On International Yoga Day, AIIMS study highlights how regular yoga practice may improve sperm health by reducing oxidative stress and protecting genetic material.

As the world observes International Yoga Day on June 21 every year to highlight the importance of yoga for physical, mental and overall well-being, a new study has added another dimension to the growing evidence about its health benefits. Researchers have found that regular yoga practice may help improve male fertility by enhancing sperm quality, reducing oxidative stress and protecting sperm DNA from damage.

The study, published in the International Journal of Yoga, examined the impact of a 12-week yoga intervention on infertile men and found significant improvements in sperm parameters, along with a reduction in harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and sperm DNA fragmentation.

The research was conducted by scientists from the Department of Anatomy, Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, under the guidance of Prof. Rima Dada and her team. The study explored whether yoga could influence biological factors associated with male infertility and reproductive health.

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, with male factors contributing to nearly half of infertility cases. Poor sperm quality, reduced sperm movement and increased sperm DNA damage are among the major factors affecting reproductive outcomes.

The researchers explained that oxidative stress plays an important role in sperm damage. When harmful reactive oxygen species exceed the body’s antioxidant defence capacity, they can damage sperm cells, affecting their ability to fertilise an egg and increasing the risk of reproductive problems.

After 12 weeks of structured yoga practice, participants showed significant improvements in sperm concentration and motility. Researchers also observed a reduction in oxidative stress markers, including ROS levels and 8-OHdG, which indicates DNA damage. A decline in sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) suggested improved protection of sperm genetic material.

Prof. Rima Dada, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi, who has been actively involved in creating awareness about the role of yoga in improving overall health and well-being, said, “Yoga is not just a physical exercise; it is a holistic practice that influences the body, mind and cellular health. Our research indicates that regular yoga practice can help reduce oxidative stress, improve sperm quality and support reproductive health. Integrating yoga with healthy lifestyle choices can provide valuable support for individuals facing health challenges.”

She added that increasing scientific evidence is helping bridge the gap between traditional wellness practices and modern medicine, highlighting yoga’s potential role as a supportive approach in managing lifestyle-related health conditions.

The study found that yoga may help improve reproductive health through multiple mechanisms, including reducing stress levels, improving hormonal balance, enhancing blood circulation and strengthening the body’s antioxidant defence system.

Researchers believe that lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity and environmental pollution can negatively affect sperm quality. Incorporating yoga, meditation, healthy nutrition and regular exercise may help improve overall reproductive outcomes.

Experts emphasise that while medical treatments remain essential for many infertility cases, yoga can serve as a safe, affordable and accessible supportive therapy alongside conventional approaches.

The researchers also noted that larger studies involving more participants are needed to further validate the long-term benefits of yoga on male fertility.

With growing awareness around preventive healthcare and holistic wellness, the findings add to the expanding body of research showing how yoga may contribute not only to physical fitness but also to reproductive health, mental well-being and overall quality of life.