The Fertility Boost: Essential Supplement Knowledge for TTC & IVF
Supplements can play a key role in fertility, but they should be approached with care. Dr. Aimee, a fertility expert and part of the WOVA network, recommends specific supplements to her IVF patients after carefully evaluating their individual needs. However, some of these supplements may not be suitable when trying to conceive naturally.
The following notes apply to everyone considering supplements for fertility, whether for IVF or natural TTC:
Start Slow: Always begin with 1/4 of the recommended dose. This allows your body to adjust and helps prevent any unwanted side effects.
Timing Matters: Most supplements are best taken in the morning to align with your body's natural rhythm. Taking them at night may interfere with sleep or digestive processes.
Always Consult Your Doctor: Before adding any supplement to your routine, especially if you're TTC or undergoing IVF, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide which supplements are best for you and ensure they're safe.
Quality Matters: Not all supplements are created equal. Choose high-quality brands with third-party testing for purity and potency. This is especially important for fertility supplements, where effectiveness and safety are paramount.
Watch for Interactions: Some supplements can interact with medications or other supplements. For instance, certain vitamins can impact the absorption of others. Always discuss potential interactions with your doctor.
Prioritize Lifestyle Factors: Supplements should complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it. Proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management are foundational for fertility health.
Be Patient and Consistent: Most fertility supplements need at least 3 months to show results, which aligns with the egg development cycle. Consistency is key for optimizing your fertility health.
Whole Foods First: While supplements can fill nutrient gaps, aim to get most nutrients from whole foods. A balanced diet rich in fertility-supporting foods should be your foundation.
See our comprehensive table of supplements highlighting benefits, research status, gender specificity, and suitability for IVF or natural TTC, along with natural food sources and lifestyle tips to support your fertility journey.
Comprehensive fertility supplement guide showing evidence-based recommendations for both IVF and natural conception. Table includes 13 supplements (from CoQ10 to Acai Berry) with their benefits, research status, gender specificity, natural food alternatives, and lifestyle tips. Color-coded to indicate strong evidence (✓) vs. limited evidence (⚠️) supplements. Created by WOVA to help you make informed decisions about fertility support.
References:
Lynch JB. Dirty Genes: A Breakthrough Program to Treat the Root Cause of Illness and Optimize Your Health. Hay House; 2018.
Eyvazzadeh, Dr. Aimee. Supplements for Fertility: A Comprehensive Guide. Available at: https://draimee.org and https://aimeeraupp.com/recommended-supplements/. Accessed April 2025.
