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Microplastic discovery in penises raises erectile dysfunction questions
The contaminants have also recently been found in testes and semen, amid concerns about falling male fertility
www.theguardian.com
Microplastics have been discovered in penises for the first time, raising questions about a potential role in erectile dysfunction.
The revelation comes after the pollutants were recently detected in testes and semen. Male fertility has fallen in recent decades and more research on potential harm of microplastics to reproduction is imperative, say experts.
The researchers said the penis could be particularly vulnerable to contamination with microplastics due to high blood flow during erections. People ingest microplastics through eating, drinking and breathing and the tiny particles have been detected in blood.
The study assessed tissue taken from five men who were undergoing surgery related to erectile dysfunction. Microplastics were found in four cases, with PET and polypropylene being the most prevalent. Both are used in food and drink packaging and other everyday items.
