If your concerns surrounding microplastics have expanded beyond environmental aspects, you’re certainly not alone. A 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine describes microplastics as a potential medium for toxic substances that can be absorbed into the body and cause various diseases related to the endocrine system.
However, microplastics have once again made recent headlines nationwide—this time, for reasons specific to venous health rather than hormonal health. An April study by Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that the average person ingests the weight of a credit card in microplastics each week and that these particles can travel from the gut to vital organs like the brain, kidneys, and liver.
But is it possible for microplastics to travel to other organs in the human body? Newly published research has confirmed high concentrations of microplastics found in human testicles.
Keep reading as we break down the new data involving the connection between microplastics found in testicles and how they impact venous health.
First, let’s talk about what exactly defines a microplastic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses the term to describe all plastic fragments less than 5 mm in length. Microplastics come in all shapes and are intentionally added to a vast range of consumer products, such as clothing, cosmetics, and detergents. They’re also used in the oil and gas industry.
With this range of applications in mind, it should be no surprise that plastic production has expanded exponentially in the past several decades: about 2 million metric tons of plastic were manufactured in 1950. Today, that number has grown to surpass 400 million, according to the Washington Post, adding that less than 10 percent of these plastics have been recycled since their production.
Manufacturing changes may explain the cause behind increasing levels of microplastic pollution, but newer findings are even more troubling. One recent study published in eBioMedicine followed 30 patients averaging 65 years old. Each patient underwent surgery after having a heart attack, a stroke, or deep vein thrombosis, and each used plastic products daily.
The study found a potential connection between increased levels of microplastics and protein fragments in the blood, called D-dimers, which are typically released when the body breaks down blood clots naturally. This possible connection suggests that microplastics clump together and aggravate clotting, serving as a potential risk factor connected to vascular health.
New England Journal of Medicine’s study published earlier this year, meanwhile, suggests that the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics double the risk of heart attacks and strokes for those with heart disease.
While there’s still a lot to learn about the long-term impacts of microplastics on the specific components of physical health, UNM researchers have also confirmed finding a dozen different kinds of microplastics in “significant concentrations” in 47 canines and 23 human testes.
This discovery is believed to be related to current fertility rates in men, which have already been declining for decades. When coupled with other contributors to men’s infertility — especially venous-related causes — these statistics become even more concerning.
Many people believe varicose veins can only occur in the legs, but varicose veins and blood clots can form in any part of the body. About 30 percent of men have varicoceles, a term to describe twisted, enlarged veins in the scrotum, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Varicoceles typically start during puberty and develop over time. While some cases don’t present any symptoms, others may show signs such as:
Meanwhile, about 40 percent of men with fertility issues have a varicocele, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Researchers believe higher temperatures resulting from blood buildup may be one of the causes.
Ultimately, while varicoceles aren’t life-threatening, their connection to lack of fertility is the main reason men seek treatment.
Treatment options and procedures for varicoceles start with a diagnosis. Your physician will review your medical history and ask questions about the symptoms you may have. You’ll then undergo a physical exam as your physician feels the area for signs of swollen, enlarged veins.
Afterward, you may be instructed to move forward with one of the following tests:
Regardless of whether your varicocele has a potential connection to microplastics, it will be diagnosed with a grade level based on size and severity. A grade ‘0’ is the smallest type, meaning that it can’t be felt during a physical exam but is seen on an ultrasound. A grade III is the largest type, meaning that it is clearly felt and seen.
While research is still untangling the full connection between varicoceles and microplastics, it’s important to recognize one sign that can speak volumes about their severity and potential complications. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most varicoceles form on the left side, with one-third of patients impacted on both sides. However, a varicocele that forms specifically on the right side only may be one of the signs of a mass, such as a blood clot or tumor.
Blood clot signs and symptoms manifest differently in each patient — and sometimes, patients show no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s critical to talk to your physician if you think you have a varicocele on the right side only.
Plastic production may not slow down any time soon, and researchers are still determining the delicate relationship between microplastics and the human body. However, the most powerful tool you have at your disposal is knowledge. Even if you aren’t a heavy user of plastic products, taking the time to recognize the signs of varicoceles and blood clots can help you prevent future venous problems and take your health into your own hands.
Looking for a bit of reassurance? Schedule a consultation with a board-certified Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) physician today. We offer a DVT rule-out service and can put your mind at ease with a collaborative treatment plan. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.