FAQs

General

Time to Conceive® For Women

Our story began with our founder, Jenny Wordsworth, and her struggles to conceive. Sharing her experiences with her two best friends, both IVF doctors, she saw that the market for fertility products was populated by junk science, ineffective ingredients and brands that take advantage of women at their most vulnerable. Jenny was driven to set a new standard in reproductive wellness and established OVUM to achieve just that. OVUM’s flagship product, the Time to Conceive® supplement, remains the trusted cornerstone of our offering, representing the latest and best available scientific evidence in fertility supplementation. 

You can learn more about our story here.

Think of us as your trusted guide through your trying to conceive journey. Our aim is to quieten the white noise and create a safe place for trustworthy, accurate and up-to-date fertility information. 

As a PIF-certified provider, you can rest easy knowing you’ve finally found a source of information you can trust. At OVUM, you’ll find only doctor recommended and created fertility products that help shorten your time to pregnancy. You can explore our products here.

We’re here to do good, and, to prove it, we donate 20% of our profits to fund further research into causes of infertility and fertility awareness campaigns. Everything the B Corp label stands for is something we’re proud to represent here at OVUM. It holds us accountable and it always will, from our founding principles to how we treat our employees, to how we source our ingredients and so much more.

To become certified, you must achieve at least 80 points in the assessment, and we’re proud to have achieved a whopping score of 91.7.

We donate 20% of our profits to fund independent research on causes of fertility and fertility awareness campaigns in the U.K.

Available prenatal and fertility supplements fall far short of what we’d expect to see. Cheaper, lower doses and less absorbable forms of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are used where profit takes priority over efficacy. We let the research guide our in-house scientists and doctors who determine the formulation of our products. Funding even more research in this area is a no-brainer for us. We’re doing our bit to fund research that will help many more women. By buying OVUM, you’re a part of this important work.

If you think there’s something we should be funding, drop a note to info@startwithovum.com.

BPA plastics are widely known to have a negative impact on fertility and we’re proud to say our products are certified BPA-free and Phthalate free. We’d encourage our competitors to follow suit.

You can contact us via our website form or drop an email to info@startwithovum.com.

You can follow us on Instagram @startwithovum or subscribe to our newsletter. Our blog is updated regularly and we cover the latest news in fertility in our newsletter too.

A great start is to follow us on Instagram @startwithovum and to sign up for our newsletter. If you are a health practitioner who would like to collaborate with us, visit the Work With Us page.

Your data matters and your privacy matters. We never sell or share any contact information. Please read our Privacy Policy for further information on data collection and usage.

Time to Conceive® is a scientifically-validated fertility and preconception supplement for those trying to conceive, designed to improve the quality of your egg reserve and increase your chances of conceiving. Our formulation is based on a comprehensive analysis of a large amount of medical research with studies confirmed by multiple different groups involving real patients. You can learn more about our research here.

We are the only brand in the reproductive wellness space to review our formulations annually against the latest research and update them as needed, so you can rest assured you are doing everything possible for the health of your eggs.

Our formula is based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant medical research with studies confirmed by multiple different groups involving real patients. We translated this research into the formula we have today, which includes the most optimal and bioavailable form and doses required.

Our core team of doctors and scientists select the nutrients with the highest quality evidence in support of their beneficial impact on fertility outcomes.

Whilst the focus of the research was on improving fertility outcomes, we also considered any particular fertility benefit for those with PCOS and endometriosis. We also ensured that all the nutrients are recognised as safe in early pregnancy.

We encourage you to compare the Time to Conceive® supplement label to others on the market and check what is included (full list of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants), the doses, and the quality of the nutrients.

At OVUM, we’ve worked with fertility research scientists and doctors for years and discovered one essential factor in fertility that is often overlooked - our eggs! This growth phase of the egg before ovulation is critical and there is a huge amount we now know about how to improve egg quality. 

A few months before ovulation, an egg is transformed in preparation for the next step in its journey. It grows in size, separates and ejects copies of chromosomes. It’s hard work and the egg needs to be fuelled correctly to help it get this complex process right. Chromosomal abnormalities in an egg are the single most important cause of early miscarriages, failed IVF cycles and age-related infertility.

As we age, our fertility is affected as our egg quality and quantities decline. It’s important to note the chromosomal abnormalities found in eggs occur in the months before an egg is ovulated and not over the years as you age. Simply put - scientists now believe that ageing itself does not directly cause chromosomal abnormalities but instead it creates conditions that predispose eggs to mature incorrectly shortly before ovulation.

This means that by changing the conditions before ovulation, by focusing on egg health, you can increase the odds of an egg maturing with the correct number of chromosomes. Now, isn’t that incredible? 

Time to Conceive® works to regulate your menstrual cycle, promote ovulation and fight against oxidative damage, so you know you're doing everything possible to protect the health of your eggs. Other lifestyle changes that could help include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, taking daily exercise and limiting caffeine and alcohol.

Time to Conceive® is especially useful for those with PCOS, confirmed low ovarian reserve (due to high FSH or low AMH), endometriosis or those with irregular cycles. It is also useful for those who have suffered miscarriage or recurrent miscarriages as recent research has shown that one of the main reasons for early miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities. Eggs are rapidly developing cells and particularly susceptible to oxidative damage. Time to Conceive® contains high levels of antioxidants in their most bioavailable form to protect eggs from this type of damage.

We recommend taking Time to Conceive® as soon as you start trying to conceive. Ideally, you should begin three months prior - the approximate amount of time it takes for an egg to develop into a mature one prior to ovulation - but it is never too late to start.

For those undergoing IVF, we also recommend taking Time to Conceive® for 3-4 months prior to treatment and throughout egg collection, your transfer, and until you receive a positive pregnancy test or hCG blood test results.

For those who are preparing for an egg freezing cycle, we recommend taking Time to Conceive® for 4-6 months prior to collection.

At OVUM, we source only the highest quality ingredients. Our formula is the result of considered and high-quality scientific research. No fillers, no bulking agents, no shortcuts. 

Everything we have included is in its most bioavailable form and in the doses backed by scientific evidence as being the optimal dose demonstrated to have the greatest benefit on egg health.

Preserving the quality of our formulations means a higher price point, but this is how we know our product is as effective as it possibly can be to help improve egg quality.

There is a lot of white noise around Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone and, unfortunately, many women feel they must take the very expensive Ubiquinol to improve their egg health. Fortunately new scientific evidence and more forms of CoQ10 available today means we can move away from the pricey Ubiquinol.

There are two widely used forms of CoQ10, Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. Most formulations of Ubiquinone (the oxidised form of CoQ10) are less well absorbed, and whatever is absorbed is converted by the body into Ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10). The thought process was therefore to skip that uncertainty around absorption and take Ubiquinol instead. Ubiquinol was thought to be more bioavailable, but it is also much more expensive.

Luckily, modern formulations of Ubiquinone have made the distinction between the two forms of CoQ10 much less relevant. That’s where our patented MicroActive® CoQ10 comes into its own.

A study has shown that our MicroActive®CoQ10 (which is Ubiquinone) as one of the most bioavailable formulations on the market today and the data supports that a dose of 200mg of this formulation is as effective as the standard Ubiquinone formulations at a dose of 600mg. 

Our mission was to find a form of CoQ10 with as high absorption rates as possible but remaining cost-effective, and we are very proud to have pulled that off!  You can learn more about the history of CoQ10 and big pharma and the scientific evidence behind our patented nutrient here.

While Time to Conceive® is not specifically designed for men, it is safe for men to take. Time to Conceive® includes many nutrients supportive of men's fertility including Methylfolate, Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Selenium, Antioxidants and MicroActive® CoQ10.  That said, we would recommend sourcing a male-specific fertility supplement.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not improve or increase your chances of conceiving. We understand you’d do pretty much anything to fall pregnant, but taking more Time to Conceive® won’t achieve that. We use the optimal doses scientifically proven to improve your egg health and there is no evidence to support higher doses than what we have included.

For any accidental overdose, please speak with your GP immediately.

Yes, you can open the capsules and take the contents as a powder. We recommend ingesting the powder immediately upon opening. Powdered contents can be mixed with other substances such as yoghurts, milk drinks or smoothies, if desired.

Time to Conceive® capsules are a capsule size ‘00’, measuring 23.44 millimetres in length and 9 millimetres in width. Their compact size makes them easy to swallow, but if you struggle with this you can open the capsules and consume Time to Conceive® as a powder.

We recommend you take your three daily capsules after food, ideally over the course of the day. It is possible to take all three daily capsules at once, however we suggest this only if you are not usually sensitive to supplements as the dose of CoQ10 can occasionally cause mild nausea. If that is your experience then please take the three daily capsules over the course of the day instead.

Please remember that routine is key with supplements. While missing a day or two won’t have a big impact, taking it consistently will ensure the best possible results. 

If you have found you are particularly sensitive to high-quality supplements in the past, we recommend starting with one capsule per day and building up to the full dosage over the course of 1-2 weeks.

Time to Conceive® has no known side-effects when taken as directed. Rarely, you might experience an upset stomach after taking Time to Conceive®. If this happens to you, try splitting the dose over the course of the day and taking it with food. Although Time to Conceive® is designed to be safe to take without food, everyone’s digestion is different and some may be more sensitive than others.

Please do not exceed the recommended serving of three capsules per day and in case of accidental overdose, please seek medical advice immediately. 

As with all supplements, seek professional advice before using if you are under medical supervision or suffer from food allergies. Food supplements must not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

As the forms of B vitamins we use are the ones most easily absorbed and in optimal dosages, consistent, long-term use of Time to Conceive® could mean the amounts of those nutrients are more than you need. In the case of B vitamins, your body will excrete what it does not need, which could cause brighter than normal urine. Don’t worry - this is a good thing! This is a safe natural process that shows your body is simply excreting what it doesn’t need. Well done, you’re fully topped up on B Vitamins!

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. All the evidence behind Time to Conceive® demonstrates that the nutrients and doses we use are at safe levels. 

We test every batch for performance and quality, including testing for nutritional content, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants.

We work with the highest-graded laboratory in the UK, which is certified as an ISO Class 8 Cleanroom facility, as well as EU GMP certified.

Our laboratory directly tests the raw material components of our nutrients to ensure their purity before they are used in production. Certificates of analysis (COA) and in-depth organoleptic testing are performed on every batch to ensure final product integrity and quality.

Of course, just like all good things our supplement has a shelf life. Please check the ‘best before’ date printed on the side of your tub.

Our patented Micro-Active® CoQ10 is one of the most bioavailable formulations on the market, more than 3.7 times better absorbed than standard crystalline CoQ10 (ubiquinone). It has doubled CoQ10 levels from baseline in three weeks of all users, and undergone four clinical trials to date. You can learn more about these here.

Time to Conceive® will shortly undergo a pilot study to demonstrate its efficacy in a trying-to-conceive population. Our goal is to carry out a randomised controlled trial in an IVF population to demonstrate a shortened time to pregnancy by using Time to Conceive®.

Inositol or Myo-Inositol is not recommended for those with low androgens (a common concern as egg cells age) because androgens are needed for egg quality, and these supplements are known to reduce androgens even further. Your ovaries must have normal testosterone levels within the ovarian micro-environment in order to produce good quality eggs at maximum numbers.

In women with premature ovarian ageing or primary ovarian insufficiency, or those suffering with the sub-type PCOS known as hypo-androgenic PCOS (H-PCOS), Inositol or Myo-Inositol is not recommended.

We recommend taking Inositol only as needed when diagnosed with the so-called classical PCOS phenotype only, as a separate supplement, and even then please consult with your GP or IVF physician first. We recommend reading this short (but great) article by Dr. Norbert Gleicher where he explains the reasons behind who does and does not benefit from supplementation with this product.

There is nothing in Time to Conceive® known to negatively affect a cycle. All of the scientific studies behind Time to Conceive® have been shown to only enhance ovulation and egg health. Time to Conceive® also works to help regulate your cycle. If you experience a longer-term pattern of irregular cycles, our medical team have recommended discussing this with your GP.

It is safe to take additional CoQ10, whether that’s in the form of Ubiquinol or Ubiquinone, but you might not, given the patented form of MicroActive CoQ10® we use in Time to Conceive®. You can learn more about our patented MicroActive CoQ10® here.

We know many of our partner IVF clinics recommend a further daily dose of MicroActive CoQ10® in the case of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) only.

The latest research shows L-Arginine may actually worsen egg quality and there is little scientific basis for taking it. We update our formulation as needed based on the latest available research and only those reviewing the very latest research will be aware of the concerns over L-Arginine. That does make our product more expensive, but we want to do everything possible to help improve egg quality.

If you are undergoing IVF, we are aware that different clinics have different recommendations in their protocols as to when to stop taking Time to Conceive®, whether that’s at egg retrieval, before an embryo transfer or once you get a positive pregnancy test. 

The truth is it likely makes little difference and there’s obviously a cost implication in continuing to take Time to Conceive® when it’s not necessary to do so. Please follow the advice of your IVF Doctor. Generally though, our medical team advises to stop taking Time to Conceive® once you have a positive pregnancy test or hCG blood test results - as a supplement focused on egg quality it is no longer needed at that stage. If you have been advised to take additional Micro-Active CoQ10®, you can stop taking this after your egg retrieval and continue with Time to Conceive only. 

There is no need to phase off the supplements and you can simply stop taking Time to Conceive® after your embryo transfer or positive pregnancy test.

Yes, our medical team advises taking additional Omega 3. This is a critical fat when trying to conceive and specifically during early pregnancy. The two most important types of Omega 3 to consume directly are DHA and EPA. These can be consumed in the form of fatty fish intake or supplements. We currently recommend the Bare Biology Omega 3 or the OMVITS Algae, for a vegan option.

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. Time to Conceive® is suitable for those undergoing IVF/ICSI or IUI, but please do let your team know in advance that you’ll be taking it. Anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or on prescription medications should consult with their doctor before starting a new diet or supplement.

We do not recommend taking Time to Conceive® when pregnant or breastfeeding. Time to Conceive® is safe for early pregnancy but once you are aware of being pregnant, we recommend switching to a standard prenatal product. We are aware that some IVF Doctors do recommend Time to Conceive® for the first trimester of pregnancy in those with a history of recurrent miscarriage, but please consult with your physician first should you wish to continue taking Time to Conceive® in pregnancy.

Yes, absolutely. There’s a lot of rogue science out there, and it pains us to see the number of supplements with little or no data to back them up. We stand by Time to Conceive® and our formulation, which has ample scientific evidence behind it. We try to be clear in explaining who would benefit most from Time to Conceive®, but it’s also important to discuss your supplement routine with your GP.

Time to Conceive® does not contain any common allergens and reactions are unlikely, however please check our ingredients list carefully if you do have allergies. Time to Conceive® contains no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or gluten. It is suitable for vegetarians and contains no artificial flavours, preservatives, additives or fillers. Time to Conceive® is non-GMO. We use a small amount of rice flour to fill our capsule, which is necessary to aid production and reduce the potential for nutrient oxidisation.

There is no reason to continue taking Time to Conceive® after a positive pregnancy test. As a supplement focused on egg quality, it is no longer needed at that stage and we see little value in continuing to spend money on our supplement unnecessarily. Its job is done! We’d recommend finishing your current tub and then moving onto a standard prenatal supplement. 

That said, we know many who choose to continue taking it regardless after a positive pregnancy test. If it helps to know, many of the IVF clinics that include OVUM on their patient protocols advise those with a history of recurrent miscarriage to continue taking OVUM for the first trimester. Should that apply to you, please only do so after discussing this with your medical doctor, as we cannot offer personalised medical advice.

NRV is an abbreviation of 'Nutrient Reference Value' and these are set for 13 vitamins and 14 minerals for the purposes of food labelling and provide guidance levels on the daily amount of vitamin or mineral that the average healthy person needs to prevent deficiency.

We designed Time to Conceive® to provide you with the correct dose of nutrients backed by scientific evidence to improve egg health and fertility outcomes. It is not designed to meet bare minimum needs to prevent deficiencies only. That is why some of our nutrients are in higher doses than NRV amounts.

Not all folates are created equal. 

Research shows our bodies prefer the natural form of folate, Methylfolate, rather than the synthetic version known as folic acid. A common genetic variation in the UK population means many of us cannot metabolise folic acid very well. There are different variants of the MTHFR gene itself and whilst some cause a mild reduction in the ability to process folic acid, others are affected by up to 70%. 

The gene is harmless but knowing whether you can correctly absorb folic acid is important to know. Rather than suggesting you pay for a private blood test to confirm the presence of this gene, we instead use the most bioavailable form of folate in Time to Conceive® so we can be sure that everyone taking it is able to fully absorb it. 

You might also notice we use a high dose of Methylfolate - 400% of the UK’s NRV, in fact. This additional intake of folate is linked to latest research which indicates this dose is associated with a reduced risk of infertility, shorter time to pregnancy, lower risk of pregnancy loss, and better outcomes of fertility treatments.

We’re big fans of Methylfolate and you can learn more about it here.

Why, thank you! And of course, you can find details of all the scientific research that went into our formulation here.

Using the highest quality natural ingredients is important to us, which is why we only source from suppliers who meet our quality standards and whose focus is on non-GMO ingredients with verified supply chain practices.

We are the only brand in this space, anywhere in the world, to invest annually in independent reviews of the latest reproductive sciences to ensure our product development leads the market.

So, our current formulation and any future formulations contain everything that acts as rocket fuel for your eggs! Please see Nutritional Information for a complete list of our current formulation and read our science page for more information detailing the research behind each nutrient.

Please keep your Time to Conceive® stored in a dry, cool place. Avoid placing any supplements in areas with excess moisture, heat or direct sunlight as these elements can cause deterioration of the product and reduce their potency.

Time to Conceive® is proudly manufactured in the UK.

Not right now, but we are currently working on making our supplements halal and kosher.

General

Our story began with our founder, Jenny Wordsworth, and her struggles to conceive. Sharing her experiences with her two best friends, both IVF doctors, she saw that the market for fertility products was populated by junk science, ineffective ingredients and brands that take advantage of women at their most vulnerable. Jenny was driven to set a new standard in reproductive wellness and established OVUM to achieve just that. OVUM’s flagship product, the Time to Conceive® supplement, remains the trusted cornerstone of our offering, representing the latest and best available scientific evidence in fertility supplementation. 

You can learn more about our story here.

Think of us as your trusted guide through your trying to conceive journey. Our aim is to quieten the white noise and create a safe place for trustworthy, accurate and up-to-date fertility information. 

As a PIF-certified provider, you can rest easy knowing you’ve finally found a source of information you can trust. At OVUM, you’ll find only doctor recommended and created fertility products that help shorten your time to pregnancy. You can explore our products here.

We’re here to do good, and, to prove it, we donate 20% of our profits to fund further research into causes of infertility and fertility awareness campaigns. Everything the B Corp label stands for is something we’re proud to represent here at OVUM. It holds us accountable and it always will, from our founding principles to how we treat our employees, to how we source our ingredients and so much more.

To become certified, you must achieve at least 80 points in the assessment, and we’re proud to have achieved a whopping score of 91.7.

We donate 20% of our profits to fund independent research on causes of fertility and fertility awareness campaigns in the U.K.

Available prenatal and fertility supplements fall far short of what we’d expect to see. Cheaper, lower doses and less absorbable forms of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are used where profit takes priority over efficacy. We let the research guide our in-house scientists and doctors who determine the formulation of our products. Funding even more research in this area is a no-brainer for us. We’re doing our bit to fund research that will help many more women. By buying OVUM, you’re a part of this important work.

If you think there’s something we should be funding, drop a note to info@startwithovum.com.

BPA plastics are widely known to have a negative impact on fertility and we’re proud to say our products are certified BPA-free and Phthalate free. We’d encourage our competitors to follow suit.

You can contact us via our website form or drop an email to info@startwithovum.com.

You can follow us on Instagram @startwithovum or subscribe to our newsletter. Our blog is updated regularly and we cover the latest news in fertility in our newsletter too.

A great start is to follow us on Instagram @startwithovum and to sign up for our newsletter. If you are a health practitioner who would like to collaborate with us, visit the Work With Us page.

Your data matters and your privacy matters. We never sell or share any contact information. Please read our Privacy Policy for further information on data collection and usage.

Time to Conceive® For Women

Time to Conceive® is a scientifically-validated fertility and preconception supplement for those trying to conceive, designed to improve the quality of your egg reserve and increase your chances of conceiving. Our formulation is based on a comprehensive analysis of a large amount of medical research with studies confirmed by multiple different groups involving real patients. You can learn more about our research here.

We are the only brand in the reproductive wellness space to review our formulations annually against the latest research and update them as needed, so you can rest assured you are doing everything possible for the health of your eggs.

Our formula is based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant medical research with studies confirmed by multiple different groups involving real patients. We translated this research into the formula we have today, which includes the most optimal and bioavailable form and doses required.

Our core team of doctors and scientists select the nutrients with the highest quality evidence in support of their beneficial impact on fertility outcomes.

Whilst the focus of the research was on improving fertility outcomes, we also considered any particular fertility benefit for those with PCOS and endometriosis. We also ensured that all the nutrients are recognised as safe in early pregnancy.

We encourage you to compare the Time to Conceive® supplement label to others on the market and check what is included (full list of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants), the doses, and the quality of the nutrients.

At OVUM, we’ve worked with fertility research scientists and doctors for years and discovered one essential factor in fertility that is often overlooked - our eggs! This growth phase of the egg before ovulation is critical and there is a huge amount we now know about how to improve egg quality. 

A few months before ovulation, an egg is transformed in preparation for the next step in its journey. It grows in size, separates and ejects copies of chromosomes. It’s hard work and the egg needs to be fuelled correctly to help it get this complex process right. Chromosomal abnormalities in an egg are the single most important cause of early miscarriages, failed IVF cycles and age-related infertility.

As we age, our fertility is affected as our egg quality and quantities decline. It’s important to note the chromosomal abnormalities found in eggs occur in the months before an egg is ovulated and not over the years as you age. Simply put - scientists now believe that ageing itself does not directly cause chromosomal abnormalities but instead it creates conditions that predispose eggs to mature incorrectly shortly before ovulation.

This means that by changing the conditions before ovulation, by focusing on egg health, you can increase the odds of an egg maturing with the correct number of chromosomes. Now, isn’t that incredible? 

Time to Conceive® works to regulate your menstrual cycle, promote ovulation and fight against oxidative damage, so you know you're doing everything possible to protect the health of your eggs. Other lifestyle changes that could help include maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, taking daily exercise and limiting caffeine and alcohol.

Time to Conceive® is especially useful for those with PCOS, confirmed low ovarian reserve (due to high FSH or low AMH), endometriosis or those with irregular cycles. It is also useful for those who have suffered miscarriage or recurrent miscarriages as recent research has shown that one of the main reasons for early miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities. Eggs are rapidly developing cells and particularly susceptible to oxidative damage. Time to Conceive® contains high levels of antioxidants in their most bioavailable form to protect eggs from this type of damage.

We recommend taking Time to Conceive® as soon as you start trying to conceive. Ideally, you should begin three months prior - the approximate amount of time it takes for an egg to develop into a mature one prior to ovulation - but it is never too late to start.

For those undergoing IVF, we also recommend taking Time to Conceive® for 3-4 months prior to treatment and throughout egg collection, your transfer, and until you receive a positive pregnancy test or hCG blood test results.

For those who are preparing for an egg freezing cycle, we recommend taking Time to Conceive® for 4-6 months prior to collection.

At OVUM, we source only the highest quality ingredients. Our formula is the result of considered and high-quality scientific research. No fillers, no bulking agents, no shortcuts. 

Everything we have included is in its most bioavailable form and in the doses backed by scientific evidence as being the optimal dose demonstrated to have the greatest benefit on egg health.

Preserving the quality of our formulations means a higher price point, but this is how we know our product is as effective as it possibly can be to help improve egg quality.

There is a lot of white noise around Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone and, unfortunately, many women feel they must take the very expensive Ubiquinol to improve their egg health. Fortunately new scientific evidence and more forms of CoQ10 available today means we can move away from the pricey Ubiquinol.

There are two widely used forms of CoQ10, Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. Most formulations of Ubiquinone (the oxidised form of CoQ10) are less well absorbed, and whatever is absorbed is converted by the body into Ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10). The thought process was therefore to skip that uncertainty around absorption and take Ubiquinol instead. Ubiquinol was thought to be more bioavailable, but it is also much more expensive.

Luckily, modern formulations of Ubiquinone have made the distinction between the two forms of CoQ10 much less relevant. That’s where our patented MicroActive® CoQ10 comes into its own.

A study has shown that our MicroActive®CoQ10 (which is Ubiquinone) as one of the most bioavailable formulations on the market today and the data supports that a dose of 200mg of this formulation is as effective as the standard Ubiquinone formulations at a dose of 600mg. 

Our mission was to find a form of CoQ10 with as high absorption rates as possible but remaining cost-effective, and we are very proud to have pulled that off!  You can learn more about the history of CoQ10 and big pharma and the scientific evidence behind our patented nutrient here.

While Time to Conceive® is not specifically designed for men, it is safe for men to take. Time to Conceive® includes many nutrients supportive of men's fertility including Methylfolate, Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Selenium, Antioxidants and MicroActive® CoQ10.  That said, we would recommend sourcing a male-specific fertility supplement.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not improve or increase your chances of conceiving. We understand you’d do pretty much anything to fall pregnant, but taking more Time to Conceive® won’t achieve that. We use the optimal doses scientifically proven to improve your egg health and there is no evidence to support higher doses than what we have included.

For any accidental overdose, please speak with your GP immediately.

Yes, you can open the capsules and take the contents as a powder. We recommend ingesting the powder immediately upon opening. Powdered contents can be mixed with other substances such as yoghurts, milk drinks or smoothies, if desired.

Time to Conceive® capsules are a capsule size ‘00’, measuring 23.44 millimetres in length and 9 millimetres in width. Their compact size makes them easy to swallow, but if you struggle with this you can open the capsules and consume Time to Conceive® as a powder.

We recommend you take your three daily capsules after food, ideally over the course of the day. It is possible to take all three daily capsules at once, however we suggest this only if you are not usually sensitive to supplements as the dose of CoQ10 can occasionally cause mild nausea. If that is your experience then please take the three daily capsules over the course of the day instead.

Please remember that routine is key with supplements. While missing a day or two won’t have a big impact, taking it consistently will ensure the best possible results. 

If you have found you are particularly sensitive to high-quality supplements in the past, we recommend starting with one capsule per day and building up to the full dosage over the course of 1-2 weeks.

Time to Conceive® has no known side-effects when taken as directed. Rarely, you might experience an upset stomach after taking Time to Conceive®. If this happens to you, try splitting the dose over the course of the day and taking it with food. Although Time to Conceive® is designed to be safe to take without food, everyone’s digestion is different and some may be more sensitive than others.

Please do not exceed the recommended serving of three capsules per day and in case of accidental overdose, please seek medical advice immediately. 

As with all supplements, seek professional advice before using if you are under medical supervision or suffer from food allergies. Food supplements must not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

As the forms of B vitamins we use are the ones most easily absorbed and in optimal dosages, consistent, long-term use of Time to Conceive® could mean the amounts of those nutrients are more than you need. In the case of B vitamins, your body will excrete what it does not need, which could cause brighter than normal urine. Don’t worry - this is a good thing! This is a safe natural process that shows your body is simply excreting what it doesn’t need. Well done, you’re fully topped up on B Vitamins!

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. All the evidence behind Time to Conceive® demonstrates that the nutrients and doses we use are at safe levels. 

We test every batch for performance and quality, including testing for nutritional content, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants.

We work with the highest-graded laboratory in the UK, which is certified as an ISO Class 8 Cleanroom facility, as well as EU GMP certified.

Our laboratory directly tests the raw material components of our nutrients to ensure their purity before they are used in production. Certificates of analysis (COA) and in-depth organoleptic testing are performed on every batch to ensure final product integrity and quality.

Of course, just like all good things our supplement has a shelf life. Please check the ‘best before’ date printed on the side of your tub.

Our patented Micro-Active® CoQ10 is one of the most bioavailable formulations on the market, more than 3.7 times better absorbed than standard crystalline CoQ10 (ubiquinone). It has doubled CoQ10 levels from baseline in three weeks of all users, and undergone four clinical trials to date. You can learn more about these here.

Time to Conceive® will shortly undergo a pilot study to demonstrate its efficacy in a trying-to-conceive population. Our goal is to carry out a randomised controlled trial in an IVF population to demonstrate a shortened time to pregnancy by using Time to Conceive®.

Inositol or Myo-Inositol is not recommended for those with low androgens (a common concern as egg cells age) because androgens are needed for egg quality, and these supplements are known to reduce androgens even further. Your ovaries must have normal testosterone levels within the ovarian micro-environment in order to produce good quality eggs at maximum numbers.

In women with premature ovarian ageing or primary ovarian insufficiency, or those suffering with the sub-type PCOS known as hypo-androgenic PCOS (H-PCOS), Inositol or Myo-Inositol is not recommended.

We recommend taking Inositol only as needed when diagnosed with the so-called classical PCOS phenotype only, as a separate supplement, and even then please consult with your GP or IVF physician first. We recommend reading this short (but great) article by Dr. Norbert Gleicher where he explains the reasons behind who does and does not benefit from supplementation with this product.

There is nothing in Time to Conceive® known to negatively affect a cycle. All of the scientific studies behind Time to Conceive® have been shown to only enhance ovulation and egg health. Time to Conceive® also works to help regulate your cycle. If you experience a longer-term pattern of irregular cycles, our medical team have recommended discussing this with your GP.

It is safe to take additional CoQ10, whether that’s in the form of Ubiquinol or Ubiquinone, but you might not, given the patented form of MicroActive CoQ10® we use in Time to Conceive®. You can learn more about our patented MicroActive CoQ10® here.

We know many of our partner IVF clinics recommend a further daily dose of MicroActive CoQ10® in the case of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) only.

The latest research shows L-Arginine may actually worsen egg quality and there is little scientific basis for taking it. We update our formulation as needed based on the latest available research and only those reviewing the very latest research will be aware of the concerns over L-Arginine. That does make our product more expensive, but we want to do everything possible to help improve egg quality.

If you are undergoing IVF, we are aware that different clinics have different recommendations in their protocols as to when to stop taking Time to Conceive®, whether that’s at egg retrieval, before an embryo transfer or once you get a positive pregnancy test. 

The truth is it likely makes little difference and there’s obviously a cost implication in continuing to take Time to Conceive® when it’s not necessary to do so. Please follow the advice of your IVF Doctor. Generally though, our medical team advises to stop taking Time to Conceive® once you have a positive pregnancy test or hCG blood test results - as a supplement focused on egg quality it is no longer needed at that stage. If you have been advised to take additional Micro-Active CoQ10®, you can stop taking this after your egg retrieval and continue with Time to Conceive only. 

There is no need to phase off the supplements and you can simply stop taking Time to Conceive® after your embryo transfer or positive pregnancy test.

Yes, our medical team advises taking additional Omega 3. This is a critical fat when trying to conceive and specifically during early pregnancy. The two most important types of Omega 3 to consume directly are DHA and EPA. These can be consumed in the form of fatty fish intake or supplements. We currently recommend the Bare Biology Omega 3 or the OMVITS Algae, for a vegan option.

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. Time to Conceive® is suitable for those undergoing IVF/ICSI or IUI, but please do let your team know in advance that you’ll be taking it. Anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or on prescription medications should consult with their doctor before starting a new diet or supplement.

We do not recommend taking Time to Conceive® when pregnant or breastfeeding. Time to Conceive® is safe for early pregnancy but once you are aware of being pregnant, we recommend switching to a standard prenatal product. We are aware that some IVF Doctors do recommend Time to Conceive® for the first trimester of pregnancy in those with a history of recurrent miscarriage, but please consult with your physician first should you wish to continue taking Time to Conceive® in pregnancy.

Yes, absolutely. There’s a lot of rogue science out there, and it pains us to see the number of supplements with little or no data to back them up. We stand by Time to Conceive® and our formulation, which has ample scientific evidence behind it. We try to be clear in explaining who would benefit most from Time to Conceive®, but it’s also important to discuss your supplement routine with your GP.

Time to Conceive® does not contain any common allergens and reactions are unlikely, however please check our ingredients list carefully if you do have allergies. Time to Conceive® contains no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or gluten. It is suitable for vegetarians and contains no artificial flavours, preservatives, additives or fillers. Time to Conceive® is non-GMO. We use a small amount of rice flour to fill our capsule, which is necessary to aid production and reduce the potential for nutrient oxidisation.

There is no reason to continue taking Time to Conceive® after a positive pregnancy test. As a supplement focused on egg quality, it is no longer needed at that stage and we see little value in continuing to spend money on our supplement unnecessarily. Its job is done! We’d recommend finishing your current tub and then moving onto a standard prenatal supplement. 

That said, we know many who choose to continue taking it regardless after a positive pregnancy test. If it helps to know, many of the IVF clinics that include OVUM on their patient protocols advise those with a history of recurrent miscarriage to continue taking OVUM for the first trimester. Should that apply to you, please only do so after discussing this with your medical doctor, as we cannot offer personalised medical advice.

NRV is an abbreviation of 'Nutrient Reference Value' and these are set for 13 vitamins and 14 minerals for the purposes of food labelling and provide guidance levels on the daily amount of vitamin or mineral that the average healthy person needs to prevent deficiency.

We designed Time to Conceive® to provide you with the correct dose of nutrients backed by scientific evidence to improve egg health and fertility outcomes. It is not designed to meet bare minimum needs to prevent deficiencies only. That is why some of our nutrients are in higher doses than NRV amounts.

Not all folates are created equal. 

Research shows our bodies prefer the natural form of folate, Methylfolate, rather than the synthetic version known as folic acid. A common genetic variation in the UK population means many of us cannot metabolise folic acid very well. There are different variants of the MTHFR gene itself and whilst some cause a mild reduction in the ability to process folic acid, others are affected by up to 70%. 

The gene is harmless but knowing whether you can correctly absorb folic acid is important to know. Rather than suggesting you pay for a private blood test to confirm the presence of this gene, we instead use the most bioavailable form of folate in Time to Conceive® so we can be sure that everyone taking it is able to fully absorb it. 

You might also notice we use a high dose of Methylfolate - 400% of the UK’s NRV, in fact. This additional intake of folate is linked to latest research which indicates this dose is associated with a reduced risk of infertility, shorter time to pregnancy, lower risk of pregnancy loss, and better outcomes of fertility treatments.

We’re big fans of Methylfolate and you can learn more about it here.

Why, thank you! And of course, you can find details of all the scientific research that went into our formulation here.

Using the highest quality natural ingredients is important to us, which is why we only source from suppliers who meet our quality standards and whose focus is on non-GMO ingredients with verified supply chain practices.

We are the only brand in this space, anywhere in the world, to invest annually in independent reviews of the latest reproductive sciences to ensure our product development leads the market.

So, our current formulation and any future formulations contain everything that acts as rocket fuel for your eggs! Please see Nutritional Information for a complete list of our current formulation and read our science page for more information detailing the research behind each nutrient.

Please keep your Time to Conceive® stored in a dry, cool place. Avoid placing any supplements in areas with excess moisture, heat or direct sunlight as these elements can cause deterioration of the product and reduce their potency.

Time to Conceive® is proudly manufactured in the UK.

Not right now, but we are currently working on making our supplements halal and kosher.

Time to Conceive® For Men

Time to Carry®

OVUM Time to Conceive® For Men is a scientifically-validated fertility and preconception supplement for those trying to conceive.

Backed by +120 clinical studies, it is designed to support male fertility and increase your chances of conceiving. It is made with premium, highly bioavailable nutrients to support sperm production and normal testosterone levels - two vital pillars of reproductive health and longevity.

We are the only brand in the reproductive wellness space to review our formulations annually against the latest research and update them as needed, so you can rest assured you are doing everything possible for the health of your sperm.

Our formula is based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant medical research with studies confirmed by multiple different groups involving real patients. We translated this research into the formula we have today, which includes the most optimal and bioavailable forms and doses required.

Our core team of IVF doctors and scientists select the nutrients with the highest quality evidence in support of their beneficial impact on fertility outcomes. We encourage you to compare the Time to Conceive® For Men supplement label to others on the market and check what is included (full list of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants), the dosages, and the quality of the nutrients.

We recommend taking Time to Conceive® For Men as soon as you start trying to conceive. Ideally, you should begin three months prior to potentially see positive changes in sperm parameters. This is because it takes around this length time for sperm to fully develop, but it is never too late to start.

For those undergoing IVF, we also recommend taking Time to Conceive® For Men for 3-4 months prior to treatment.

We recommend you take your 3 daily capsules after food, ideally over the course of the day. It is possible to take all three daily capsules at once, however we suggest this only if you are not usually sensitive to supplements as the dose of CoQ10 can occasionally cause mild nausea. If that is your experience then please take the three daily capsules over the course of the day instead.

Please remember that routine is key with supplements. While missing a day or two won’t have a big impact, taking it consistently will ensure the best possible results. 

Time to Conceive® For Men has no known side-effects when taken as directed. Rarely, you might experience an upset stomach after taking Time to Conceive® For Men. If this happens to you, try splitting the dose over the course of the day and taking it with food. Although Time to Conceive® For Men is designed to be safe to take without food, everyone’s digestion is different and some may be more sensitive than others.

Please do not exceed the recommended serving of 3 capsules per day and in case of accidental overdose, please seek medical advice immediately. 

As with all supplements, seek professional advice before using if you are under medical supervision or suffer from food allergies. Food supplements must not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Time to Conceive® For Men is suitable for all men trying to conceive and in particular, men with known male factor infertility, high sperm DNA fragmentation, older in age (>45y), using GLP-1s such as Mounjaro or Ozempic, or those eating a restricted diet. It is designed to benefit men with low sperm count and/or low motility.

Sperm health is whole body health and therefore anyone can take this supplement.

Most studies suggest that you take food supplements for at least 90 days to potentially see positive changes in sperm parameters. This is because it takes about this length of time for sperm to fully develop.

There is a lot of white noise around Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone and, unfortunately, many feel they must take the very expensive Ubiquinol to improve their sperm health. Fortunately new scientific evidence and more forms of CoQ10 available today means we can move away from the pricey Ubiquinol.

There are two widely used forms of CoQ10, Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. Most formulations of Ubiquinone (the oxidised form of CoQ10) are less well absorbed, and whatever is absorbed is converted by the body into Ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10). The thought process was therefore to skip that uncertainty around absorption and take Ubiquinol instead. Ubiquinol was thought to be more bioavailable, but it is also much more expensive. Luckily, modern formulations of Ubiquinone have made the distinction between the two forms of CoQ10 much less relevant. That’s where our patented MicroActive® CoQ10 comes into its own.
.
A study has shown that our MicroActive®CoQ10 (which is Ubiquinone) as one of the most bioavailable formulations on the market today and the data supports that a dose of 200mg of this formulation is as effective as the standard Ubiquinone formulations at a dose of 600mg. Our mission was to find a form of CoQ10 with as high absorption rates as possible but remaining cost-effective, and we are very proud to have pulled that off! You can learn more about the history of CoQ10 and big pharma and the scientific evidence behind our patented nutrient here.

Is Time to Concevie® For Men gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly and Halal?

Because sperm is half the equation! Sperm health is general health.

At OVUM, we source only the highest quality nutrients. Just like our Time to Conceive® For Women, this formula is the result of considered and high-quality scientific research. No fillers, no bulking agents, no shortcuts.

Everything we have included is in its most bioavailable form and in the doses backed by scientific evidence as being the optimal dose demonstrated to have the greatest benefit on sperm health. By including everything you need, supported by evidence and recommended by IVF doctors, into one product, you avoid the need to buy multiple products, which, overall, is more expensive.

Preserving the quality of our formulations means a higher price point, but this is how we know our product is as effective as it possibly can be to help improve sperm quality.

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® For Men have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. Time to Conceive® For Men is suitable for those undergoing IVF/ICSI or IUI, but please do let your medical team know in advance that you’ll be taking it. Anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or on prescription medications should consult with their doctor before starting a new diet or food supplement.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not improve or increase your sperm health. We use the optimal doses scientifically proven to improve your sperm health and there is no evidence to support higher doses than what we have included.

For any accidental overdose, please speak with your GP immediately.

Yes, if mixed well with food.

However, rarely, you might experience an upset stomach if consuming it without the capsule. If this happens to you, then taking this as a capsule may be a better option. You can also try splitting the dose over the course of the day and taking it with food. Although Time to Conceive® For Men is designed to be safe to take without food, everyone’s digestion is different and some may be more sensitive than others.

Time to Conceive® For Men capsules are a capsule size ‘00’, measuring 23.44 millimetres in length and 9 millimetres in width. Their compact size makes them easy to swallow, but if you struggle with this you can open the capsules and consume Time to Conceive® For Men as a powder.

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® For Men have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. All the evidence behind Time to Conceive® For Men demonstrates that the nutrients and doses we use are at safe levels.

We test every batch for performance and quality, including testing for nutritional content, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants. We work with the highest-graded laboratory in the UK, which is certified as an ISO Class 8 Cleanroom facility, as well as EU GMP certified.

Our laboratory directly tests the raw material components of our nutrients to ensure their purity before they are used in production. Certificates of analysis (COA) and in-depth organoleptic testing are performed on every batch to ensure final product integrity and quality.

Of course, just like all good things our supplement has a shelf life. Please check the ‘best before’ date printed on the side of your tub.

Not yet, however the nutrients in OVUM have well supported evidence backing their efficacy in improving male fertility. Please look at our research section for the relevant studies. We are in the planning phase for a parallel group double blind placebo controlled randomised controlled trial of OVUM Time to Conceive® For Men.

Yes, our medical team advises taking additional Omega 3. This is a critical fat when trying to conceive. The two most important types of Omega 3 to consume directly are DHA and EPA. These can be consumed in the form of fatty fish intake or supplements.

Yes, absolutely. There’s a lot of rogue science out there, and it pains us to see the number of supplements with little or no data backing their formulation. We stand by Time to Conceive® For Men and our formulation, which has ample scientific evidence behind it. We try to be clear in explaining who would benefit most from Time to Conceive® For Men, but it’s also important to discuss your supplement routine with your GP.

Time to Conceive® For Men does not contain any common allergens and reactions are unlikely, however please check our ingredients list carefully if you do have allergies. Time to Conceive® For Men contains no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or gluten. It is suitable for vegetarians and contains no artificial flavours, preservatives, additives or fillers. Time to Conceive® For Men is non-GMO. We use a small amount of rice flour to fill our capsule, which is necessary to aid production and reduce the potential for nutrient oxidisation.

NRV is an abbreviation of 'Nutrient Reference Value' and these are set for 13 vitamins and 14 minerals for the purposes of food labelling and provide guidance levels on the daily amount of vitamin or mineral that the average healthy person needs to prevent deficiency.

We designed Time to Conceive® For Men to provide you with the correct dose of nutrients backed by scientific evidence to improve sperm health and fertility outcomes. It is not designed to meet bare minimum needs to prevent deficiencies only. That is why some of our nutrients are in higher doses than NRV amounts.

Where do you source your ingredients from?

Please keep your Time to Conceive® For Men stored in a dry, cool place. Avoid placing any supplements in areas with excess moisture, heat or direct sunlight as these elements can cause deterioration of the product and reduce their potency.

Time to Carry® is OVUM’s science-led prenatal supplement, designed to support maternal and foetal nutritional needs during pregnancy. Over two years in the making, with countless OB GYNs and specialist GPs contributing and evaluating the evidence and formulation to ensure we give women the best and latest scientific evidence on maternal and foetal health translated into a food supplement to support this next stage of their journey. Time to Carry® is formulated using evidence from high-level studies and is aligned with UK and international nutritional guidance. It focuses on nutrients critical for placental development, foetal growth, and maternal health, using bioavailable forms and clinically appropriate doses - without unnecessary or potentially harmful nutrients.

It is designed for those who want to ensure they are covering all bases when it comes to the nutritional needs of both mother and baby, throughout all three trimesters. Time to Carry® is suitable from early pregnancy onwards, including those who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproduction (eg IVF). It is also appropriate for those who did not take a preconception supplement.

Many standard prenatals rely on outdated formulations and fail to reflect the latest evidence in this space. We think this is criminal - it's hard enough to secure independent, high quality scientific evidence amongst a pregnant population, so to then not make use of that evidence and have it reflected in products we can buy and make use of seems nonsensical. Time to Carry® is built based on high-quality clinical studies, prioritising nutrients such as Iodine, Choline, Iron, and Folate in forms shown to be effective and safe during pregnancy. We also review all the evidence in this space annually and, if the evidence demands it, we'll update our formulation as needed - ensuring we're always representing the best and most recent available evidence. Time to Carry® is built from current pregnancy research, prioritising nutrients commonly under-consumed in pregnancy and avoiding nutrients that may pose risks.

Time to Conceive® is formulated for preconception, so this is taken whilst you are actively trying to conceive. It is optimised to improve egg quality, to help you conceive. Once you have conceived, the nutritional demands on your body and the baby shift signficantly, so as that point it's time to move onto a prenatal, Time to Carry®, which reflects the changing nutritional needs of pregnancy, including higher demands for certain micronutrients and different safety considerations.

Once you have conceived.

Of course.

It has been formulated to be suitable for each trimester of pregnancy. Some products claim that a separate supplement is required for each of the three trimesters of pregnancy. The scientific evidence is not there to support the need for three different products, for each trimester - but it's a great marketing play.

Time to Carry® includes a total of 600mcg of Folate, this is split into 400mcg of Folic Acid, as recommended by NHS guidelines, and 200mcg of Methylfolate. You can read more on why we include this in two forms, as a split dose [here].

Yes. All included nutrients are within established safe intake ranges for pregnancy and align with NHS and WHO guidance. It does not contain retinol Vitamin A, which is contraindicated in pregnancy and not recommended by the NHS.

Take the recommended daily dose as stated on the label, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional. Taking supplements with food can improve tolerance and absorption, particularly for Iron and fat-soluble vitamins. If nausea is an issue, taking capsules later in the day may help for some, and taking after a meal could help with this too.

In many cases, yes. However, always follow your clinician’s advice and avoid exceeding prescribed doses of specific nutrients.

Yes, in most cases. If you’ve been prescribed high-dose Folic Acid due to specific risk factors, continue following your clinician’s guidance.

Choline is considered to be one of the most important nutrients for foetal brain development. During pregnancy, the baby produces billions of new brain cells, and Choline is required for building cell membranes, supporting neuronal growth, and enabling normal brain signalling. Adequate Choline intake in pregnancy has also been shown to support neural tube development and maternal liver function. Despite its importance, Choline deficiency is relatively common. This is largely because Choline requirements in pregnancy are high, and the nutrient is difficult to obtain in sufficient amounts from diet alone. Eggs are the richest natural source, but many women struggle to eat eggs consistently during pregnancy, particularly due to nausea or food aversions. Other sources include beef and chicken, but intake is often still insufficient. Recognising this gap, the American Medical Association passed a resolution calling for higher Choline levels in prenatal supplements, reflecting the growing evidence base around its importance.

In Time to Carry®, we include Choline in its L-Bitartrate form, which is a well-established and effective form. For those following vegan diets and at higher risk of low Choline intake, an additional standalone Choline supplement may be appropriate.

We use the Iron Bisglycinate form. This is a chelated form of Iron selected for its suitability in pregnancy as other cheaper forms (such as Ferrous Sulfate or Ferrous Fumarate) are known to cause nausea, vomiting or constipation. By providing Iron in a form designed to be gentler on the gastrointestinal system, Time to Carry® supports maternal Iron intake while helping to minimise common issues such as constipation and gastric discomfort associated with Iron supplementation.

Yes, OVUM always uses the most bioavailable form of each nutrient.

Time to Carry® provides foundational Iron support, but diagnosed anaemia may require additional treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Yes. Nutritional needs during pregnancy are similar regardless of how conception occurred.

It is suitable for vegetarians only.

TIme to Carry® contains no known allergens.

Yes, as with every OVUM product - every element is fully recyclable. From the label, the glass tub, to the aluminium lid and the packaging it arrives in.

Yes, although at this stage we'd advise moving onto another product that is more tailored to your postpartum needs.

Time to Carry®, like all of our food supplement products, is manufactured to the highest quality and safety standards in regulated facilities in the U.K.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

OVUM formulations are built from peer-reviewed research, not trend-driven marketing, and prioritise clinically relevant nutrients and doses. To read more on what makes Time to Carry® different, this review of 3-in-1 supplements offers a deeper dive into the topic.

Yes, we are also approved stakeholders for review and input into NICE guidelines in this area.

We are the only brand to review our formulations annually against the latest research and update them as needed, so you can rest assured you are doing everything possible for the health of your pregnancy.

Yes, our medical team advises taking additional Omega 3. This is a critical fat when trying to conceive. The two most important types of Omega 3 to consume directly are DHA and EPA. These can be consumed in the form of fatty fish intake or supplements.

Time to Conceive® For Men

OVUM Time to Conceive® For Men is a scientifically-validated fertility and preconception supplement for those trying to conceive.

Backed by +120 clinical studies, it is designed to support male fertility and increase your chances of conceiving. It is made with premium, highly bioavailable nutrients to support sperm production and normal testosterone levels - two vital pillars of reproductive health and longevity.

We are the only brand in the reproductive wellness space to review our formulations annually against the latest research and update them as needed, so you can rest assured you are doing everything possible for the health of your sperm.

Our formula is based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant medical research with studies confirmed by multiple different groups involving real patients. We translated this research into the formula we have today, which includes the most optimal and bioavailable forms and doses required.

Our core team of IVF doctors and scientists select the nutrients with the highest quality evidence in support of their beneficial impact on fertility outcomes. We encourage you to compare the Time to Conceive® For Men supplement label to others on the market and check what is included (full list of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants), the dosages, and the quality of the nutrients.

We recommend taking Time to Conceive® For Men as soon as you start trying to conceive. Ideally, you should begin three months prior to potentially see positive changes in sperm parameters. This is because it takes around this length time for sperm to fully develop, but it is never too late to start.

For those undergoing IVF, we also recommend taking Time to Conceive® For Men for 3-4 months prior to treatment.

We recommend you take your 3 daily capsules after food, ideally over the course of the day. It is possible to take all three daily capsules at once, however we suggest this only if you are not usually sensitive to supplements as the dose of CoQ10 can occasionally cause mild nausea. If that is your experience then please take the three daily capsules over the course of the day instead.

Please remember that routine is key with supplements. While missing a day or two won’t have a big impact, taking it consistently will ensure the best possible results. 

Time to Conceive® For Men has no known side-effects when taken as directed. Rarely, you might experience an upset stomach after taking Time to Conceive® For Men. If this happens to you, try splitting the dose over the course of the day and taking it with food. Although Time to Conceive® For Men is designed to be safe to take without food, everyone’s digestion is different and some may be more sensitive than others.

Please do not exceed the recommended serving of 3 capsules per day and in case of accidental overdose, please seek medical advice immediately. 

As with all supplements, seek professional advice before using if you are under medical supervision or suffer from food allergies. Food supplements must not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Time to Conceive® For Men is suitable for all men trying to conceive and in particular, men with known male factor infertility, high sperm DNA fragmentation, older in age (>45y), using GLP-1s such as Mounjaro or Ozempic, or those eating a restricted diet. It is designed to benefit men with low sperm count and/or low motility.

Sperm health is whole body health and therefore anyone can take this supplement.

Most studies suggest that you take food supplements for at least 90 days to potentially see positive changes in sperm parameters. This is because it takes about this length of time for sperm to fully develop.

There is a lot of white noise around Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone and, unfortunately, many feel they must take the very expensive Ubiquinol to improve their sperm health. Fortunately new scientific evidence and more forms of CoQ10 available today means we can move away from the pricey Ubiquinol.

There are two widely used forms of CoQ10, Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. Most formulations of Ubiquinone (the oxidised form of CoQ10) are less well absorbed, and whatever is absorbed is converted by the body into Ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10). The thought process was therefore to skip that uncertainty around absorption and take Ubiquinol instead. Ubiquinol was thought to be more bioavailable, but it is also much more expensive. Luckily, modern formulations of Ubiquinone have made the distinction between the two forms of CoQ10 much less relevant. That’s where our patented MicroActive® CoQ10 comes into its own.
.
A study has shown that our MicroActive®CoQ10 (which is Ubiquinone) as one of the most bioavailable formulations on the market today and the data supports that a dose of 200mg of this formulation is as effective as the standard Ubiquinone formulations at a dose of 600mg. Our mission was to find a form of CoQ10 with as high absorption rates as possible but remaining cost-effective, and we are very proud to have pulled that off! You can learn more about the history of CoQ10 and big pharma and the scientific evidence behind our patented nutrient here.

Is Time to Concevie® For Men gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly and Halal?

Because sperm is half the equation! Sperm health is general health.

At OVUM, we source only the highest quality nutrients. Just like our Time to Conceive® For Women, this formula is the result of considered and high-quality scientific research. No fillers, no bulking agents, no shortcuts.

Everything we have included is in its most bioavailable form and in the doses backed by scientific evidence as being the optimal dose demonstrated to have the greatest benefit on sperm health. By including everything you need, supported by evidence and recommended by IVF doctors, into one product, you avoid the need to buy multiple products, which, overall, is more expensive.

Preserving the quality of our formulations means a higher price point, but this is how we know our product is as effective as it possibly can be to help improve sperm quality.

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® For Men have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. Time to Conceive® For Men is suitable for those undergoing IVF/ICSI or IUI, but please do let your medical team know in advance that you’ll be taking it. Anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or on prescription medications should consult with their doctor before starting a new diet or food supplement.

Taking more than the recommended dose will not improve or increase your sperm health. We use the optimal doses scientifically proven to improve your sperm health and there is no evidence to support higher doses than what we have included.

For any accidental overdose, please speak with your GP immediately.

Yes, if mixed well with food.

However, rarely, you might experience an upset stomach if consuming it without the capsule. If this happens to you, then taking this as a capsule may be a better option. You can also try splitting the dose over the course of the day and taking it with food. Although Time to Conceive® For Men is designed to be safe to take without food, everyone’s digestion is different and some may be more sensitive than others.

Time to Conceive® For Men capsules are a capsule size ‘00’, measuring 23.44 millimetres in length and 9 millimetres in width. Their compact size makes them easy to swallow, but if you struggle with this you can open the capsules and consume Time to Conceive® For Men as a powder.

The nutrients contained in Time to Conceive® For Men have a detailed history of consumption by humans and are not known to interact in any adverse way with other foods or drugs at the recommended dose. All the evidence behind Time to Conceive® For Men demonstrates that the nutrients and doses we use are at safe levels.

We test every batch for performance and quality, including testing for nutritional content, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants. We work with the highest-graded laboratory in the UK, which is certified as an ISO Class 8 Cleanroom facility, as well as EU GMP certified.

Our laboratory directly tests the raw material components of our nutrients to ensure their purity before they are used in production. Certificates of analysis (COA) and in-depth organoleptic testing are performed on every batch to ensure final product integrity and quality.

Of course, just like all good things our supplement has a shelf life. Please check the ‘best before’ date printed on the side of your tub.

Not yet, however the nutrients in OVUM have well supported evidence backing their efficacy in improving male fertility. Please look at our research section for the relevant studies. We are in the planning phase for a parallel group double blind placebo controlled randomised controlled trial of OVUM Time to Conceive® For Men.

Yes, our medical team advises taking additional Omega 3. This is a critical fat when trying to conceive. The two most important types of Omega 3 to consume directly are DHA and EPA. These can be consumed in the form of fatty fish intake or supplements.

Yes, absolutely. There’s a lot of rogue science out there, and it pains us to see the number of supplements with little or no data backing their formulation. We stand by Time to Conceive® For Men and our formulation, which has ample scientific evidence behind it. We try to be clear in explaining who would benefit most from Time to Conceive® For Men, but it’s also important to discuss your supplement routine with your GP.

Time to Conceive® For Men does not contain any common allergens and reactions are unlikely, however please check our ingredients list carefully if you do have allergies. Time to Conceive® For Men contains no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or gluten. It is suitable for vegetarians and contains no artificial flavours, preservatives, additives or fillers. Time to Conceive® For Men is non-GMO. We use a small amount of rice flour to fill our capsule, which is necessary to aid production and reduce the potential for nutrient oxidisation.

NRV is an abbreviation of 'Nutrient Reference Value' and these are set for 13 vitamins and 14 minerals for the purposes of food labelling and provide guidance levels on the daily amount of vitamin or mineral that the average healthy person needs to prevent deficiency.

We designed Time to Conceive® For Men to provide you with the correct dose of nutrients backed by scientific evidence to improve sperm health and fertility outcomes. It is not designed to meet bare minimum needs to prevent deficiencies only. That is why some of our nutrients are in higher doses than NRV amounts.

Where do you source your ingredients from?

Please keep your Time to Conceive® For Men stored in a dry, cool place. Avoid placing any supplements in areas with excess moisture, heat or direct sunlight as these elements can cause deterioration of the product and reduce their potency.

Time to Carry®

Time to Carry® is OVUM’s science-led prenatal supplement, designed to support maternal and foetal nutritional needs during pregnancy. Over two years in the making, with countless OB GYNs and specialist GPs contributing and evaluating the evidence and formulation to ensure we give women the best and latest scientific evidence on maternal and foetal health translated into a food supplement to support this next stage of their journey. Time to Carry® is formulated using evidence from high-level studies and is aligned with UK and international nutritional guidance. It focuses on nutrients critical for placental development, foetal growth, and maternal health, using bioavailable forms and clinically appropriate doses - without unnecessary or potentially harmful nutrients.

It is designed for those who want to ensure they are covering all bases when it comes to the nutritional needs of both mother and baby, throughout all three trimesters. Time to Carry® is suitable from early pregnancy onwards, including those who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproduction (eg IVF). It is also appropriate for those who did not take a preconception supplement.

Many standard prenatals rely on outdated formulations and fail to reflect the latest evidence in this space. We think this is criminal - it's hard enough to secure independent, high quality scientific evidence amongst a pregnant population, so to then not make use of that evidence and have it reflected in products we can buy and make use of seems nonsensical. Time to Carry® is built based on high-quality clinical studies, prioritising nutrients such as Iodine, Choline, Iron, and Folate in forms shown to be effective and safe during pregnancy. We also review all the evidence in this space annually and, if the evidence demands it, we'll update our formulation as needed - ensuring we're always representing the best and most recent available evidence. Time to Carry® is built from current pregnancy research, prioritising nutrients commonly under-consumed in pregnancy and avoiding nutrients that may pose risks.

Time to Conceive® is formulated for preconception, so this is taken whilst you are actively trying to conceive. It is optimised to improve egg quality, to help you conceive. Once you have conceived, the nutritional demands on your body and the baby shift signficantly, so as that point it's time to move onto a prenatal, Time to Carry®, which reflects the changing nutritional needs of pregnancy, including higher demands for certain micronutrients and different safety considerations.

Once you have conceived.

Of course.

It has been formulated to be suitable for each trimester of pregnancy. Some products claim that a separate supplement is required for each of the three trimesters of pregnancy. The scientific evidence is not there to support the need for three different products, for each trimester - but it's a great marketing play.

Time to Carry® includes a total of 600mcg of Folate, this is split into 400mcg of Folic Acid, as recommended by NHS guidelines, and 200mcg of Methylfolate. You can read more on why we include this in two forms, as a split dose [here].

Yes. All included nutrients are within established safe intake ranges for pregnancy and align with NHS and WHO guidance. It does not contain retinol Vitamin A, which is contraindicated in pregnancy and not recommended by the NHS.

Take the recommended daily dose as stated on the label, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional. Taking supplements with food can improve tolerance and absorption, particularly for Iron and fat-soluble vitamins. If nausea is an issue, taking capsules later in the day may help for some, and taking after a meal could help with this too.

In many cases, yes. However, always follow your clinician’s advice and avoid exceeding prescribed doses of specific nutrients.

Yes, in most cases. If you’ve been prescribed high-dose Folic Acid due to specific risk factors, continue following your clinician’s guidance.

Choline is considered to be one of the most important nutrients for foetal brain development. During pregnancy, the baby produces billions of new brain cells, and Choline is required for building cell membranes, supporting neuronal growth, and enabling normal brain signalling. Adequate Choline intake in pregnancy has also been shown to support neural tube development and maternal liver function. Despite its importance, Choline deficiency is relatively common. This is largely because Choline requirements in pregnancy are high, and the nutrient is difficult to obtain in sufficient amounts from diet alone. Eggs are the richest natural source, but many women struggle to eat eggs consistently during pregnancy, particularly due to nausea or food aversions. Other sources include beef and chicken, but intake is often still insufficient. Recognising this gap, the American Medical Association passed a resolution calling for higher Choline levels in prenatal supplements, reflecting the growing evidence base around its importance.

In Time to Carry®, we include Choline in its L-Bitartrate form, which is a well-established and effective form. For those following vegan diets and at higher risk of low Choline intake, an additional standalone Choline supplement may be appropriate.

We use the Iron Bisglycinate form. This is a chelated form of Iron selected for its suitability in pregnancy as other cheaper forms (such as Ferrous Sulfate or Ferrous Fumarate) are known to cause nausea, vomiting or constipation. By providing Iron in a form designed to be gentler on the gastrointestinal system, Time to Carry® supports maternal Iron intake while helping to minimise common issues such as constipation and gastric discomfort associated with Iron supplementation.

Yes, OVUM always uses the most bioavailable form of each nutrient.

Time to Carry® provides foundational Iron support, but diagnosed anaemia may require additional treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Yes. Nutritional needs during pregnancy are similar regardless of how conception occurred.

It is suitable for vegetarians only.

TIme to Carry® contains no known allergens.

Yes, as with every OVUM product - every element is fully recyclable. From the label, the glass tub, to the aluminium lid and the packaging it arrives in.

Yes, although at this stage we'd advise moving onto another product that is more tailored to your postpartum needs.

Time to Carry®, like all of our food supplement products, is manufactured to the highest quality and safety standards in regulated facilities in the U.K.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

OVUM formulations are built from peer-reviewed research, not trend-driven marketing, and prioritise clinically relevant nutrients and doses. To read more on what makes Time to Carry® different, this review of 3-in-1 supplements offers a deeper dive into the topic.

Yes, we are also approved stakeholders for review and input into NICE guidelines in this area.

We are the only brand to review our formulations annually against the latest research and update them as needed, so you can rest assured you are doing everything possible for the health of your pregnancy.

Yes, our medical team advises taking additional Omega 3. This is a critical fat when trying to conceive. The two most important types of Omega 3 to consume directly are DHA and EPA. These can be consumed in the form of fatty fish intake or supplements.

Early Detection Pregnancy Test

Sustainability

Practitioner Referral Program 

Subscriptions, Returns and Shipping

They are amongst the most sensitive tests available on the market today, with a sensitivity of 10mIU/mL.

Each box of tests comes with a guided meditation to help you with that ‘punch to the gut’ moment often experienced in the event of a negative test result. You can access the meditation through the QR code on the Instructions for Use pamphlet in your box of tests and you will be automatically taken to the meditation, guided by fertility mindset coach Alice Rose.

Our test is over 99% accurate in confirming pregnancy at three days before your expected period. At four days before your expected period, the test result is 97% accurate and at five days before your expected period, the test is 77% accurate.

These accuracy cut-offs are regulated by the FDA and our test is equivalent to, or better than, other FDA-approved early result pregnancy tests on the market.

If you get a negative result and you tested more than three days before your expected period, you could still be pregnant. Take the test again in a few days as you may simply not be producing enough hCG yet for the test to detect it.

We include a prepaid envelope in each box of tests allowing you to post your used tests, the foil wrappers and desiccants to Enval, our recycling partner, who use a patented microwave-induced pyrolysis process to return the plastic back to its original oil state allowing it to be used for multiple applications once again. We are currently working on our second prototype of pregnancy test which will be entirely plastic-free, so watch this space.

To learn more about recycling OVUM products please visit our blog.

We acknowledge we are still creating new plastic by creating these tests. We continue to innovate with our partners and are working towards eliminating plastic altogether. Recycling with Enval is our best current solution to bring you tests we know you'll love using, but still ensure they can be recycled and kept out of landfill.

Our tests are also certified and registered with the rePurpose global waste reduction initiative as a Plastic Negative product. For every test purchased, OVUM funds the removal of twice as much plastic from the environment as is produced in making the test. We are also B Corp (pending). Being as sustainable as possible is crucial to us as we continue to grow.

You can read more about our approach to designing our pregnancy tests here.

As long as you can see two lines, that is a positive pregnancy result. 

If you’re really straining to find a faint line it is perhaps because your urine is too watered down or it is slightly too early to test. Wait and test again in a few days, even though we know that’s hard to do. Also make sure to test in the mornings when your urine is at its most concentrated.

Check your result between 3-5 minutes after taking the test and make sure you read the result within five minutes. After that time, the results may not be accurate so please test again.

  • Waiting too long to read your result window. Results read after five minutes are not accurate. 
  • If you have recently stopped using hormonal contraception or are using fertility drugs, your periods may be irregular leading you to test too soon.
  • A recent miscarriage or pregnancy, including a chemical pregnancy (a pregnancy loss very soon after implantation), may give you a false positive when you’re no longer pregnant. Also, a normal pregnancy cannot be distinguished from an ectopic pregnancy based on hCG levels alone. 
  • Fertility drugs containing hCG can lead to misleading results. The hCG in these drugs usually clears your body two weeks post-injection.
  • Rare medical conditions that result in the production of hCG unrelated to pregnancy. These include ovarian cysts or tumours, gestational trophoblastic disease and hCG secreted by the pituitary gland during the menopause. If you think any of these might apply to you, please see your GP.

A false-negative result is the name given to a test displaying a negative result, yet you are in fact pregnant. This can happen when the levels of hCG are below the sensitivity of the test, which may be due to two things:

  1. It might be too early to detect a pregnancy. If you tested before your expected period, this could be the case. hCG levels increase rapidly in early pregnancy so if you feel you’re pregnant, test again in 1-2 days. If you miss your period and still get a negative result, please see your GP.
  2. Your urine might have been too diluted before testing. Please wait several hours and test again.

Having irregular periods can make it much harder to know when to test. We suggest counting at least 14 days from when you last had sex and testing then. If you have a negative result but feel you might be pregnant, please wait 1-2 days, and test again.

For the most accurate results, test on the day of your expected period. However, you can use these tests starting up to five days before you expect your period to start. If you get a negative result and you tested more than three days before your expected period, you could still be pregnant (see below chart). Take the test again in a few days as you may simply not be producing enough hCG yet for the test to detect it.

Number of days before expected period

Percent of Pregnant Women who get a Positive Result

0 (expected day of period)

> 99%

1

> 99%

2

> 99%

3

> 99%

4

> 97%

5

> 77%

This data is from clinical studies involving over 1000 pregnant women (aged 20-40 years).

Absolutely! Find out more about sustainability at OVUM here.

Our approach to sustainability does mean increased costs, but together we can rest easy knowing we’re not introducing unnecessary plastic into the ecosystem and using best practices throughout our company to limit our impact on the planet. 

We are also on our way to becoming a B Corp certified company.

We are the only company in the reproductive wellness space that carries a guaranteed negative plastic footprint. This means that for every kilo of plastic we produce, we facilitate the removal twice the amount of plastic pollution from the environment, through a partnership with rePurpose Global to fund and facilitate the collection, processing and reuse of plastic waste. You can learn more about rePurpose here.

Time to Conceive® tubs are made of glass with an aluminium lid. The label (and glue used to affix the label) is entirely BPA and phthalate-free. The packaging (tub included) is fully recyclable by placing it in your usual at-home recycling bin.

Our Early Detection pregnancy tests are also 100% recyclable. The box and ‘Instruction For Use’ leaflet can be placed in your household recycling and all used tests, foil wrappers and desiccants can be recycled using the freepost envelope. By posting this at no cost, at your convenience, our recycling partner Enval will recycle these in full.

Please check our article How to Recycle Our Products for the full list of our products and best practices for recycling them.

Our Practitioner Referral Partners are made up of IVF clinics, doctors, embryologists and nutritionists who work with us to champion high-quality and accurate information surrounding fertility. They help drive our mission to empower those who are trying to conceive with accurate, up-to-date and trusted information on their fertility journey.

Please visit the Work With Us page, answer some quick questions and submit your application. Our medical team will review your information and get back to you promptly to discuss next steps.

We offer two ways of working with Practitioners:

  1. We provide you with codes that are shared with your patients and clients. They shop with us directly using the code at checkout and the sale will be attributed to you as the Practitioner Referral Partner.
  2. We offer a wholesale arrangement whereby you will physically hold the stock and sell onto your patients and clients directly. Please contact us directly at team@startwithovum.com to learn more.

Once your order ships, you will receive an order confirmation and tracking email which includes your tracking number. You can track your order from this.

Simply log into your account to manage your shipping address. If your order has already processed, please reach out to info@startwithovum.com

We currently ship only to the United Kingdom and Ireland, but if you’re somewhere else, please reach out to us at info@startwithovum.com to let us know where we should go next.

All orders are shipped using Royal Mail 48 tracked delivery service. We have back-up courier services on standby to ensure there is no disruption to your delivery due to any planned strikes by the Royal Mail.

Unfortunately, due to the prompt shipping and fulfilment service we provide, we cannot cancel orders once they are placed. If an accidental order is made, we may be able to cancel the order if you reach out to us promptly. Otherwise we are happy to accept unopened products returned to us, please reach out to info@startwithovum.com for details on how to return your products.

We are happy to accept unopened and sealed products but do not cover shipping fees associated with returning the products to us. Please email us at info@startwithovum.com for details on commencing your return. 

You can cancel, delay, or add products to your subscription anytime.

Simply log in to your account here and manage your subscription.

Early Detection Pregnancy Test

They are amongst the most sensitive tests available on the market today, with a sensitivity of 10mIU/mL.

Each box of tests comes with a guided meditation to help you with that ‘punch to the gut’ moment often experienced in the event of a negative test result. You can access the meditation through the QR code on the Instructions for Use pamphlet in your box of tests and you will be automatically taken to the meditation, guided by fertility mindset coach Alice Rose.

Our test is over 99% accurate in confirming pregnancy at three days before your expected period. At four days before your expected period, the test result is 97% accurate and at five days before your expected period, the test is 77% accurate.

These accuracy cut-offs are regulated by the FDA and our test is equivalent to, or better than, other FDA-approved early result pregnancy tests on the market.

If you get a negative result and you tested more than three days before your expected period, you could still be pregnant. Take the test again in a few days as you may simply not be producing enough hCG yet for the test to detect it.

We include a prepaid envelope in each box of tests allowing you to post your used tests, the foil wrappers and desiccants to Enval, our recycling partner, who use a patented microwave-induced pyrolysis process to return the plastic back to its original oil state allowing it to be used for multiple applications once again. We are currently working on our second prototype of pregnancy test which will be entirely plastic-free, so watch this space.

To learn more about recycling OVUM products please visit our blog.

We acknowledge we are still creating new plastic by creating these tests. We continue to innovate with our partners and are working towards eliminating plastic altogether. Recycling with Enval is our best current solution to bring you tests we know you'll love using, but still ensure they can be recycled and kept out of landfill.

Our tests are also certified and registered with the rePurpose global waste reduction initiative as a Plastic Negative product. For every test purchased, OVUM funds the removal of twice as much plastic from the environment as is produced in making the test. We are also B Corp (pending). Being as sustainable as possible is crucial to us as we continue to grow.

You can read more about our approach to designing our pregnancy tests here.

As long as you can see two lines, that is a positive pregnancy result. 

If you’re really straining to find a faint line it is perhaps because your urine is too watered down or it is slightly too early to test. Wait and test again in a few days, even though we know that’s hard to do. Also make sure to test in the mornings when your urine is at its most concentrated.

Check your result between 3-5 minutes after taking the test and make sure you read the result within five minutes. After that time, the results may not be accurate so please test again.

  • Waiting too long to read your result window. Results read after five minutes are not accurate. 
  • If you have recently stopped using hormonal contraception or are using fertility drugs, your periods may be irregular leading you to test too soon.
  • A recent miscarriage or pregnancy, including a chemical pregnancy (a pregnancy loss very soon after implantation), may give you a false positive when you’re no longer pregnant. Also, a normal pregnancy cannot be distinguished from an ectopic pregnancy based on hCG levels alone. 
  • Fertility drugs containing hCG can lead to misleading results. The hCG in these drugs usually clears your body two weeks post-injection.
  • Rare medical conditions that result in the production of hCG unrelated to pregnancy. These include ovarian cysts or tumours, gestational trophoblastic disease and hCG secreted by the pituitary gland during the menopause. If you think any of these might apply to you, please see your GP.

A false-negative result is the name given to a test displaying a negative result, yet you are in fact pregnant. This can happen when the levels of hCG are below the sensitivity of the test, which may be due to two things:

  1. It might be too early to detect a pregnancy. If you tested before your expected period, this could be the case. hCG levels increase rapidly in early pregnancy so if you feel you’re pregnant, test again in 1-2 days. If you miss your period and still get a negative result, please see your GP.
  2. Your urine might have been too diluted before testing. Please wait several hours and test again.

Having irregular periods can make it much harder to know when to test. We suggest counting at least 14 days from when you last had sex and testing then. If you have a negative result but feel you might be pregnant, please wait 1-2 days, and test again.

For the most accurate results, test on the day of your expected period. However, you can use these tests starting up to five days before you expect your period to start. If you get a negative result and you tested more than three days before your expected period, you could still be pregnant (see below chart). Take the test again in a few days as you may simply not be producing enough hCG yet for the test to detect it.

Number of days before expected period

Percent of Pregnant Women who get a Positive Result

0 (expected day of period)

> 99%

1

> 99%

2

> 99%

3

> 99%

4

> 97%

5

> 77%

This data is from clinical studies involving over 1000 pregnant women (aged 20-40 years).

Sustainability

Absolutely! Find out more about sustainability at OVUM here.

Our approach to sustainability does mean increased costs, but together we can rest easy knowing we’re not introducing unnecessary plastic into the ecosystem and using best practices throughout our company to limit our impact on the planet. 

We are also on our way to becoming a B Corp certified company.

We are the only company in the reproductive wellness space that carries a guaranteed negative plastic footprint. This means that for every kilo of plastic we produce, we facilitate the removal twice the amount of plastic pollution from the environment, through a partnership with rePurpose Global to fund and facilitate the collection, processing and reuse of plastic waste. You can learn more about rePurpose here.

Time to Conceive® tubs are made of glass with an aluminium lid. The label (and glue used to affix the label) is entirely BPA and phthalate-free. The packaging (tub included) is fully recyclable by placing it in your usual at-home recycling bin.

Our Early Detection pregnancy tests are also 100% recyclable. The box and ‘Instruction For Use’ leaflet can be placed in your household recycling and all used tests, foil wrappers and desiccants can be recycled using the freepost envelope. By posting this at no cost, at your convenience, our recycling partner Enval will recycle these in full.

Please check our article How to Recycle Our Products for the full list of our products and best practices for recycling them.

Practitioner Referral Program 

Our Practitioner Referral Partners are made up of IVF clinics, doctors, embryologists and nutritionists who work with us to champion high-quality and accurate information surrounding fertility. They help drive our mission to empower those who are trying to conceive with accurate, up-to-date and trusted information on their fertility journey.

Please visit the Work With Us page, answer some quick questions and submit your application. Our medical team will review your information and get back to you promptly to discuss next steps.

We offer two ways of working with Practitioners:

  1. We provide you with codes that are shared with your patients and clients. They shop with us directly using the code at checkout and the sale will be attributed to you as the Practitioner Referral Partner.
  2. We offer a wholesale arrangement whereby you will physically hold the stock and sell onto your patients and clients directly. Please contact us directly at team@startwithovum.com to learn more.

Subscriptions, Returns and Shipping

Once your order ships, you will receive an order confirmation and tracking email which includes your tracking number. You can track your order from this.

Simply log into your account to manage your shipping address. If your order has already processed, please reach out to info@startwithovum.com

We currently ship only to the United Kingdom and Ireland, but if you’re somewhere else, please reach out to us at info@startwithovum.com to let us know where we should go next.

All orders are shipped using Royal Mail 48 tracked delivery service. We have back-up courier services on standby to ensure there is no disruption to your delivery due to any planned strikes by the Royal Mail.

Unfortunately, due to the prompt shipping and fulfilment service we provide, we cannot cancel orders once they are placed. If an accidental order is made, we may be able to cancel the order if you reach out to us promptly. Otherwise we are happy to accept unopened products returned to us, please reach out to info@startwithovum.com for details on how to return your products.

We are happy to accept unopened and sealed products but do not cover shipping fees associated with returning the products to us. Please email us at info@startwithovum.com for details on commencing your return. 

You can cancel, delay, or add products to your subscription anytime.

Simply log in to your account here and manage your subscription.

Still have a question?

Didn't find the answer you were looking for? No worries—we're here to help! Feel free to drop us a line for personalised guidance. If your question includes a medical query, please note our panel of Doctors work day-to-day in the NHS so our response time might be a few days but we will always get back to you. We cannot offer individual medical consultations or support.

Get in touch →