Our bodies are constantly battling free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells. When this fight gets out of hand, it creates oxidative stress, which can be a culprit behind reduced female and male fertility. In women, oxidative stress can harm egg quality, hinder a healthy uterine lining, and even disrupt ovulation. In men, oxidative stress can damage sperm cells, impair sperm motility, and reduce overall sperm count.
Because of that link, researchers have started to study whether hydrogen, which acts as an antioxidant in lab studies, affects reproductive health. The research is early and mostly in animals, and hydrogen water isn’t a fertility treatment.
Here’s a look at what that research has covered so far. If you have concerns about fertility or reproductive health, talk to your doctor.
Female Reproductive Health
Oxidative stress can be a contributing factor to female reproductive disorders, like infertility, preeclampsia, endometriosis, and PCOS. It can also affect egg quality and uterine health. Here’s what researchers have looked at.
PMS and PCOS
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. While traditional treatments exist, some women are exploring complementary approaches. One early study reported that women with PMS who drank hydrogen-rich water had fewer symptoms such as bloating and mood swings.
Small studies in people with PCOS have also looked at insulin sensitivity and menstrual cycles. This research is early, and hydrogen water isn’t a treatment for PMS or PCOS; talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can cause significant pain and discomfort. Researchers have also looked at hydrogen in animal models of endometriosis. A recent study investigated the effects of inhaling hydrogen gas on rats with endometriosis. The study found that high-dose hydrogen inhalation reduced the size of endometrial implants, inhibited cell growth, and improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
This was a study of inhaled hydrogen gas in rats, and it doesn’t show that hydrogen helps endometriosis in people.
Male Reproductive Health
Oxidative stress can negatively impact male fertility. Researchers are studying whether hydrogen’s antioxidant properties affect sperm health, mostly in animals. Here’s what that research has looked at.
Male Infertility
Infertility is a growing concern, and for some men, environmental factors like electromagnetic radiation (EMR) might play a role. EMR exposure has been linked to decreased sperm quality and lower testosterone levels. Researchers have tested hydrogen-rich water in a rat model of electromagnetic-pulse exposure.
In a rodent study, rats exposed to EMR and given hydrogen-rich water displayed improved sperm motility, higher testosterone levels, and better overall testicular health compared to those without hydrogen. Researchers believe hydrogen's antioxidant properties may be key. These are animal results, and they don’t show that hydrogen water helps with male infertility.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a frustrating issue for men, and diabetes is a known risk factor. Researchers have studied hydrogen in a diabetic rat model, where hydrogen-rich saline improved erectile function. The researchers linked this to hydrogen's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This was a study in rats given hydrogen-rich saline, not people drinking hydrogen water, and it doesn’t show that hydrogen water helps erectile dysfunction.
If you have concerns about fertility or reproductive health, your doctor is the right place to start. If you’re curious about hydrogen-rich water as part of a healthy routine, check out these hydrogen water bottles and pitchers.
