Weekly round-up: Plastic free July: should we be worried about microplastics?

Plastic free July: should we be worried about microplastics?  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ [View in browser]( [Patient](   ☰✕ [Latest features]( [Symptom checker]( [Topics](   Welcome to our pick of the latest Patient features   What do testicles, clouds, beer and arctic ice all have in common? The answer might astonish you - uncover the surprising connection in our latest feature on the hidden world of microplastics and what they might be doing to your body. In our article about fibroids – a common but sometimes painful condition – we hear from Adrienne Noble about her personal journey following diagnosis. If you're in pain and are not sure why, we can help you explore possible causes and when to speak to your doctor. Finally, in our video on skin conditions, Dr Sarah Jarvis talks about their effect on self-esteem and offers some helpful guidance. Remember, you can access even more articles and videos at [Patient.info](.    Dr Krishna Vakharia, Clinical Director, Patient. Featured this week [Plastic free July: should we be worried about microplastics?]( [Plastic free July: should we be worried about microplastics?]( What do testicles, clouds, beer and arctic ice all have in common? These are all places you might find microplastics, if you were a scientist with the right equipment to detect these tiny pieces of plastic, measuring below 5 millimetres. Over the last 20 years, microplastics have been discovered all around us, and now inside us too. It's thought we consume around 5 grams of microplastic particles every week - equivalent to the weight of a credit card. But what does this mean for our health?  [Read more]( You might have missed [Spotting the signs of fibroids]( [Spotting the signs of fibroids]( [When should you worry about pain?]( [When should you worry about pain?]( Featured video [[ratio]  ]( [Can skin conditions affect your mental health?]( Acne is a common skin condition which many of us have had at some point, particularly during our teenage years. But for some people, acne continues well into adult life and can have a serious impact on mental well-being. [Watch here](   [Patient]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [YouTube]( [Pinterest]( [Instagram](   © Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Registered in England and Wales.   Registered number: 02117205 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6BA. Patient is a UK registered trade mark.   Why have I received this email?   These newsletters are sent to a broad range of Patient users who have opted in to receiving marketing materials. We send newsletters highlighting common issues and ailments which are likely to be of general interest to our users.   These newsletters may be sponsored by third parties, who may offer services in relation to the relevant conditions in the newsletters. They are generic and not sent based on anything in your medical record or that you may have discussed with your doctor. However, if you'd rather not receive them, you can [unsubscribe here](.   [Terms & conditions]( [Privacy policy]( [Support](