Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Get Started Today!
Close up portrait of beautiful young asian mother with newborn baby, copy space with bed in the hospital. Healthcare and medical love lifestyle mother's day concept

Coenzyme Q10 for Fertility

Find out whether taking coenzyme Q10 for fertility can help you conceive

The market is full of products that are marketed as fertility supplements. Many of these products don’t have research that supports their use in fertility patients. However, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is different. Several researchers have performed studies that have examined the use of coenzyme Q10 for fertility.

The Austin fertility specialists at Texas Fertility Center work to bring the latest, proven developments to patients. As a result, our doctors may recommend this supplement to men and women in certain situations.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound. It occurs naturally in most cells of the body. Specifically, coenzyme Q10 is present in the mitochondria, which we learned in school is the powerhouse of the cell.

It turns out CoQ10 is necessary for the basic function of cells and is the source of energy for the mitochondria. It also functions as an antioxidant. As a result, it provides protection against free radical damage within the mitochondria.

The body makes coenzyme Q10 by using an amino acid called tyrosine and vitamin B6. People can also get CoQ10 from eating meats (especially organ meats), sesame oil, soybeans, nuts and beans.

Why might a doctor recommend coenzyme Q10 for fertility?

When people hit their mid-20s, their level of CoQ10 begins to decline. The ability to absorb it does as well. Shortly after this time, specifically around the age of 30, women also start to see a decline in egg quality and quantity.

Some researchers believe that the age-related decline in egg quality could be due to a decrease in mitochondrial activity. As a result, they think using supplemental coenzyme Q10 for fertility could increase mitochondrial activity. The idea is that it would then help the ovaries perform better to result in higher pregnancy and live birth rates.

What does the research looking at CoQ10 indicate?

Using coenzyme Q10 for fertility is somewhat new to the public. However, researchers have been examining this powerful antioxidant for decades.

One Canadian study involving mice found promising evidence that CoQ10 helps older ovaries perform better. Older female mice that had CoQ10 had a similar number of ovulated eggs and a litter size as young female mice that had a placebo. Additionally, older female mice that had another drug called resveratrol had fewer ovulated eggs and smaller litter sizes than both groups.

Studies that have involved human women have found significant improvement in medication response among women who were poor responders in the past. Taking coenzyme Q10 also significantly reduced the rates of IVF cycle cancellation due to a poor response to medication.

Studies that have also started looking at using CoQ10 for men suggest that it can help improve sperm motility (movement) and sperm morphology (shape).

While these findings are promising, our Austin fertility specialists still need more research before recommending CoQ10 for fertility to all our patients. However, some patients are still interested in giving this supplement a try because it doesn’t appear to cause any harm.

If you’d like to learn more about taking coenzyme Q10 for fertility, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll provide the information you need to make an informed decision as you work to start or grow your family.

Ovarian Stimulation Medications

Dr. Sarah Gavrizi Talks About Ovarian Stimulation and Medications

Ovarian Stimulation Medications Used for Fertility Treatment
Video