Frequently Asked Questions

On average it can take couples between 8-12 months to fall pregnant. However, if you’ve been trying for a while then it’s always sensible to check out how many of the factors most commonly associated with difficulties conceiving may apply to you. Learn more here.

Maximising your chances of conception involves timing sex during your fertile window, supporting your health with good nutrition and lifestyle habits, managing stress, and considering evidence-based fertility supplements.

Egg quality is influenced by age, lifestyle, and nutrition. Antioxidants like CoQ10, a balanced diet, reducing stress, good sleep, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can all support egg health over time.

You may notice changes in cervical mucus (clear and stretchy like egg white), mild pelvic pain, increased libido, or a slight rise in body temperature. Ovulation typically occurs mid-cycle but varies from person to person.

CoQ10 plays a key role in energy production within cells and has been shown to support egg and sperm quality by protecting against oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function.

We recommend starting at least three months before trying to conceive, as both egg and sperm take around 90 days to mature. This gives your body time to build up nutrient levels that support reproductive health.

 Whilst there isn’t a link between painful periods and
fertility, the regularity of your cycles is one indication of your fertility.

If you have long cycles you are reducing your opportunities
each month to get pregnant and if you have irregular cycles the chances are
you’re not ovulating. Having irregular cycles doesn’t mean you can’t get
pregnant.

If you are having irregular cycles or painful periods we
recommend consulting your GP.

If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying, or over 35 after 6 months, it’s a good time to speak to a specialist. We also recommend seeking advice sooner if you have irregular cycles or known conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.

Fertility gradually declines after 30 and more significantly after 35, as egg quantity and quality decrease. That’s why nutritional support and early preparation are especially helpful if you're planning to conceive later in life.

It can take longer, and the risk of complications increases with age. However, many women conceive naturally in their late 30s and early 40s with the right support and preparation.

Supplements do not treat or manage PMOS (PCOS) itself. However, supplements may support hormone balance, ovulation, and insulin sensitivity in people with PMOS (PCOS). We recommend our (PCOS) PMOS Support Pack, which contains all of the supplements we recommend for those with PCOS.

Absolutely. Male fertility supplements can support sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity by supplying key nutrients like zinc, selenium, CoQ10, and omega-3s.

Fertility supplements do not directly regulate your menstrual cycle in the way prescribed medication might. However, nutrients such as folate, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and B vitamins can help support the normal hormonal and reproductive functions involved in ovulation. If your cycles are irregular, very long, very short or painful, it is best to speak to your GP or fertility specialist.

Many fertility supplements are designed to be comprehensive, but it’s always best to check for overlapping ingredients. Zita West supplements are specifically formulated to be safe to take alongside one another. If you’re unsure, book a free 1:1 consultation to get tailored advice.

You’re most fertile at the time of ovulation, this is when the egg is released from the ovaries. Depending on your cycle length this will occur at different times for everyone. Generally it occurs 12 to 16 days before your next period starts. 

Sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to 5 days so having regular sex throughout your cycle can boost your chances of conception as the sperm will be ready to fertilise when the egg is released.  

 Men will continue to produce sperm throughout their life however, as they get older the quality of the sperm will decline. The quality of a man's semen will peak between the age of 30-35. Diet, stress, alcohol, smoking and exercise can all affect the quality of sperm, so it is important a man is supporting his sperm health at least 3 months before trying. 

Trying for a baby or going through fertility treatment can be a stressful time, however research does suggest that high stress may lower fertility chances.

Whilst stress is unavoidable, try and find ways that help you unwind and relax like reading a book, mediation or going for a walk. Try and avoid hot baths or hot tubs when trying for a baby as this may affect sperm quality and increase the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy.

Whilst the Ubiquinol has been extracted from yeast, it doesn't actually contain any. The only allergen in this product is soy.

We do not have a specific supplement. However, both Vitafem and Vitafem Boost products contain 100% of your RDA of iodine within them, and have been formulated to be taken together. 

DHA is certainly safe, and in fact recommended throughout pregnancy with any of multivitamins 

Getting pregnant can require time, effort and commitment, and, more often than not, there will be obstacles along the way. But you’d be surprised how a few simple adjustments to your mindset and lifestyle could make it just that little bit easier.

We've written a blog post to give you your 10 step get faster plan. See this here.

Hormone balance is sensitive to body fat levels. Being significantly under or overweight can impact ovulation, sperm health, and overall fertility for both men and women.

The correct nutrient intake is vital to produce adequate sperm, ovulate or maintain pregnancy. In an ideal we would get all of the nutrients we need from diet however, supplements can support nutritional intake. Everyone who is trying to conceive should be on a Folic Acid supplement (active form Folate) and Vitamin D, for those following a vegan diet they should consider a Vitamin B12 and Iron.

The best supplement for fertility is dependent on your diet, lifestyle, age and fertility goals and so can be unique from person to person.

However, for those just starting out, we would recommend Vitafem for women and Vitamen for men, to support all the nutritional requirements for preconception.

A standard multivitamin is usually designed for general daily nutrition. A fertility supplement is formulated around nutrients relevant to reproductive health, preconception, sperm health, pregnancy preparation or fertility treatment support. The right choice depends on your stage, diet, health history and whether you are already taking other supplements.

CoQ10 is a nutrient involved in cellular energy production. Ubiquinol is the reduced, active form of CoQ10. Some fertility supplements use ubiquinol because it is a bioavailable form and is commonly discussed in relation to egg and sperm health, particularly in the preconception period.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate commonly used in supplements and food fortification. Methylfolate is an active form of folate that the body can use directly. Folate is important before and during early pregnancy because it contributes to maternal tissue growth.

If you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication, speak to your GP, endocrinologist or fertility clinic before starting new supplements. Some nutrients, including iodine, may be relevant to thyroid health, but the right amount depends on your personal situation and existing treatment.

Some people with endometriosis choose fertility supplements to support their overall preconception nutrition, but supplements do not treat endometriosis itself. If you have endometriosis, are taking medication or are preparing for fertility treatment, speak to your GP or fertility specialist before starting a new supplement routine.

Many Zita West supplements are designed to support people preparing for fertility treatment, including IVF. However, if you are following a clinic protocol, taking prescribed medication or have a medical condition, check with your fertility clinic or healthcare professional before adding new supplements.

No. Fertility supplements do not guarantee pregnancy and should not be used as a replacement for medical advice or fertility treatment. They can help support nutritional intake and provide nutrients involved in reproductive health, but fertility is affected by many factors including age, ovulation, sperm health, medical history and lifestyle.

Both partners may benefit from reviewing their nutrition before trying to conceive. Egg and sperm development both happen over several weeks, so it can be helpful for women and men to start nutritional support around three months before trying for a baby or beginning fertility treatment.

If you are just starting to try for a baby, the best starting point is usually a foundation preconception supplement suited to your stage and sex. For women, Zita West Vitafem is designed to support preconception nutrition. For men, Vitamen supports key nutrients involved in normal fertility and reproduction. If you are unsure, book a free consultation for personalised guidance.

IVF involves an initial consultation, starting treatment and
embryo transfer. This timeline will vary between individuals and not everyone’s
IVF journey will look the same. Before you go through IVF you will have various
appointments with doctors which can include tests and investigations, the time
these tests and investigations take will vary between individuals.

IVF treatment involves suppressing natural hormone
production, hormone treatment to boost egg quality, egg collection, mixing the
eggs and sperm for fertilisation and finally, embryo transfer.

Generally one cycle of IVF will take between four and six
weeks. It is important to discuss timelines with your GP or healthcare
professional so you have a realistic timeframe.

IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a lab dish, while ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. ICSI is often recommended for male fertility issues.

Most clinics recommend transferring one embryo to reduce the risk of multiples. In some cases, especially in older women or those with previous failed cycles, two embryos may be considered.

In a fresh cycle, transfer typically happens 3 to 5 days after egg collection. For frozen embryo transfers (FET), timing depends on your cycle and protocol but is often 2–3 weeks after starting medication.

Short, low-stress travel is usually fine after an embryo transfer, but it’s best to avoid long-haul flights or strenuous activity until your pregnancy test. Always check with your clinic.

In many cases, FET has comparable, or even better, success rates than fresh transfers, especially when using high-quality embryos. FET also allows more time for the body to recover after stimulation. Learn more about the differences here.

There’s no evidence that strict bed rest improves outcomes. Light activity like walking is fine. It's more important to stay relaxed and avoid intense physical exertion.

Factors include embryo quality, endometrial thickness, hormone levels, immune response, and lifestyle habits like smoking or stress. Supplements, acupuncture, and a healthy routine may help support implantation.

Egg freezing is a method to help preserve a woman’s egg reserve so she can increase her chances of getting pregnant at a later date. Egg freezing may be considered by those who have a medical condition which can affect their fertility, for those worried about fertility declining but not ready to have a child right now, if you are starting hormone therapy or reconstructive surgery if you are transitioning from a male to female or if you have eggs from IVF treatment. 

Egg freezing is a method of preserving a women's eggs so she can have a baby in the future. It involves collecting a women's egg, freezing them and thawing them at a later date for fertilisation.  

There is no defined age you should freeze your eggs and it will depend between individuals and their situation. Egg freezing can be expensive so it is important to understand exactly what is
involved.  

The younger you freeze your eggs the more likely you will have a high number of eggs and they will be the highest quality. Most women will have 15 eggs collected however, this is not always possible for those with lower ovarian reserves. It is still possible to freeze your eggs later in life however, you need to be prepared you may harvest less eggs. 

There is no evidence currently that IVF can cause menopause however, the hormones used during IVF can cause symptoms similar to those experienced in perimenopause and menopause. 

Whilst you are able to breastfeed during IVF, you will generally increase your chances of pregnancy if you stop breastfeeding prior to IVF.

Guidelines for IVF suggest that the success rate is higher if your BMI is between 19 and 30. If your BMI is over 30 you may wish to focus on weight management before you start IVF to increase your chances. Remember that BMI is only one metric for fertility – fertility is whole body event so is important to look at diet, exercise, mindset and supplements to increase your chances. 

During IVF treatment you will be on many different protocols and it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. We generally advise avoiding high intensity exercise as you want to grow as many eggs as you can. High intensity exercise will divert energy away from the ovaries where they need the blood for
oxygen, nutrients and antioxidants to grow as many eggs as possible.   

You can also feel sore during IVF so you may feel more comfortable doing light exercise and gentle movements. 

There are a number of small changes that you can make to ensure you’re in the best position possible for IVF.

These include mindset, building your energy reserves through diet and nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress.

When you subscribe to any eligible product, you save 15% on every order. Subscriptions are managed through your account, where you can update your delivery frequency, pause, or cancel at any time. Subscribing is a convenient way to maintain a consistent supplement routine, which matters when you are supporting your fertility or pregnancy over a three-month period or longer.

You can manage your subscription by logging into your Zita West account and selecting Subscriptions. From there you can update your next delivery date, delay an upcoming order, pause your subscription, or cancel at any time. If you need a hand with any of these, get in touch with our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk or call 01280 707400 and we will be happy to help.

Yes. If your needs change during your fertility or pregnancy journey, you can swap to a different product by logging into your Zita West account, going to Subscriptions, selecting the subscription you want to update, and choosing the swap product option. If you are unsure which product to move to, our team can help you work out the best fit - contact us at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk or call 01280 707400.

Yes. In addition to the subscription discount, you can save when buying product bundles, or mix and match three or more individual supplements for a 10% saving. New customers can also receive 15% off their first order by signing up to our mailing list. Current offers are always shown on the website.