In recent times, Sperm count deficiency has been quite a common issue in men, which sparked fertility concerns globally. Negative results in pregnancy, the increasing rate of miscarriages, and the constant struggle to conceive threaten the entire human population.
A team of international researchers state that this concern is not a small issue; rather, people should think about it nowadays and prepare for better prevention.
Do you think microplastic is related to sperm count? What do researchers say?
The recent study revealed that microplastics are minute particles, that measure about 5 mm and are somehow inhaled by the human population and thus found to be present in the human testis, as stated in the research of Science of The Total Environment in the last year.
The Peking University in China has started to investigate this issue to explore its hidden facts. As the scientists mentioned, sperm count is rapidly falling globally and has become a global issue in terms of fertility; avoiding it can make it a permanent problem.
Health Researchers at the University of Mexico have initiated their research by collecting samples from 23 humans. The study evidenced that 12 types of different microplastics were detected in those samples. Among them, polyethylene (PE) is the most prevalent microplastic particle, and it is common in semen. The study also noted the concentration of microplastics in human semen, 328.44 micrograms per gram of semen.
Why should you be worried about your sperm count?
Sperm count is very important from a fertility aspect as it is one of the vital factors that are checked in health test reports when one goes to a gynaecologist. Indeed, sperm morphology and motility also matter along with the sperm count.
By the use of semen analysis tools, scientists can easily check the sperm count in a human body. Lesser than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen can be categorized as an abnormality in sperm count. Research studies revealed that the prominent existence of microplastics is indirectly responsible for affecting the total sperm count in humans. Almost all kinds of foods available in the market are packaged in plastics, and thus, they cyclically enter our bodies through food.Â
As per the latest research works, the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is mostly used in plastic bottles, which terribly affects the reproductive organs in the human body. Chemicals used in these plastic materials harm the fertility rate of humans by affecting sperm count. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another prominent microplastic that is present in human testis samples. As per health scientists, this PVC disrupts the whole sperm-producing process, known as spermatogenesis.Â
The researchers started to analyze the different characteristics of microplastics to understand how they disrupt the total sperm count in men.Â
How to avoid Microplastics?
- Filtering water before drinking
- Reduction of use of single-use plastic containers
- Use of cotton fiber in clothing options
- Avoiding artificial or chemical cleaning products
- Use of stainless steel or glass utensils for cooking and serving
- Saying no to tinned or canned food items
- Avoiding all food items that are processed
In order to avoid microplastics, alleviating the issue of falls in sperm count is basically bringing positive changes in lifestyle. The help of adopting natural and sustainable options for consumption in terms of food or clothing can lead people to not only avoid the issue of lower sperm count but also help promote a more positive lifestyle in the community they belong to. Choosing to stay healthy has become a necessity in the current global environment, given the various issues causing human sustainability, one of the primary ones being the fall in sperm count in men.
