Yoga and Meditation for Male Infertility Improvement

Abstract

Infertility is often a silent struggle. Despite the high prevalence of infertility in the current population, most couples do not share their struggles with family or friends due to social stigma, increasing their psychological vulnerability. And sometimes people end their lives by committing suicide. Heartfulness meditation has helped reduce stress, anxiety, loneliness and improve quality of life as well as sleep. The comprehensive role of yoga in improving male infertility has been highlighted, focusing on its effect on sperm nuclear and mitochondrial genome, epigenome and telomere health. In addition, it underlines the importance of self-care, open communication and shared experiences with partners. Regularly practicing yoga supports psychosocial well-being, promotes holistic healing, improves physical and mental health thereby helping to improve reproductive health, promotes resilience and self-efficacy during the journey of fertility and reproduction. Yoga and meditation have emerged as a potent modulator of sperm parameters, genome integrity and epigenetic factors, evidenced by various studies. Studies indicate that yoga practice significantly enhances sperm concentration, motility and morphology while simultaneously reducing semen and improving both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Traditional Eastern systems and practices are well recognized for general health as well as chronic diseases. Meditators who received special training to run the program and were certified through recognized institutions/organizations. Once most participants received 20 to 25 minutes of guided meditation, yoga or physical activities per session from certified Heartfulness Meditation instructors, they experienced improved health, fertility and fertility.