The Fertility Supplement Your Doctor Might Not Have Mentioned—And When It Actually Helps

CoQ10 is an antioxidant supplement that may improve fertility outcomes for women with low egg counts, poor IVF responses, advanced reproductive age, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), when combined with other fertility treatments. The supplement works by fueling the energy production in eggs and sperm, but experts emphasize it's most effective as part of a comprehensive fertility plan, not as a standalone solution.

What Is CoQ10 and Why Does It Matter for Fertility?

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an antioxidant your body produces naturally and stores in every cell membrane. You can also get it from foods like fatty fish, nuts, and organ meats, or through supplements. The compound plays a crucial role in cellular energy production—something that becomes increasingly important as you age.

Here's the fertility connection: both eggs and sperm require enormous amounts of energy to develop and function properly. "In the context of fertility, CoQ10 is often referred to as a 'mitochondrial fuel' because both eggs and sperm require immense amounts of energy to develop and function properly," explains Dr. Teresa Hubka, founder of Comprehensive Wellness Care, a practice specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive health in Chicago.

The problem is that your body's natural CoQ10 levels peak around age 20 and then gradually decline. This decline happens for two reasons: your body becomes less efficient at producing CoQ10 over time, and aging also reduces your ability to absorb nutrients from food sources. If you take statin medications to lower cholesterol, that can further deplete your CoQ10 levels, since those drugs affect the same biological pathways your body uses to make CoQ10.

How Does CoQ10 Support Reproductive Health?

Research suggests CoQ10 supports fertility through several mechanisms. For women, the supplement may improve egg quality by providing the energy eggs need to develop properly. It also reduces oxidative stress in the ovaries—essentially protecting ovarian cells from damage at the cellular level. Beyond egg quality, CoQ10 has been shown to improve consistent ovulation rates and help regulate reproductive hormones like estradiol and progesterone.

For men, CoQ10 plays a dual role. It powers the mitochondria in sperm tails, which directly improves sperm motility—the ability of sperm to swim effectively. The supplement also acts as a protective shield against damage to sperm. Since the complete sperm production cycle takes 74 to 90 days, most men see clinical benefits after three to six months of consistent supplementation.

Who Should Consider Taking CoQ10?

CoQ10 isn't recommended for everyone trying to conceive. Instead, it appears most beneficial for specific groups of women:

• Women with Low Egg Counts: Those with diminished ovarian reserve may benefit from CoQ10's energy-boosting effects on egg development and quality.
• Women with PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome involves oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, areas where CoQ10 has shown particular promise in supporting ovarian function.
• Women of Advanced Reproductive Age: As natural CoQ10 levels decline with age, supplementation may help counteract age-related fertility decline.
• Women with Poor IVF Response: Those who don't respond well to fertility medications may see improved outcomes with CoQ10 as part of their treatment plan.

"While CoQ10 is generally safe, routine use in younger women without fertility concerns is less clearly supported by evidence," notes Dr. Maral Malekzadeh, an obstetrician-gynecologist and co-owner of The Well Westlake, a women's health and surgery clinic in Westlake, Ohio.

What's the Right Dose, and Are There Side Effects?

CoQ10 comes in two main forms: ubiquinone, the traditional form, and ubiquinol, which tends to have better absorption. For younger people with adequate natural CoQ10 levels, ubiquinone is typically recommended. For older adults or those with absorption issues, ubiquinol may be more effective.

A typical CoQ10 dosage ranges from 30 to 90 milligrams daily, taken in divided doses. In some cases, your doctor may recommend increasing this to 200 milligrams per day. CoQ10 is generally well-tolerated, though some people experience mild side effects including gastrointestinal upset, headache, or insomnia. It's also important to discuss CoQ10 with your healthcare provider before starting, as it may interact with certain medications.

Is CoQ10 Enough on Its Own?

Here's the critical takeaway: CoQ10 is not a standalone fertility treatment. "Research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may increase pregnancy rates for certain women undergoing fertility treatments," says Dr. Ashley Aluko, a reproductive endocrinologist at Northwell Health Fertility in New York City. "Although there is not enough evidence to recommend CoQ10 for all women with fertility concerns, it may be helpful for women who have low egg counts, a poor response to IVF medications, are of an advanced reproductive age, or have polycystic ovary syndrome."

Fertility treatment typically requires a comprehensive, tailored approach that brings together multiple strategies. CoQ10 may be one piece of that puzzle, but it works best when combined with other evidence-based treatments, lifestyle modifications, and personalized medical care. If you're considering CoQ10 as part of your fertility journey, talk with your reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologist to determine whether it's appropriate for your specific situation and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.