Reception of Oocytes from Partner (ROPA) 

Shared Motherhood: The ROPA Method for Same-Sex Female Couples Who Want to Start a Family

ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) is a fertility treatment specifically designed for same-sex female couples who wish to share the experience of motherhood. This method allows both partners to actively participate in the conception process: one partner provides the eggs (genetic mother), while the other carries the pregnancy and gives birth (gestational mother). In this way, both women have the opportunity to be actively involved in Assisted Reproduction.

Who Can Benefit from the ROPA Method? 

ROPA is ideal for same-sex female couples who want to participate in the conception and pregnancy journey of their child. The benefits of the ROPA method are that it: 

  • Shares Motherhood: Both partners are actively involved in the process. 
  • Provides a solution for couples where one partner has fertility issues but the other has healthy eggs. 
  • Combines the genetic material of one mother with the pregnancy experience of the other. 
  • Allows both partners to embrace the emotional and physical aspects of motherhood equally. 
"There is no greater calling than being the mother of a beloved child."
decoration-image decoration-image
"To the world, you may be just one person, but to your child, you are the world."
decoration-image decoration-image
"Being a parent: the only heart that beats outside your own."
decoration-image decoration-image

How Does ROPA Work? 

The ROPA method follows a series of key steps: 

Initial Consultation and Evaluations

Both partners undergo medical evaluations to determine their reproductive health and suitability for the procedure. Tests include blood work, ultrasounds, and other diagnostics. 

Donor Selection

Since ROPA requires donor sperm, once medical evaluations are complete, donor selection begins. FIV Valencia has its own sperm bank, allowing us to choose the best donor for each case safely and without delay. According to Spanish law, sperm donation is anonymous, and donors are selected by our medical team to match the patients' medical and physical characteristics. 

Egg Stimulation and Retrieval

The genetic mother undergoes controlled ovarian stimulation, similar to a traditional IVF protocol, with hormone injections to mature the eggs. The eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. 

Fertilization

The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the lab with donor sperm. Our experienced team of embryologists ensures optimal success rates for IVF. 

Embryo Transfer

After a few days in the incubator, the best-quality embryo is transferred into the uterus of the gestational mother, who will carry the pregnancy. This is a painless, outpatient procedure. 

Post-Implantation Monitoring

After the embryo transfer, the gestational mother receives hormonal support (usually progesterone) to support successful implantation and early pregnancy. Regular monitoring via ultrasounds and, if necessary, blood tests track the embryo's progress. 

Pregnancy Test

Around two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine if implantation was successful. If the test is positive, follow-up exams and ultrasounds confirm and monitor the pregnancy. If unsuccessful, the medical team will discuss further steps and options. 

ROPA Success Rates 

ROPA success rates depend on factors such as the age and reproductive health of the partner providing the eggs, the quality of donor sperm, and the health of the gestational mother. On average, ROPA success rates are comparable to those of traditional IVF treatments. 

Success Rate by age

  • For women under 35, success rates are approximately 50-60% per embryo transfer. 

  • For women between 35 and 40, success rates are about 35-45%. 

  • For women over 40, success rates decrease to around 15-25%. 

At FIV Valencia, we achieve high success rates for the ROPA method through our personalized approach, advanced fertility techniques, and the expertise of our team. 

  • <35 years old
    60 %
  • 35 - 40 years old
    40 %
  • >40 years old
    25 %

Cost of the ROPA Method 

The cost of ROPA varies depending on the specific treatments and medications each couple requires. Additional costs may include sperm donor selection, genetic testing, and embryo freezing, if desired. 

During your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed cost breakdown for your treatment plan. For detailed pricing information, please refer to our Price List. 

ROPA
FAQs

What are the legal requirements for the ROPA method?

Both partners must be legally married to access the ROPA method. This ensures that both women are legally recognized as mothers of the child from birth. 

Can both partners participate in the pregnancy process?

Yes! The ROPA method is designed so that both partners can actively participate. One partner provides the eggs, while the other carries the pregnancy, ensuring both women play significant roles in conception and pregnancy. 

Is ROPA available to all same-sex female couples?

Yes, ROPA is available to most same-sex female couples. However, both partners must undergo medical assessments to determine suitability for the treatment. 

Can we choose the sperm donor for the ROPA process?

No, under Spanish law, sperm donation is anonymous. Our clinic has its own sperm bank and ensures all donors undergo a rigorous selection process to meet high-health and genetic-quality standards. Our team selects the best donor based on the couple’s medical and physical characteristics. 

What is the recovery time after egg retrieval?

After egg retrieval, the genetic mother may experience mild discomfort or bloating for a few days. Most women recover quickly and can resume normal activities within a day or two. 

What happens if the first embryo transfer doesn’t result in pregnancy?
  • If the first transfer is unsuccessful, additional embryos can be used for future attempts, if available. The doctor will discuss the best options with the couple based on their specific circumstances.