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Fertility Glossary

Donor eggs

Eggs donated by another person, used with IVF.

Donor treatment & family building

Donor eggs are used for premature ovarian insufficiency, very low reserve, repeated poor egg quality, genetic conditions and in some reciprocal IVF arrangements. Success depends mainly on the donor's age. Because payment is prohibited in Canada, donors are known donors or altruistic donors, and waiting times can be long; some patients use imported donor eggs from compliant sources.

Also known as: egg donor, oocyte donation, donor eggs

Related Canada guides

Sources

  • Health Canada — Assisted Human Reproduction Act and Reimbursement Related to Assisted Human Reproduction Regulations
  • Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS)

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Donor conception

Building a family using donated sperm, eggs or embryos.

Known donor

A donor who is a friend or relative rather than anonymous.

Donor reimbursement

Repaying a donor's receipted expenses — the only payment permitted in Canada.

Premature ovarian insufficiency

Ovarian function ending before age 40.

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