The ROPA Method: An Overview
The ROPA method, which stands for Reception of Oocytes from the Partner, allows same-sex couples to share motherhood. This technique involves an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedure in which one woman contributes her eggs and the other woman contributes her uterus. This way, both women can actively participate in the process, aiming to achieve a full-term pregnancy and a healthy baby at home.
When is the ROPA Method Indicated?
The ROPA method is suitable for same-sex female couples who wish to share motherhood and become active participants in the reproductive process. It can be chosen either by preference or due to medical reasons related to one of the partners, such as:
- Alterations in egg quality
- Absence of own eggs
- Severe ovarian absence or dysfunction
- Risk of hereditary transmission of a disease
- Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities
- Failure in previous fertility treatments
For cases involving egg quality or absence of eggs, the Egg Donation Program at FERTILITE can also be considered.
Results at FERTILITE
At FERTILITE, 70% of patients undergoing assisted reproduction treatment become pregnant.
Personalized Care and Advanced Technology
FERTILITE provides personalized care and support throughout all stages of treatment. The clinic is a pioneer in the latest assisted reproduction technology, ensuring the best possible results.
The ROPA Method Procedure
The ROPA Method is characterized by the active participation of both women in the IVF process. One will be the genetic mother, and the other will be the gestational mother.
Pharmacological Treatment
The woman contributing her eggs will follow a conventional IVF treatment process:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The woman will undergo ovarian stimulation to produce follicles, aiming to obtain an optimal number of eggs. Regular monitoring with ultrasounds and hormonal blood tests is conducted.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the follicles reach the appropriate size, the mature eggs are extracted. This procedure is simple, quick (lasting no more than 15 minutes), and performed under sedation.
Sperm Preparation
The cryopreserved sperm sample from an anonymous donor is thawed and prepared in the laboratory. The best sperm are selected for fertilization, combined with the eggs in an incubator providing optimal conditions for fertilization.
Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
After the eggs are fertilized, they are observed in the laboratory until the day of transfer. Meanwhile, the gestational mother starts treatment to prepare her uterus for embryo implantation, involving the administration of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone to achieve adequate endometrial thickness.
Once the uterus is ready, the highest quality embryo is implanted into the uterine cavity. The embryo transfer is a quick and painless procedure without the need for anesthesia or recovery time.
Approximately 15 days after the embryo transfer, a beta-hCG test will be performed to confirm the pregnancy. In some cases, surgeries before IVF might be considered to treat infertility caused by conditions such as endometriosis.
The ROPA method not only enables same-sex female couples to share the joys of motherhood but also ensures that both partners play an active and integral role in the reproductive process.