Microplastics found in human penises for the first time
Microplastics linked to increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems
Most common types were PET and PP
Presence of microplastics being examined as potential cause for ED
Seven types of microplastics identified in samples from six men with ED
Younger men have had more microplastics detected than older men
In a groundbreaking study, microplastics have been discovered for the first time in human penises. The research was published in IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal on June 20, 2024. Seven different types of microplastics were identified in samples taken from six men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that do not decompose and can enter the human body through ingestion or inhalation, including from food stored in plastic containers. The most common types found were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP).
The presence of microplastics in penile tissue is currently being examined as a potential cause for ED. It's important to note that younger men have had more microplastics detected in their samples than older men.
Microplastics have been linked to increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems, according to recent studies. They can enter the body through various means such as plastic bottles, takeout containers, microwaving plastic containers, and even household dust.
The study's findings add to growing concerns over the proliferation and potential health effects of microplastics in human organs. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of their exposure to these particles and take steps to minimize it.
Four out of five men had microplastics in their penile tissue.
Seven different types of microplastics were detected, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) the most prevalent.
Accuracy
Study lead author Ranjith Ramasamy found microplastics in the penis due to its vascular nature like the heart.
Four samples were taken from men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction undergoing penile implant surgery at University of Miami between August and September 2023.
Deception
(30%)
The article contains sensationalist language in the title and throughout the body. The title 'Microplastics discovered in human penises for the first time' is misleading as it implies that this is a new discovery when microplastics have been found in other parts of the body before. The author also uses emotional manipulation by stating 'concerns over the tiny particles' proliferation and potential health effects mount.' This statement creates fear in readers without providing any evidence to support it. The article also engages in selective reporting by only mentioning the presence of microplastics in four out of five samples, implying that this is a significant finding when it may not be. Additionally, the author quotes experts making statements about potential health effects and links to other studies without providing any new information or analysis.
concerns over the tiny particles' proliferation and potential health effects mount.
Microplastics discovered in human penises for the first time
Four of the five men had microplastics in their penile tissue.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several informal fallacies, including an appeal to authority and exaggeration. The author cites previous studies as evidence for their claims without providing a comprehensive understanding of the new research. Additionally, there is an inflammatory rhetoric when discussing the potential health effects of microplastics.
The samples were taken from study participants who had been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) and were in the hospital to undergo surgery for penile implants to treat the condition at the University of Miami between August and September 2023.
Five out of six penises sampled had microplastics present.
Younger men have had more microplastics in them than older men.
Accuracy
Four out of five men had microplastics in their penile tissue.
Most abundant plastic found in penises was polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene.
Deception
(30%)
The author makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation to grab the reader's attention. She also engages in selective reporting by focusing on the potential negative impact of microplastics without mentioning any potential benefits or alternative perspectives. The article does not disclose sources for some of the claims made, such as 'several recent microplastic studies.'
This finding has given Ramasamy pause. He has become much more wary of drinking from plastic water bottles since completing this study.
Most takeout containers are lined with plastic coating (yes, even the cardboard ones).
When scientists first started murmuring about a striking connection between more microplastics and more heart attacks, Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy’s mind immediately traveled further south, to another blood-pumping organ, one that he knows very well.
Fallacies
(85%)
The author makes an appeal to authority when quoting Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy's thoughts and opinions about the potential connection between microplastics and erectile dysfunction. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating 'We are gobbling up more plastics than ever, and learning more about the effects' which is an exaggeration.
When scientists first started murmuring about a striking connection between more microplastics and more heart attacks, Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy’s mind immediately traveled further south, to another blood-pumping organ, one that he knows very well.
It's also one of the first studies to study a connection between impotence and more plastic use.
We are consuming more plastic than ever before.
Most takeout containers are lined with plastic coating (yes, even the cardboard ones).
He has become much more wary of drinking from plastic water bottles since completing this study.
Bias
(90%)
The author expresses a clear bias towards the idea that microplastics are having negative effects on human health, specifically in relation to erectile dysfunction and fertility. She quotes Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy multiple times expressing his concerns and theories about the potential impact of microplastics on penis muscle function, without providing any counterarguments or evidence to challenge these claims.
He has become much more wary of drinking from plastic water bottles since completing this study, and he tries to always put his food on a real plate now before he re-heats it, instead of microwaving plastic tubs.
It's also one of the first studies to study a connection between impotence and more plastic use.
Most of the microplastic found in penises was the kind that’s used to manufacture plastic bottles.
We are consuming more plastic than ever before. In several recent microplastic studies, younger men have had more microplastic in them than older men.
What he’s found, while still preliminary, is that microplastics are present in some penises experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED).
When scientists first started murmuring about a striking connection between more microplastics and more heart attacks, Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy’s mind immediately traveled further south, to another blood-pumping organ, one that he knows very well.
