They Don't 'Stiffen Up the Sinews'?

Microscopic plastic particles (microplastics) are now being found almost everywhere. They have now been detected in a majority of penis tissue samples, from folk undergoing surgery for erectile dysfunction. This has, naturally, led to speculation that microplastics may be implicated in the current decline in human fertility (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/19/microplastic-discovery-in-penises-raises-erectile-dysfunction-questions). Microplastics are largely generated by the weathering of discarded plastic items, from washing machine discharges, as well as from the tyres and braking systems of transport. These tiny particles, rapidly end up in food chains. This is especially true of those in marine habitats. There, the microplastics are further concentrated as one moves up the chain. Naturally, these tiny beads also end up in the air and even raindrops. It's claimed that microplastics are particularly likely to become concentrated in the penis, as it's pumped with blood. These particles not only act as physical obstructions but can slowly release a variety of chemicals. Some of these compounds may have oestrogenic (feminising) properties. We really do need to urgently evaluate the health risks associated with microplastics in the environment.