A donor egg (oocyte) is provided by a woman who has been medically, genetically and psychologically screened and recruited through an ART bank registered under the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021. Donor eggs are used in IVF/ICSI when a recipient cannot use her own eggs, for example due to premature ovarian insufficiency, prior ovarian surgery, some genetic conditions, or age-related decline in egg quantity or quality. Under the Indian ART framework, donor identity is handled confidentially by the ART bank, and eligibility criteria apply to both donors and recipients — for example, limits on donor age and the number of times a donor's gametes may be used. Using a donor egg does not guarantee pregnancy; success depends on donor egg quality, recipient uterine factors, and standard IVF variables.
Also known as: oocyte donor, egg donor, donated egg
Related India guides
Sources
- Indian Council of Medical Research (icmr.gov.in)
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, with the ART (Regulation) Rules and subsequent amendments and notifications (indiacode.nic.in; artsurrogacy.gov.in)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.