CoQ10 For Fertility

CoQ10 are nutritional supplements used during assisted reproduction treatments (ART), that have been observed to improve outcomes for patients. Whereas nutritional supplements are generally used to boost and improve health in addition to a balanced diet, the use of CoQ10 is quite specific. This article shall be discussing CoQ10 and its role in fertility and fertility treatments.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10 is the contracted form for Coenzyme Q10. Interestingly, CoQ10 occurs naturally in all the body’s cells. The highest concentration of this enzyme is found in the mitochondria of the cells. The function of mitochondria in cells is to store as well as release energy for the cells in the body. 

Functions of CoQ10

• Protection of mitochondria - Enzyme CoQ10 assists the mitochondria in retaining their structure as well as their function. This in turn helps them to be efficient in producing energy, and this ensures cell survival. 

• Energy production - Enzyme CoQ10 also aids in the process of producing the energy required by the cells to function.

• Antioxidant - Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress, and in the body, CoQ10 is also an antioxidant.

CoQ10 plays a central role in cell function and survival. As we age, it is the natural decline of CoQ10 levels in our bodies that causes us to have lower energy levels. As well, lowered CoQ10 in the body also causes us to be more vulnerable to age-related illnesses.  Further, it has been observed that people suffering from brain and nerve-related diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s, have critically low levels of CoQ10 in their body.

Benefits of CoQ10

• CoQ10 also enhances the antioxidant effects of Vitamin E and A.
• CoQ10 also helps in the proper management of high blood pressure.
• CoQ10 is useful to cells for managing waste and recycling.
• CoQ10 is key in cell processes such as differentiation, growth and overall survival.

CoQ10 and Fertility

When it comes to fertility treatments, both sperm and eggs have to be of good quality as well as quantity. With the introduction of CoQ10 to a fertility treatment, there has been great improvement in the quality and quantity of sperm and eggs produced. Let us look further into what makes this enzyme such a beneficial player in fertility treatments.

CoQ10 for Egg Quality

There are many things that can lower the quality of eggs a woman produces including oxidative stress, which actually contributes to infertility. When CoQ10 is added to a diet, ovaries have been observed to respond even better to ovarian stimulation. As a result, clinical pregnancies have increased by up to 14 percent.

CoQ10 for Sperm Quality

Although the research on the effects that CoQ10 has on sperm is limited, what is currently available is promising. With men who were previously infertile showing improvements in both sperm motility and sperm concentration.

Dosage for Fertility

When CoQ10 is being prescribed to improve fertility, professional medicare practitioners typically prescribe a dose of 100mg to 600mg daily.

Side Effects of CoQ10

If you are taking any other medications or supplements, ensure that you inform your healthcare provider, as they could cause unexpected side effects when they interact with the CoQ10 supplement. In this way, your doctor can determine both the dosage and frequency to prescribe for you to use CoQ10.

As previously mentioned, CoQ10 is an enzyme that naturally occurs in the body which can also be found in a majority of our diets. Therefore, when increasing this quantity one may experience some mild side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, consult with your prescribing healthcare provider so that your dosage can be adjusted: 

• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy rashes
• Irritability
• Headaches 
• Dizziness
• Insomnia 
• Fatigue

Bottom Line

When combined with a well balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, CoQ10 can potentially improve the outcomes for a healthy pregnancy significantly. Now, if you want to know more about how to use CoQ10 to improve your fertility, and fertility treatments available to you, contact Los Angeles Reproductive Center. We have a wide range of reproductive health services delivered by our compassionate team of professionals, at locations across the country. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can CoQ10 make me fertile?

CoQ10 has been observed to improve fertility. If you are experiencing infertility, consult with a professional healthcare provider in order to properly diagnose the cause of infertility and get appropriate treatment.

Can I get pregnant without using CoQ10?

Yes. CoQ10 is not mandatory for pregnancy success. You can still become pregnant naturally, or through ART even without taking the enzyme CoQ10. 

Can I use CoQ10 and not get pregnant?

Yes. One can take CoQ10 and not become pregnant. It is important to understand that there are many factors that are consistently at play when it comes to conceiving. If you consult with your doctor about the challenges you are facing in becoming pregnant, you will be able to get to the bottom of why you are not getting pregnant.