CoQ10 and Fertility: Does It Improve Pregnancy Rates?

There are so many nutrients the body needs for optimal fertility. While many come from a well-balanced diet, others may be worth considering in supplement form, especially if you’re trying to conceive and want to feel like you’re doing something proactive.

If you’ve been on the TTC journey for a while, chances are you’ve heard about CoQ10 for fertility. It’s one of those supplements that pops up in every fertility forum and doctor’s office. But does it actually work, or is it just another expensive bottle on your bathroom shelf?

Let’s break down what CoQ10 actually does, what the research says, and whether it might make sense for you.

What is CoQ10, and how does it affect fertility?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant found in almost every cell in your body. Its main job? Helping your cells produce energy.

Inside each cell are mitochondria — often called the “powerhouses” — and CoQ10 plays a key role in helping them generate ATP, the energy your body runs on. It also protects cells from oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and impact normal function.

This matters for fertility because both egg and sperm cells are incredibly energy-dependent and particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage. As we age, natural CoQ10 levels decline, which may affect egg quality, sperm health, and overall reproductive function.

While small amounts of CoQ10 are found in foods like meat, dairy, and eggs, most people don’t get therapeutic levels through diet alone, which is why supplementation has become so common for those TTC. 

Ubiquinol vs. Ubiquinone: Which form of CoQ10 is best for fertility?

If you’ve started shopping for CoQ10, you’ve probably noticed there are two different forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the active antioxidant form, while ubiquinone must be converted by the body into ubiquinol before it can be used. That conversion becomes less efficient with age, which is one reason ubiquinol is often marketed as the “premium” option. But that doesn’t mean ubiquinone isn’t effective.

“CoQ10 can be a really valuable supplement in the fertility space, particularly for supporting egg quality and mitochondrial function,” says Registered Nurse Suzie Devine, Founder & CEO of Binto. “It’s important to know that ubiquinone is still a great option, and in fact, we have more research in fertility on ubiquinone than on ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is a trademarked form of CoQ10 produced by a single manufacturer in Japan, which is part of why it can carry specific claims and tends to be more expensive. But that doesn’t mean ubiquinone isn’t effective; it’s well-studied and remains a solid choice for many patients.”

In other words, you don’t necessarily need the trendiest (or priciest) version to benefit. 

CoQ10 and female fertility: Can it improve egg quality?

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: egg quality matters just as much as egg quantity.

We're born with all the eggs we'll ever have, and over time, those eggs experience cumulative oxidative stress. Mitochondria — the energy centers inside the egg — become less efficient over time, which can impact fertilization and embryo development.

Because CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function and helps reduce oxidative stress, researchers have explored whether supplementation may improve egg quality, particularly for women over 35 or those with diminished ovarian reserve.

While it’s not a guarantee (and definitely not a magic fix), the research suggests it may help support the eggs you have.

CoQ10 and male fertility: Does it improve sperm quality?

Fertility is never just one partner’s responsibility, and CoQ10 isn’t just for women.

Sperm are constantly exposed to oxidative stress and require significant energy to move efficiently. CoQ10 helps power sperm motility (their ability to swim) while also supporting concentration and morphology (shape).

For couples navigating male factor infertility, it can be a simple but meaningful addition to a comprehensive plan.

What are the fertility benefits of CoQ10?

Here’s what the research suggests CoQ10 may help support:

• Egg quality by protecting against oxidative damage

• Sperm motility, concentration, and morphology

• Embryo quality, particularly in IVF cycles

• Ovarian response, especially in women over 35

• Cellular energy production, which underpins hormone and reproductive function

If you’re looking to optimize your fertility, especially in the face of age-related changes, CoQ10 is one of the more widely studied supplements out there. So what does this actually mean for your chances of getting pregnant?

Can CoQ10 help you get pregnant?

Even outside of IVF, the biology behind CoQ10 makes it compelling for those TTC naturally, as mitochondrial function and oxidative stress play a role in egg quality regardless of how you’re trying to conceive. In a landmark animal study, aging mice supplemented with CoQ10 had improved mitochondrial function in their eggs, preserved ovarian reserve, and better fertility outcomes compared with unsupplemented mice.

That said, CoQ10 increases your odds; it doesn’t guarantee a live birth. Fertility is complex, and supplements are just one piece of a much bigger picture.

CoQ10 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, but as always, check with your healthcare provider before adding anything new — especially if you’re undergoing treatment.

How much CoQ10 should you take for fertility?

There’s no universal dosage, which can feel frustrating. Most fertility specialists recommend somewhere between 100 mg and 600 mg per day, depending on age, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, it’s best taken with a meal that contains healthy fats to improve absorption.

Side effects are typically mild but can include digestive upset or insomnia at higher doses.

For female fertility

Women are often advised to take between 200 mg and 600 mg daily. If you’re over 35 or preparing for IVF, your provider may recommend the higher end of that range.

And timing matters: egg maturation takes about 90 days. If you’re starting CoQ10, aim to take it consistently for at least three months before trying to conceive or beginning a treatment cycle.

For male fertility

Men are typically advised to take 200 mg to 300 mg daily. Since sperm also take about 90 days to develop, consistency is key here, too.

CoQ10 and fertility over 40

If you’re trying to conceive in your 40s, CoQ10 is often one of the first supplements doctors bring up. That’s because natural CoQ10 levels decline with age, and egg cells become less efficient at producing energy over time.

So… is CoQ10 worth it?

For many people, yes, it’s worth considering.

CoQ10 is one of the more researched supplements in the fertility space, with evidence supporting its role in egg quality, sperm health, and embryo development. It’s not a miracle pill, but it can be a supportive tool — especially when started early and taken consistently.

If you’re thinking about adding CoQ10 to your routine, talk with your provider about the right dose for you. Start at least three months before TTC if possible, take it with food, and remember: supplements work best as part of a bigger plan that includes nutrition, lifestyle support, and medical guidance when needed.

You deserve options. You deserve information. And we’re always in your corner.