If you’ve spent more than five minutes in a fertility Facebook group or on TTC TikTok, you’ve probably seen people rave about CoQ10. And honestly? The hype is pretty well-deserved.
CoQ10 (short for Coenzyme Q10) is one of the most researched fertility supplements — especially for people with irregular cycles, hormonal conditions like PCOS, or anyone TTC in their 30s and beyond.
Let’s break down what it is, why it helps, and how to use it safely while you're trying to get pregnant.
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a natural antioxidant your body makes. It’s inside almost every cell and acts like a tiny battery charger, helping your cells (including your eggs) produce energy.
As we get older, even from our late 20s, our natural CoQ10 levels begin to drop.
And when egg cells don’t have enough energy, they don’t divide properly… which affects:
- egg development
- egg quality
- embryo development
- the chance of successful implantation
So replenishing your CoQ10 levels simply gives your eggs a better environment to grow and mature.
Why CoQ10 is amazing for fertility
1. It supports healthier, higher-quality eggs
Your egg quality is one of the biggest predictors of how quickly you’ll conceive — and healthy eggs need LOTS of energy to mature properly.
CoQ10 helps your cells produce that energy more easily. Better cellular energy = better egg development.
This is why many specialists recommend CoQ10 to people TTC over 30, or those who’ve been trying for a while.
2. It's a powerful antioxidant (fights egg-damaging stress)
Eggs are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress (aka inflammation, toxins, lifestyle stress, etc.).
CoQ10 neutralises these free radicals and protects your eggs as they grow.
Think of it like giving your eggs a cleaner, calmer environment to thrive in.
3. It may improve ovulation — especially in PCOS
Research has shown that CoQ10 may support more regular ovulation, particularly for people with PCOS.
Because CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function (your cell’s energy factories), it may help your follicles mature properly — which increases your chance of releasing a strong, healthy egg.
4. It can support embryo development
After fertilisation, the developing embryo still needs a LOT of energy to divide and grow.
Higher CoQ10 levels may support early embryo growth — which can improve implantation chances.
This benefit is often cited in IVF studies, but it also applies to natural conception.
Ubiquinone vs Ubiquinol — what’s the difference?
There are two forms of CoQ10:
-
Ubiquinone (the standard form)
-
Ubiquinol (the “active” form, easier to absorb)
Both can help fertility, but ubiquinol is generally recommended, especially for people aged 30+, because it's more readily absorbed into your cells.
If you’re on a budget, ubiquinone is still absolutely fine — you may just need a slightly higher dose.
When should you start taking CoQ10?
CoQ10 works gradually — you want it built up in your system before conception.
Most fertility specialists suggest taking it for at least 2–3 months before your intended conception window, because that’s how long it takes for eggs to develop.
What dose do people typically take?
Common fertility doses range from:
-
200–600 mg daily (ubiquinol)
- 300–600+ mg daily (ubiquinone)
Many people split their dose (e.g., morning + evening) for best absorption.
Always check with your doctor first if you’re on medications or have underlying conditions — but CoQ10 is considered very safe for most people TTC.
Does your partner need it too?
YES. CoQ10 has been shown to improve:
-
sperm motility
-
sperm shape
-
sperm count
- overall sperm health
Because sperm regenerate every 72 days, CoQ10 can make a meaningful difference within a couple of months.
The bottom line: CoQ10 won’t guarantee pregnancy — but it can move the needle
CoQ10 won't magically fix infertility, but it’s one of the few supplements with solid research behind it for improving:
-
egg quality
-
embryo quality
-
ovulation
- sperm health
…and that gives many TTC couples a real advantage, particularly when combined with good timing, ovulation tracking, and a supportive TTC routine.
If you're looking for a supplement that genuinely supports the cellular health of your eggs and boosts your chances over time, CoQ10 is an excellent place to start.