Top Fertility Supplements to Help Conceive

Boosting fertility naturally is a goal for many people hoping to conceive. While lifestyle changes and medical care play major roles, targeted supplements can support reproductive health for both partners. Below, we provide the most evidence-backed vitamins, minerals, and herbal options, plus safety tips. Read on to learn which supplements may help and how to use them safely!

What Are the Current Fertility Rates and Challenges in the US?

Fertility rates in the U.S. have been declining over recent decades; the total fertility rate (average births per person) has dropped below replacement level in many years, and fewer couples conceive within a year compared with past generations.

Contributing factors include later maternal age, increased prevalence of chronic health conditions (obesity, diabetes), environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors like stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol. Access to infertility evaluation and treatment also varies by region and socioeconomic status, creating disparities in outcomes. 

Don’t let these stats discourage you! We are here to help you on your fertility journey, giving you the best chance possible at naturally achieving your goal to expand your family. These trends make prevention, early assessment, and supportive strategies — including supplements where appropriate — more relevant for those trying to conceive.

How to Naturally Assess Your Current Fertility Levels

Track your menstrual cycle

Chart cycle length, ovulation signs (cervical mucus, basal body temperature), and luteal phase length; regular cycles around 24–35 days and a luteal phase of ~12–14 days are common signs of ovulatory function.

Ovulation testing

Home ovulation predictor kits (LH tests) can identify the fertile window; use according to package directions for best accuracy.

Bloodwork and hormone testing

Key labs include day-3 FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) for ovarian reserve, and mid-luteal progesterone to confirm ovulation; thyroid function (TSH, free T4) and prolactin are also important.

Semen analysis for partners with sperm concerns

Assessing the concentration, motility, morphology, and volume are standard parameters.

Additional symptoms and history

Irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, severe PMS, pelvic pain, history of STIs, prior surgeries, or recurrent pregnancy loss warrant earlier evaluation.

Consider lifestyle and exposures

BMI outside a healthy range, smoking, high alcohol or drug use, and occupational or environmental toxin exposure can affect fertility and should be addressed alongside any supplement plan.

Work with a provider

A reproductive health provider or fertility-focused clinician can interpret results, recommend targeted testing, and help tailor supplement and treatment plans.

Explore Our Fertility Services

Best Fertility Supplements to Help You Conceive

Note: Discuss all supplements with your healthcare provider — interactions and individual needs vary.

Whole Foods Based Prenatal Multivitamin

• Purpose & benefits: Provides a baseline of essential nutrients (folate, iron, iodine, B12, vitamin D) to support reproductive health and early pregnancy needs. 

• Who should caution: Check iron content if you have hemochromatosis or prior high iron levels; review formulations with your clinician.

  
  

Vitamin D3

• Purpose & benefits: Vitamin D is critical for healthy endocrine function. It has been associated with improved success rates for women going through IVF. Optimal vitamin D levels might also help with PCOS and endometriosis, two conditions that can increase infertility.

• Who should caution: Excessive dosages can cause toxicity; individuals with hypercalcemia or certain granulomatous diseases should be monitored.

  
  

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA/EPA) / Fish Oil

• Purpose & benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids drive down inflammation and promote healthy hormone balance. Once pregnant, adequate consumption of fish oil is vitally important for normal fetal development.

• Who should caution: People on anticoagulants or with bleeding disorders should consult before taking high doses.

  
  

Probiotics

• Purpose & benefits: The importance of a healthy gut can't be overstated, both for overall health and enhanced fertility.

• Who should caution: Some people may experience temporary digestive upset when starting probiotics.

  
  

Vitamin B6

• Purpose & benefits: Helps the ovary make more progesterone, particularly beneficial for those with symptoms like irregular cycles, weight gain, hormonal acne, and hormonal migraines (signs of low progesterone).

• Who should caution: High doses can cause nerve damage; follow recommended dosages.

  
  

Calcium D-Glucarate

• Purpose & benefits: Helps the liver metabolize estrogen, which can be helpful for those with symptoms like severe PMS, swollen breasts, fibrocystic breasts, and heavy menstrual bleeding (signs of elevated estrogen).

• Who should caution: Consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking medications metabolized by the liver.

  
  

Vitamin B5

• Purpose & benefits: Gets your adrenals making the right ratio of cortisol to DHEA, potentially helpful for those with high cortisol symptoms like unremitting stress, excessive thirst, increased urination, changes in libido, accelerated skin aging, and high blood pressure.

• Who should caution: Generally safe, but high doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

  
  

Inositol (Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol)

• Purpose & benefits: Particularly helpful for people with PCOS — improves insulin sensitivity, promotes ovulation, and can improve oocyte quality.

• Who should caution: Generally well tolerated, but diabetics should adjust glucose medications under supervision.

  
  

Magnesium

• Purpose & benefits: Miracle micronutrient, essential for over 300 reactions in the body, and can help those who suffer from migraines, constipation or poor sleep.

• Who should caution: High doses can cause diarrhea; those with kidney problems should consult a provider.

  
  

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

• Purpose & benefits: Antioxidants that may improve egg quality and mitochondrial function, particularly in older individuals or those with diminished ovarian reserve.

• Who should caution: Those taking blood thinners or certain medications should discuss interactions.

  
  

Zinc

• Purpose & benefits: Important for ovulation, hormone production, and sperm quality.

• Who should caution: High doses can interfere with copper absorption; long-term high-dose use should be monitored.

  
  

Selenium

• Purpose & benefits: Antioxidant support for thyroid function and may support sperm motility and embryo development in adequate amounts.

• Who should caution: Narrow therapeutic window — avoid high doses; toxicity risk with excessive supplementation.

  
  

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

• Purpose & benefits: Antioxidant and insulin-sensitizing effects that may aid ovulation in PCOS and support a healthy oocyte environment.

• Who should caution: Use with caution in pregnancy unless advised by a provider; can interact with nitroglycerin and certain medications.

  
  

Herbal options: Vitex (Chasteberry)

• Purpose & benefits: May help regulate menstrual cycles and support luteal phase by modulating prolactin and pituitary function in some people.

• Who should caution: Not recommended in pregnancy or with hormone-sensitive conditions; can interact with dopamine-related medications.

When to Start Taking Fertility Supplements

Preconception Timing

Start key supplements (folate, prenatal multivitamin, vitamin D if deficient) at least 1–3 months before trying to conceive to build nutrient stores.

Partner Supplementation

Sperm development takes ~70–90 days; male partners should start supplements (zinc, omega-3s, CoQ10) at least 3 months prior to conception attempts.

Based on Testing

Start or tailor supplements after baseline labs (iron, vitamin D, thyroid, AMH) and clinical assessment to address specific deficiencies or conditions.

Under Clinician Guidance

Pregnant-safe doses and combinations are best determined together with a healthcare professional, especially when considering herbal products. Need guidance? Book your well woman appointment today! 

Explore Our Well-Women Care Services

Fertility Support at its Finest at Haven Women's Health and Birth Center

Haven Women's Health and Birth Center offers compassionate, evidence-informed fertility support and education with positive language and person-centered care. Our team provides fertility evaluations, hormone balancing appointments, and guidance on genetic testing for you and your partner, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your values.

Explore Haven’s fertility and conception classes that foster community and education throughout your fertility journey, and schedule an appointment for Haven's Women’s Well-Women services to help you with fertility information and decisions about genetic testing for you and your partner. We also offer hormone balancing appointments to support your overall well-being!

Explore Our Classes

FAQs

Which supplements are most important before conception?

Start with folic acid (400–800 mcg as folate), a prenatal multivitamin, and correct any identified vitamin D or iron deficiencies.

Can supplements guarantee pregnancy?

No — supplements can support reproductive health but cannot guarantee conception; underlying medical conditions sometimes require targeted treatment.

Are herbal fertility supplements safe in early pregnancy?

Many herbs lack robust safety data in pregnancy; avoid or consult your provider before using herbal supplements when trying to conceive or once pregnant.

Should male partners take fertility supplements?

Yes! Nutrients including zinc, omega-3s, CoQ10, and antioxidants can support sperm health; plan to start at least 3 months before attempts to conceive.

How long before trying to conceive should I test my hormones?

Consider basic fertility testing and labs during preconception planning; AMH and thyroid testing can be done anytime during the preconception period, while day-3 hormones are cycle-timed.

Can supplements interact with fertility medications?

Yes — supplements and herbs can interact with prescription fertility drugs, anticoagulants, and other medicines; always review all supplements with your clinician.

How do I choose a quality supplement?

Look for third-party testing (USP, NSF), check ingredient doses against evidence-based recommendations, and consult your healthcare provider for personalized choices.