TY - JOUR UR - https://doi.org/10.25259/JRHM_8_2020 DO - 10.25259/JRHM_8_2020 TI - Sperm a cell in distress: Yoga to the rescue AU - Dhawan,Vidhu AU - Kumar,Rajeev AU - Malhotra,Neena AU - Dadhwal,Vatsla AU - Borthakur,Dibakar AU - Dada,Rima AB - Sperm, one of the complex cells of biological inheritance, are not only considered as mere vectors of transmission of paternal genome at the time of fertilization but also to events post-fertilization. The contribution of sperm molecular factors as a critical determinant of optimal embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes has been brought to surface. Spermatozoa with derangements in redox status, nuclear and mitochondrial genomic integrity, and dysregulated gene expression may affect the fertility status of the male and may result in impaired embryonic development and increase risk of genetic and epigenetic diseases in offspring. The integration of yoga-based lifestyle (YBL) as a part of the modern lifestyle has been found to be beneficial in the management of the derangements in the male reproductive functions in the distressing issue of infertility and early pregnancy loss (EPL) patients. As infertility and EPL are issues with a strong psychosomatic component, yoga a mind body intervention may be a useful adjunctive therapy in the management of these cases and may not only improve the sperm quality but also positively impact the reproductive potential, embryogenesis, and the health of the progeny. This short communication intends to highlight the importance of paternal factors as a causal factor for infertility, EPL, and also the promising role of integration of YBL in the management of such disorders. VL - 2 SP - 3 T2 - Journal of Reproductive Healthcare and Medicine JO - Journal of Reproductive Healthcare and Medicine J2 - Journal of Reproductive Healthcare and Medicine SN - 0000-0000 ER -