CoQ10 for Fertility

A healthy lifestyle involves good nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. The same can be said for a healthy pregnancy. Good nutrition also includes dietary supplements which have been known to improve vitality. 

Coenzyme Q10, more commonly known as CoQ10, is one such nutrient that improves vitality. It has been found to have a wide variety of benefits. CoQ10 supplements have also been shown to have promising results in improving fertility among patients undergoing assisted reproduction treatments.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10 is a substance that occurs naturally in every cell, with the highest concentrations being located in the mitochondria of cells. 

Functions of CoQ10

• Protection of mitochondria - Mitochondria are the “battery” centers of the cells, where energy is stored and released. CoQ10 helps to maintain both their structure and function, which ensures proper energy production, as well as cell survival.

• Energy - CoQ10 helps to generate the energy that cells need to function.

• Antioxidant - As an antioxidant, CoQ10 protects cells from the stress and damage caused by free radicals, also referred to as oxidative stress. CoQ10 ensures that cells are able to remain healthy and maintain their function.

Deficiency in CoQ10 in the body has been linked to various diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s. Additionally as people age, their levels of CoQ10 naturally decline, leading to lower energy levels and illnesses that are age-related.

Benefits of CoQ10

• Waste Management - CoQ10 helps cells manage waste and recycle.
• Cellular processes - CoQ10 is vital in influencing processes such as differentiation, growth, and overall survival.
• Nutritional interaction - CoQ10 interacts with nutrients such as Vitamin E and A to enhance their antioxidant effects.
• Blood pressure regulation - CoQ10 has been shown to help in the management of high blood pressure.

CoQ10 and Fertility

CoQ10 has benefits for fertility for both sperm and eggs, improving both the quality and quantity. This is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking or undergoing assisted fertility treatment.

CoQ10 for Egg Quality

Egg quality is vital in fertilization. The quality of eggs produced in the ovaries can be affected by different factors. Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to infertility in women. The use of CoQ10 as a supplement has shown promising results in the treatment of  infertility.

Further, a 2020 study published by the National Institute of Health found that an increased intake of CoQ10 also increased the clinical pregnancy rate in women who were undergoing treatments for infertility by as much as 14 percent. 

With most Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) processes, one of the first steps is ovarian stimulation. This process involves hormone injections and tablets to increase the number of viable eggs available for extraction and future use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. CoQ10 improved the response to these types of hormonal stimulation.

Although research revolving around the effects of CoQ10 is still fairly sparse, the data available points to the improvement of ovarian response to stimulation in assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles, with the use of CoQ10 supplements. 

CoQ10 for Sperm Quality

The research that is available surrounding the impact of CoQ10 on men’s reproductive health is also sparse. However, CoQ10 does appear to have a positive impact on both the quality and quantity of sperm in men.

A meta-analysis of existing research following CoQ10 treatments, even among men who were previously infertile, showed promising results in both sperm concentration and sperm motility, which are the two main determinants of fertility in men.

Dosage for Fertility

When it comes to taking CoQ10 for fertility, healthcare providers will recommend an intake of between 100mg and 600 mg of CoQ10 each day, in order to see benefits in fertility metrics.

With any supplement or medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional about any possible side effects. Additionally, it is important to address any unexpected interactions with other medications or supplements you may already be taking before deciding dosage and frequency.

Side Effects of CoQ10

CoQ10 is generally considered safe to use. However, since CoQ10 already occurs in most people’s diet, some people might experience mild side effects when increasing the amount of CoQ10 in their diet. 

Some common side effects include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches and dizziness
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Rashes and itching
• Irritability

Consult with a healthcare professional if you experience one or more of these symptoms after beginning or adjusting your dose of CoQ10.

Bottom Line

When it comes to fertility treatments, there are no silver bullets. In order for a treatment plan to be effective for any individual,  a variety of modalities have to be considered. It may also require a great deal of time, effort, and money to be successful. CoQ10 could likely be an important part of any such plan, though, with promising research suggesting it can move the needle for couples or individuals seeking a healthy pregnancy.

When paired with healthy lifestyle and nutrition choices, as well as modern technological advances in fertility treatment, CoQ10 may be the right choice for you. To learn more about CoQ10 or other fertility treatment programs available, Ivy Fertility offers a wide array of reproductive health services at locations across the country. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can CoQ10 make me fertile?

CoQ10 can improve outcomes for fertility. The current research, though limited, shows promising results. Consult with a healthcare provider beforehand to determine the best course of action.

Can I get pregnant without using CoQ10?

Yes. An individual can become pregnant naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies without using CoQ10. CoQ10 is a supplement used to complement treatment plans for pregnancy, where individuals or couples may be experiencing difficulty in producing viable sperm or eggs.

Can I use CoQ10 and not get pregnant?

Yes, it is possible to use CoQ10 and still not get pregnant. CoQ10 is not the only factor considered when it comes to becoming pregnant. Consulting a doctor is useful in determining what other factors may be preventing pregnancy.

Does increasing the dose of CoQ10 increase my chances of getting pregnant?

The recommended dosage for CoQ10 ranges from 100 mg to 600 mg. However, the dose suitable for any individual can only be taken in consultation with a professional healthcare provider.