Microplastics and Intimate Toys: A Concerning Trend?
de Costa, Caroline, and Robson, Stephen J. (2025) Microplastics and Intimate Toys: A Concerning Trend? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 66 (1). e70091.
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Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the modern world. Humans are exposed to MNPs through inhalation and ingestion, with a small amount of transdermal uptake. MNPs recently have been identified in the human placenta and endometrium. Although the source of placental MNPs is consistent with haematogenous spread, the presence of MNPs in the endometrium is more puzzling. As small particles can move retrograde from the vagina to the fallopian tubes, two unsuspected MNP sources are tampons and intimate toys. Intimate toys, in particular, might well be an important source of reproductive tract MNPs with intercourse as a potential co-vector.
| Item ID: | 90635 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Short Note) |
| ISSN: | 1479-828X |
| Keywords: | health, microplastics, nanoplastics, reproduction, salpingectomy |
| Copyright Information: | © 2025 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Nov 2026 04:38 |
| FoR Codes: | 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4206 Public health > 420605 Preventative health care @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 20 HEALTH > 2004 Public health (excl. specific population health) > 200408 Injury prevention and control @ 100% |
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