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Ottawa Fertility Centre

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Ottawa, Canada

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Egg Donation , Genetics , ICSI , Insemination (IUI) , PESA , Social Freezing , Spermbank , Surrogacy , TESA

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4.3

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About Ottawa Fertility Centre

Ottawa Fertility Centre is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic located in Ottawa, Ontario, specializing in comprehensive fertility care for individuals, couples and LGBTQ2S+ families; the centre offers natural conception counseling, ovarian stimulation and insemination, donor insemination, in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF), surrogacy, fertility preservation, egg donation, male infertility treatments, pre‑implantation genetic testing (PGT‑A/PGT‑M) and third‑party reproduction services such as sperm and embryo banking. Unique features include being the only Ottawa‑based clinic funded by the Ontario Ministry Fertility Program, multilingual services in English, French and Chinese, affiliations with the University of Ottawa and Ottawa Hospital, a satellite partnership with Kingston General Hospital, fast‑tracked referrals for Newfoundland patients and acceptance of patients from Nunavut, as well as virtual OTN appointments and a 7‑day‑a‑week care team. The professional team—Dr Clara Wu, Dr Tannys Vause, Dr Delani Kotarba, Dr Aaron Jackson, Dr Jenna Gale, Dr Bryden Magee, Dr Doron Shmorgun, Dr Matt Roberts and Dr Justin White—delivers ethical, evidence‑based, compassionate care, emphasizing individualized treatment plans and patient education. Patient support extends to transparent fee structures, sponsorship of self‑care initiatives like The Butterfly Box, multilingual navigation, virtual consultations, and dedicated counselling throughout the fertility journey.

Why choose Ottawa Fertility Centre?

check_circle Compassionate and Professional Staff
Many patients praised the therapists, particularly Dr. Gale and Dr. Jackson, for their empathy, thorough explanations, and warmth throughout the treatment process. This kindness helped to ease the anxiety often associated with fertility treatments and created a trusting environment essential for vulnerable patients.
check_circle Supportive Nursing Staff
The nursing staff at OFC received numerous compliments for their friendliness and skillfulness. Nurses provide comfort during procedures and are always available to answer questions, ensuring that patients feel supported at every stage of their fertility journey.
check_circle Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities
Patients consistently mentioned the cleanliness of the clinic, which adds to a sense of professionalism and care. The on-site pharmacy that provides quick access to medications is also seen as a notable benefit for those undergoing fertility treatments.
check_circle Quick Appointment Turnaround
Several reviews indicated that obtaining first appointments was surprisingly swift, often within a week. This efficiency is commendable for a fertility clinic and reflects positively on OFC's willingness to provide timely care.
check_circle Comprehensive Communication
Overall, patients found that the clinic provided clear and organized communication regarding their treatment plans, especially in relation to medical testing and follow-up. Many appreciated the detailed information provided by their physicians regarding the next steps.

What to watch out for at Ottawa Fertility Centre?

warning Disorganized Operations
Numerous patients expressed dissatisfaction with the clinic's organizational aspects, reporting frequent miscommunications between staff, incorrect scheduling, and undocumented test results. These issues can lead to frustrating experiences and delays in treatment.
warning Unresponsive Administrative Staff
A significant number of reviews noted complaints about the clinic's administrative communication, such as difficulty reaching staff by phone and delays in appointment confirmations. This lack of responsiveness exacerbates the stress experienced by patients during an already emotional time.
warning Inconsistent Doctor Experiences
While many doctors are highly regarded, experiences can vary significantly. Some patients reported feeling dismissed or inadequately cared for by certain doctors, which has led to a perception of inconsistency in the quality of care provided.
warning Long Wait Times for Procedures
Several reviews mentioned frustratingly long waits for treatments, particularly regarding IVF cycles. For patients desperate to conceive, prolonged wait times can lead to discouragement and emotional stress.
warning Lack of Patient-Centered Care
Some patients voiced concerns about feeling like a number rather than an individual with unique needs. Reports of generalizations and strict protocols that fail to account for personal medical histories suggest a need for a more personalized approach to patient care at OFC.

Ottawa Fertility Centre - Patient Reviews

4.3

star star star star star

Michel*****

1 month ago

star star star star star

Trigger warning: mention of miscarriage

I had an extremely disappointing and traumatic experience with Ottawa Fertility Centre.

When I found out my IVF pregnancy was not viable, I spent all day trying to obtain the medication needed to miscarry. Their fax system was apparently broken, which they didn’t realize until after I had called several times to say that multiple pharmacies were not receiving anything. I finally received the prescription only after a nurse called it in herself.
However, I was unable to get adequate pain medication because the doctor would not call it in, and I was left waiting for hours in excruciating pain during an already devastating experience.

After the miscarriage, it took over a month to undergo an MVA to remove retained tissue because the clinic failed to send a proper referral to the hospital — the referral was missing key information and caused repeated delays.

I was also told it would take two weeks just to get an ultrasound to confirm retained tissue because my doctor was on vacation, and despite the miscarriage occurring from a transfer done at their clinic, I was told I couldn’t see another doctor because I was “not considered an active patient.”

They also allowed me to proceed with a transfer despite significant issues in my cycle, which my current doctor later told me substantially reduced my chances of success.

And finally, the most frustrating part: I was never added to their funded IVF waitlist. After 31 months, I still never received a spot. I had even double-checked with them two years earlier when my doctor told me she couldn’t see me on the list. (I have documented proof of this). The clinic later claimed I was sent an automated email — which is completely false. And even if that were true, who wouldn’t follow up on something with a 2+ year wait?

This clinic showed repeated failures in communication, coordination, accountability, and basic patient care during some of the most vulnerable moments of my life. I would strongly caution others to advocate for themselves aggressively if they choose to go here.

Courtney Ja*****

2 months ago

star star star star star

Patient experienced failed IVF cycle, lack of informed consent, and concerns about lab practices at OFC clinic. A second embryo was discarded without knowledge or consent from the patient.

I would not recommend OFC to anyone going through fertility treatment. I was considered an excellent IVF candidate. I lost both fallopian tubes due to back-to-back ectopic pregnancies. My husband’s sperm analysis was above average with no issues. We completed our funded IVF cycle with OFC. We retrieved 16 eggs, 10 were mature, and only 3 fertilized, resulting in one 3BC embryo. I was actually called and asked whether they should even freeze it because they “typically only freeze high-quality embryos.” I agreed and paid the $600 storage fee. As expected, the transfer failed. During the embryo transfer itself, I was told afterward that the embryo was not released the first time and was still in the catheter when it was checked under the microscope, so they had to attempt placement again. I was told this “happens all the time.” After doing my own research, I learned this is not considered normal. What concerns me most is what I discovered later. After requesting all of my medical records to transfer care to another clinic, I learned that I had another embryo (4CC) from my retrieval that I was never informed about. While the success rates for that embryo quality are low, they are not zero, and I was never given the option to freeze or transfer it. It was discarded without my knowledge or consent. After sharing my experience in an Ontario IVF support group, multiple women came forward with nearly identical outcomes at OFC, including being told it was an “egg quality issue” despite strong indicators otherwise. The repetition of these stories raises serious concerns about lab practices. I am now with another clinic, and they are well aware of OFC’s reputation. Unfortunately, I wish I had known earlier. This process is emotionally, physically, and financially devastating. Patients deserve transparency, informed consent, and confidence in the lab handling their embryos. I did not experience that here.

Edwige Ts*****

2 months ago

star star star star star

People and doctor very nice

Chloe Bro*****

2 months ago

star star star star star

1 Star is far more than this place deserves to be honest.. Communication is a nightmare, you can never reach anyone by phone without leaving a voicemail and waiting 24–48 hours for a callback. The facility smells strongly of fragrances, despite a “no fragrances” policy that is clearly not enforced. The care is completely impersonal. You see a different doctor or nurse almost every visit. While I understand the need for backup staff, my assigned doctor seemed almost never available, which meant constantly explaining my situation to new people. Important details have been missed because staff were not properly informed about my case. Front desk staff are unhelpful, rarely make eye contact, rarely smiling, often distracted by their phones. During an IUI procedure, I was literally naked under a sheet with a speculum in place when another doctor knocked and opened the door. The door was apparently not locked, and she was supposedly there to perform my IUI. When she realized another doctor was already in the room, she continued standing there for another minute continuing a conversation with the other doctor in the room before leaving, with the door OPEN to the hallway where patients walk by. It was violating, and deeply unprofessional. I had no idea what to expect for any part of treatment. I was simply told when to show up, and whenever I asked questions I was made to feel stupid. Medication management was alarming. My progesterone level was sitting at 20. I was explicitly told by the doctor that I did not need progesterone support, but that he would prescribe it anyway “if it would make me feel better.” I asked what level they actually look for, especially since I had just had bloodwork done and would have results the next day. I was told they aim for 30–40 at my point in pregnancy. So why was I told 20 was fine? Pregnancy was lost, and natural.Less care if you conceive naturally between treatment. They also overprescribe medication. I was on progesterone from two days after an IUI and was supposed to continue until my period arrived or continue on until 12 weeks pregnant if it worked. Despite this, they prescribed an extra month of medication. They should prescribe enough until your bloodwork appt, or a few days past to determine if IUI worked, and IF it did.. then prescribing more would be better? When prescriptions are filled through their on-site pharmacy, it raises serious concerns about how money-driven this clinic is. This clinic also shows a shocking lack of understanding around anxiety and depression related to fertility struggles. I was made to feel awful for getting my bloodwork checked every 72 hours, despite the fact that I called ahead and was explicitly given permission to do so. For a fertility clinic, the lack of compassion is just absolutely astounding. OFC feels overwhelmingly money focused. I went through multiple IUIs that all failed, yet each cycle followed the exact same protocol with no discussion about adjusting timing or treatment. You literally need to educate yourself and advocate relentlessly, otherwise you WILL NOT receive the appropriate care. You will spend a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of emotional energy advocating for yourself, and still not feel supported or respected. GO ELSEWHERE AVOID THIS PLACE

amir ras*****

2 months ago

star star star star star

The reviewer had a dissatisfying experience with this IVF clinic due to a doctor's inability to diagnose PCOS. The clinic recommends multiple rounds of IVF and has long lead times for surgeons. OFC took no responsibility for their actions.

Don't waste your time and money with this clinic! Justin White can't recognize PCOS and after it is recognized elsewhere, he still doesn't believe what it had been originally flagged in the blood test report. He would do IVF no matter what. One round is not enough for them. They want to get at least two rounds out of each patient and seems to be normal for them. Hence, they would not do ICSI for the first time. He would not refer you to surgeon as lead times are so long. Instead, he would justify IUI/IVF. OFC would take no responsibilty at the end. By the way, look at their google reviews. How many of them are weird names with only ***** without leaving any single review on any other business? Something to think about!

Ottawa Fertility Centre - FAQ

smart_toy AI-generated based on information from the clinic's website

Does Ottawa Fertility Centre treat single women seeking fertility treatment? expand_more

Ottawa Fertility Centre explicitly welcomes single women who wish to build a family. The clinic’s services for solo patients include donor insemination with screened donor sperm, IVF using donor eggs or the patient’s own eggs, and comprehensive fertility preservation options. All single‑woman patients undergo the same thorough medical assessment, psychological counseling, and individualized treatment planning as couples, ensuring equitable access to high‑quality assisted reproduction and supporting their journey toward parenthood.

Does Ottawa Fertility Centre provide fertility treatment for same-sex couples? expand_more

Ottawa Fertility Centre is inclusive of same‑sex couples and offers tailored fertility solutions. Female couples can pursue donor insemination, IVF with donor or partner eggs, and egg donation programs, while male couples have access to surrogacy arrangements and IVF using donor eggs and sperm. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team provides counseling, legal guidance, and coordinated care to address the unique medical and psychosocial needs of LGBTQ+ families, ensuring a supportive environment for all intended parents.

Who are the fertility doctors and specialists at Ottawa Fertility Centre? expand_more

Ottawa Fertility Centre’s medical team includes a roster of experienced fertility specialists and reproductive endocrinologists. The team features Dr. Delani Kotarba, a certified obstetrician‑gynecologist and former Medical Director of the centre, Dr. Clara Wu, a Harvard‑trained reproductive endocrinologist and active researcher, Dr. Tannys Vause, Division Head for Reproductive Medicine, and Dr. Aaron Jackson, lead physician for the Fertility Preservation program. Additional specialists include Dr. Doron Shmorgun, Dr. Jenna Gale, Dr. Bryden Magee, Dr. Justin White, Dr. Stephanie Dufour, Dr. Matt Roberts, Dr. Elise Azzi, Dr. Kate McRow, Dr. Emily Devitt, and Nurse Practitioner Courtney Anderson. Collectively, the team provides comprehensive assisted reproduction services, from IVF and ICSI to male infertility and egg donation, ensuring patients receive expert, evidence‑based care throughout their fertility journey.

Does Ottawa Fertility Centre offer egg donation for IVF treatment? expand_more

Yes, Ottawa Fertility Centre provides egg donation as a dedicated IVF treatment pathway. Prospective recipients must be under 51 years of age at the time of embryo transfer, have a BMI under 40, and complete a medical evaluation, counseling with a health psychologist, and legal consent. The clinic processes both altruistic directed donations from known donors in Canada and collaborates with reputable international clinics when needed. Donor eggs are retrieved after ovarian stimulation, fertilized with partner or donor sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred in a standard IVF cycle, offering a viable option for patients with diminished ovarian reserve, premature menopause, or genetic concerns.

What fertility treatments and services does Ottawa Fertility Centre offer? expand_more

Ottawa Fertility Centre delivers a full spectrum of assisted reproduction and fertility treatment options. Core services include natural conception counseling, ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI), donor insemination using screened donor sperm, and full in‑vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles with embryo transfer, including blastocyst transfers. The centre also provides egg donation programs, surrogacy coordination, fertility preservation (egg, sperm, and embryo freezing), pre‑implantation genetic testing (PGT‑A and PGT‑M) through a partner genetics lab, and comprehensive male infertility diagnostics and surgical sperm retrieval. Additional offerings such as PGT, fertility preservation for cancer patients, and virtual consultations ensure a personalized, patient‑centered approach to reproductive health.

Contact

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Phone +1 613-686-3378

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Address 955 Green Valley Crescent #100, Ottawa, ON K2C 3V4, Canada (Find on Google Maps) open_in_new

schedule

Opening Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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