Source:
- Codrington, J., Varnum, A.A., Hildebrandt, L. et al. Detection of microplastics in the human penis. Int J Impot Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-024-00930-6
- Yang Y, Xie E, Du Z, Peng Z, Han Z, Li L, Zhao R, Qin Y, Xue M, Li F, Hua K, Yang X. Detection of Various Microplastics in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery. Environ Sci Technol. 2023 Aug 1;57(30):10911-10918. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07179. Epub 2023 Jul 13. PMID: 37440474.
- Marfella, R., Prattichizzo, F., Sardu, C., Fulgenzi, G., Graciotti, L., Spadoni, T., D’Onofrio, N., & Paolisso, G. (2024). Microplastics and nanoplastics in atheromas and cardiovascular events. New England Journal of Medicine, 390(10), 900-910. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822
Plastics can pose significant dangers to human health due to their pervasive presence and the release of harmful chemicals. Studies have linked microplastics to inflammation, cellular damage, and disruptions in the endocrine system, raising concerns about their long-term impact on human health.
In 2023, a study showed that microplastics exist in the heart of some cardiac patients, potentially raising concerns about their effects on human health in internal organs. Another study this year showed that cardiac patients with microplastics were 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or death within approximately 34 months after surgery compared to those whose arteries were free of plastic.
The recent study shows that microplastics were found in the penises of 4 out 5 patients undergoing surgery for erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers uncovered seven different microplastic types, predominantly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP).
Obviously, the link between mircoplastics and sexual organ function is waiting to be discovered. But… plastics enter the human body via different ways, including eating, breathing and touching. If simple methods like these can introduce plastics to a male sexual organ, think about intentional methods like using sex toys such as vibrators and male masturbators
It’s important to prevent plastics from entering the human body. Here are some ways to do that:
Start by using less plastic every day. Choose reusable items like metal water bottles and cloth bags instead of plastic ones. Use glass or metal containers for food instead of plastic ones, and try to buy products with less plastic packaging. By using less plastic, you reduce the chance of it getting into your body.
Also, be careful when heating food in plastic containers, as it can release harmful chemicals. Instead, use microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers. Avoid products like exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste with microplastics, and opt for plastic-free alternatives. Being mindful of these simple steps can help keep plastics away from your body and protect your health.