

Oxidative stress

Importantly, they could also contribute to oxidative stress, potentially impacting egg quality and ovarian function. In men, oxidative stress is linked to reduced sperm count, motility and DNA integrity. Oxidative stress is particularly concerning in fertility, as it can damage cells at a time when genetic integrity is crucial.

Inflammatory response

It is also suggested that microplastics can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to reduced implantation success, where inflammation can disrupt the uterine environment, making it less receptive to pregnancy. 

Beyond conception

Microplastics don’t just stop affecting you once conception occurs. Research has shown that plastic particles are present in the placenta, and further research is needed to determine their effects on the developing foetus and placental function. 

What can you do to minimise exposure?

You can reduce exposure by choosing glass or stainless steel for food storage, avoiding heating food in plastic and limiting single-use plastics in your daily routine. These are straightforward steps that reduce exposure to compounds we know can disrupt reproductive processes. 

This is also why avoiding plastic was key when we were designing OVUM Time to Conceive® For Women and For Men. OVUM uses plastic-free packaging, in a glass tub with an aluminium lid. OVUM follows the latest science in this space to truly help support both men and women on their fertility journey. 

Key Takeaways 

• Plastic is not something that we can feasibly avoid completely in our lives. It is everywhere, and we are finding microplastics in every part of our bodies. 

• Increasingly, we are starting to understand the negative impacts that microplastics may have on both female and male fertility. This includes disrupting hormonal balance and triggering inflammatory responses. 

• The research therefore points to avoiding microplastics where you can. There are small, but meaningful routine changes that can minimise your exposure and provide an actionable way to support your health and fertility. For example, switching away from plastic chopping boards , containers, cups and storage where you can. When purchasing new textiles such as; curtains, carpets, or clothing, try to choose natural materials such as cotton, rather than synthetic fibres.