What to Buy When Trying to Conceive: The Complete TTC Shopping List

If you've recently decided to start trying to conceive (TTC), you may be wondering exactly what to buy when trying to conceive to give yourself the best possible start. From fertility-friendly lubricants to targeted supplements and ovulation tracking tools, the right products can meaningfully support your conception journey. This comprehensive guide covers every category of TTC essential, backed by science and designed to help you shop smarter — not harder.

Knowing what to buy when trying to conceive isn't just about convenience; it's about optimising your body's environment and timing intercourse effectively. When you arm yourself with the right tools, you reduce guesswork and increase your confidence throughout the process. Conceive Plus has helped hundreds of thousands of couples on their TTC journey with clinically formulated products designed specifically for conception.

Why Your TTC Shopping List Matters More Than You Think

Trying to conceive is one of the most intentional things you can do. Unlike spontaneous pregnancy, planned conception involves actively preparing your body and environment. Your TTC shopping list directly impacts:

• Sperm health: Common lubricants, certain foods, and chemical exposures can harm sperm motility and DNA integrity
• Egg quality: Nutritional deficiencies — especially in CoQ10, folate, and vitamin D — impair egg development months before conception
• Cycle tracking accuracy: Imprecise ovulation detection means missed fertile windows, which is the single most common reason couples take longer to conceive
• Uterine receptivity: A healthy uterine environment depends on good circulation, hormonal balance, and appropriate pH

Getting what to buy when trying to conceive right from the start reduces wasted time and emotional strain. Let's go category by category through every TTC essential worth having.

1. Sperm-Friendly Fertility Lubricant — The #1 TTC Essential Most Couples Overlook

Most couples don't realise that standard personal lubricants — even water-based ones — are toxic to sperm. Research published in Fertility and Sterility found that common lubricants like KY Jelly reduced sperm motility by up to 87% within 30 minutes. This is the last thing you want on your TTC shopping list to get wrong.

What to look for in a TTC lubricant:

• Isotonic osmolality (matching the body's natural fluids, typically 280–380 mOsm/kg)
• pH range of 7.0–8.5 (matching fertile cervical mucus)
• No glycerol, parabens, or petroleum-based ingredients
• FDA-cleared as a fertility-friendly lubricant
• Contains calcium and magnesium ions to support sperm capacitation

Conceive Plus fertility lubricant is uniquely formulated with calcium and magnesium ions — the same minerals naturally present in cervical mucus that are essential for sperm motility and capacitation. It has been FDA-cleared, CE marked in Europe, and used in fertility clinics worldwide. Whether you use it at home or during an IUI procedure, Conceive Plus is scientifically designed to work with sperm rather than against them.

Why this is non-negotiable on your TTC shopping list: You could have perfect timing, optimal nutrition, and ideal sperm parameters — and still significantly reduce your chances if you're using the wrong lubricant. This is often the easiest fix with the biggest impact.

Conceive Plus vs Pre-Seed: Which Fertility Lubricant Should Be on Your TTC Shopping List?

Pre-Seed is another well-known fertility lubricant, and many couples ask which should be on their TTC shopping list. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Feature	Conceive Plus	Pre-Seed
Calcium + Magnesium Ions	✅ Yes	❌ No
FDA Cleared	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
pH Range	7.0–8.5	7.0–7.5
Osmolality	Isotonic	Isotonic
Clinic Usage	✅ Widely used in IUI/IVF clinics	Limited
Format Options	Tubes, multipacks, individual applications	Tubes only

The key differentiator is Conceive Plus's unique calcium and magnesium ion formula. These ions play a proven biological role in sperm capacitation — the process sperm must undergo before they can fertilise an egg. By including these ions, Conceive Plus actively supports fertility rather than simply avoiding harm.

➡️ Shop Conceive Plus fertility lubricants: conceiveplus.com/collections/fertility-lubricants

2. Ovulation Tracking Tools — Know Your Fertile Window

Ovulation only occurs once per cycle, and the fertile window is just 5–6 days long (including the 12–24 hours the egg is viable). Knowing exactly when you ovulate is arguably the most important piece of information on your TTC shopping list.

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)

OPKs detect the LH (luteinising hormone) surge that occurs 24–36 hours before ovulation. They're inexpensive, easy to use, and highly effective when used correctly. Look for:

• Digital displays for clear results (avoid the squinting-at-lines problem)
• Dual hormone tests that detect both LH and estrogen for a broader fertile window indication
• Strip-style kits for budget tracking across multiple days

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Thermometers

Your basal body temperature rises 0.2–0.5°C after ovulation due to progesterone. Charting BBT over several cycles helps you identify your unique pattern. Pair with an app like Kindara, Fertility Friend, or Natural Cycles for easier tracking.

Fertility Monitors

Devices like Clearblue Connected or OvuSense provide sophisticated cycle tracking that combines multiple hormone measurements. These are higher-cost but provide more data, especially useful if your cycles are irregular.

3. Fertility Supplements for Women — What to Add to Your TTC Shopping List

Egg quality takes approximately 90 days to develop, which means the supplements you take now affect the eggs you'll ovulate three months from now. This is one area where what to buy when trying to conceive matters enormously, and early action pays dividends.

Essential nutrients for women TTC:

• Folate (ideally methylfolate, not folic acid): Critical for preventing neural tube defects. Methylfolate is the bioavailable form, especially important for women with MTHFR gene variants. Dose: 400–800 mcg daily
• CoQ10 (Ubiquinol form): Powers the mitochondria in eggs — the energy source for cell division after fertilisation. Research suggests 200–600 mg daily improves egg quality in women over 35
• Vitamin D3: Regulates hundreds of genes including those controlling hormone production. Deficiency is associated with lower IVF success rates and irregular ovulation
• Inositol (Myo-Inositol): Particularly beneficial for women with PCOS. Improves insulin sensitivity, ovarian function, and egg quality
• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA): Reduce inflammation, support hormone balance, and are essential for fetal brain development in early pregnancy
• Vitamin B6 and B12: Support progesterone production and reduce homocysteine levels linked to miscarriage risk
• Iron: Anemia impairs ovulation and early implantation — particularly important if you have heavy periods
• Zinc: Supports egg maturation and progesterone production

Conceive Plus women's fertility supplements are formulated with clinically relevant doses of these key nutrients. Rather than buying 8 separate bottles, Conceive Plus consolidates what to buy when trying to conceive into a single, comprehensive daily supplement designed specifically for the pre-conception period.

4. Fertility Supplements for Men — Don't Forget His Half of the Equation

Male factor infertility contributes to approximately 50% of all cases where couples struggle to conceive. This makes men's fertility supplements an essential part of what to buy when trying to conceive — yet they're often overlooked.

Sperm take 74 days to develop (spermatogenesis), so starting supplements at least 3 months before actively TTC is ideal.

Essential nutrients for male fertility:

• Zinc: The most studied mineral for male fertility. Zinc deficiency is directly linked to low sperm count and poor morphology. Found in high concentrations in healthy seminal plasma
• Selenium: Essential for sperm structure and tail development. Selenium-deficient sperm have impaired motility
• CoQ10: Powers the mitochondria in the sperm midpiece — essential for motility. Multiple RCTs show improved sperm motility with CoQ10 supplementation
• L-Carnitine: Supports sperm energy metabolism and motility. Research shows significant improvement in motility parameters
• Vitamin C and E: Antioxidants that protect sperm DNA from oxidative damage — particularly important in men who smoke, drink alcohol, or have high BMI
• Folic Acid: Men need folate too. Low folate in men is associated with higher rates of sperm with chromosomal abnormalities
• Vitamin D: Low vitamin D in men correlates with reduced sperm motility and testosterone levels

Conceive Plus men's fertility supplements provide all of the above in a single daily formula. It's the simplest way to ensure the male half of the TTC equation is fully supported.

5. Prenatal Vitamins — Start Before You're Pregnant

Prenatal vitamins should be on every TTC shopping list. The common misconception is that you start them when you find out you're pregnant — but by then, the critical first weeks of neural tube development have already occurred.

What makes a good prenatal vitamin for TTC:

• Methylfolate (not synthetic folic acid) at 400–800 mcg
• DHA/EPA omega-3s (at least 200 mg DHA)
• Iron in a gentle, non-constipating form
• Vitamin D3 (1,000–2,000 IU)
• Iodine (essential for thyroid function during early pregnancy)
• Choline (critical for brain development; often omitted from cheaper brands)
• No artificial colours, flavours, or unnecessary fillers

Conceive Plus prenatal vitamins meet all of these criteria in a single daily capsule that transitions seamlessly from the TTC phase into early pregnancy.

6. Lifestyle and Environmental Items Worth Adding

Beyond supplements and tracking tools, several lifestyle products belong on a comprehensive TTC shopping list:

BPA-Free Water Bottles and Food Storage

BPA (bisphenol A) is an endocrine disruptor linked to reduced egg quality and sperm DNA fragmentation. Switching to glass, stainless steel, or confirmed BPA-free plastics removes a daily hormonal burden.

Fertility-Friendly Personal Care Products

Many conventional shampoos, lotions, and deodorants contain parabens and phthalates — both endocrine disruptors. Choosing paraben-free, phthalate-free personal care reduces your total toxic load during TTC.

Organic Produce (Where Applicable)

Pesticide exposure is associated with reduced fertility in both men and women. The Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list is a helpful starting point for prioritising organic produce purchases.

Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

Melatonin regulates reproductive hormones. Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production and can disrupt the circadian rhythm that underpins hormonal cycling. Wearing blue-light glasses after 8 PM and dimming screens promotes better hormonal balance.

Fertility-Supportive Teas and Supplements

Red raspberry leaf tea is a popular TTC herbal supplement traditionally used to tone the uterus. While evidence is largely anecdotal, it's generally considered safe in the follicular phase (first half of the cycle). Always check with your doctor before adding herbal supplements.

7. Period and Cycle Tracking Apps

Modern cycle tracking apps go far beyond predicting your period. The best ones for TTC include:

• Natural Cycles: FDA-cleared, uses BBT to identify ovulation with high accuracy
• Clue: Excellent data visualisation; tracks symptoms, mood, cervical mucus alongside period
• Kindara: Pairs with BBT thermometer; great for Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) users
• Ovia Fertility: Provides personalised health insights and integrates with OPK results
• Glow: Includes partner tracking and a community forum; tracks hundreds of health data points

Three to six months of cycle tracking data before you start TTC seriously gives you a clear picture of your cycle length, ovulation timing, and any patterns worth investigating.

8. When to Add Medical Testing to Your TTC Checklist

For couples who have been TTC for 6+ months (12 months if under 35 with no known fertility issues), adding diagnostic testing to the list is worth considering:

• Semen analysis: The most informative first-line test for male fertility. Checks count, motility, morphology, and volume. Many at-home options are now available (Yo, Legacy, Mojo) for preliminary screening
• Hormone panel (women): FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, and progesterone — together these assess ovarian reserve and cycle function
• Thyroid panel: Thyroid dysfunction is a common and treatable cause of fertility problems in women; TSH should ideally be below 2.5 mIU/L when TTC
• Vitamin D level: Deficiency is extremely common; easy blood test with straightforward supplementation fix

These tests are increasingly available through at-home testing kits from companies like LetsGetChecked and Everlywell, making it easier than ever to get baseline data without a GP referral.

Frequently Asked Questions: What to Buy When Trying to Conceive

Q: What is the single most important thing to buy when trying to conceive?
A: If you're going to prioritise one product, make it a fertility-friendly lubricant like Conceive Plus. It's one of the easiest changes to make and one of the most commonly overlooked causes of reduced conception rates — most standard lubricants harm sperm. From there, add prenatal vitamins and an ovulation predictor kit.

Q: When should I start buying fertility supplements when trying to conceive?
A: Ideally 3 months before you start TTC. Egg quality takes 90 days to develop, and sperm take 74 days. Starting supplementation well in advance means your eggs and sperm benefit from improved nutrition from the moment of fertilisation.

Q: Is it necessary to buy ovulation tests if I have regular cycles?
A: Yes — even women with regular 28-day cycles can ovulate anywhere from day 11 to day 21. Cycle length alone doesn't tell you your ovulation date with precision. OPKs remove guesswork and ensure you're timing intercourse in the actual fertile window.

Q: What to buy when trying to conceive for men specifically?
A: Male fertility supplements (containing zinc, CoQ10, selenium, L-carnitine), BPA-free products to reduce endocrine disruptor exposure, and antioxidant-rich foods. Men should also avoid tight-fitting underwear that raises scrotal temperature, which negatively affects sperm production.

Q: Are fertility supplements worth the money?
A: For most couples, yes — with the caveat that supplements won't overcome structural problems like blocked tubes or severe sperm morphology issues. However, for the vast majority of couples with unexplained fertility challenges or suboptimal parameters, targeted supplementation produces measurable improvements within 3 months.

Q: Can I use any lubricant when TTC?
A: No. Most lubricants — including popular brands like KY Jelly, Durex, and even coconut oil — are harmful to sperm. Only use lubricants specifically designed and tested for sperm safety, such as Conceive Plus. Look for FDA-cleared fertility lubricants with isotonic osmolality and a pH of 7.0–8.5.

Q: What vitamins should I take when trying to conceive?
A: Women: folate (or methylfolate), vitamin D3, CoQ10, omega-3 DHA, iron, B12, B6, zinc, and iodine — ideally in a single prenatal vitamin. Men: zinc, selenium, CoQ10, L-carnitine, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and vitamin D. Both: avoid megadose supplements unless medically supervised.

Q: Do I need to buy anything special to track ovulation?
A: At minimum, a reliable OPK kit. If your cycles are irregular, consider a dual-hormone digital test or a basal body temperature thermometer paired with a tracking app. Advanced users might invest in a fertility monitor like Clearblue Advanced or OvuSense for comprehensive data.

Q: What foods should I stock up on when TTC?
A: Fatty fish (for DHA), leafy greens (folate, iron), berries (antioxidants), walnuts and seeds (omega-3s, zinc, selenium), whole grains (for insulin stability), full-fat dairy (some evidence of benefit in ovulatory function), and legumes (plant protein and folate). Reduce processed foods, trans fats, and excessive sugar.

Q: Is a TTC starter kit worth buying?
A: Yes — many fertility brands, including Conceive Plus, offer bundled kits that combine lubricant, supplements, and sometimes OPKs at a reduced price versus buying individually. This is often the most cost-effective way to get started with everything you need in one go.

Your Complete TTC Shopping List — Summary

Here's your at-a-glance summary of what to buy when trying to conceive:

For her:

• ✅ Prenatal vitamins with methylfolate, DHA, D3
• ✅ Ovulation predictor kit (digital or dual hormone)
• ✅ BBT thermometer and tracking app
• ✅ CoQ10 supplement (ubiquinol form)
• ✅ Vitamin D supplement if deficient
• ✅ Inositol if PCOS is a concern

For him:

• ✅ Male fertility supplement (zinc, CoQ10, selenium, L-carnitine)
• ✅ BPA-free water bottle
• ✅ Antioxidant-rich diet or supplement

For both:

• ✅ Conceive Plus fertility lubricant
• ✅ Paraben-free, phthalate-free personal care products
• ✅ Organic produce where applicable
• ✅ Blue-light blocking glasses for better sleep/hormonal balance

Understanding what to buy when trying to conceive is the first step toward a more confident, informed TTC journey. The right products reduce uncertainty, support your biology, and help you focus on what matters most — staying positive and connected as a couple throughout the process.

Conceive Plus products are available globally and have helped couples in over 60 countries on their path to parenthood. From fertility lubricants to complete supplement bundles, every product is backed by science and designed specifically for the conception journey.

➡️ Explore Conceive Plus TTC bundles and kits: conceiveplus.com/collections/bundles