The ROPA method: Pros and cons

Would you and your female partner like to experience motherhood together and both play an active role in the process? The ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from the Partner) is an assisted reproduction technique that allows both women to participate in the pregnancy: one provides the egg and the other carries the baby. Nevertheless, as with any other treatment, the ROPA method has its pros and cons, which you should keep in mind while taking an informed and well-considered decision with your partner. 

In this article we will list the benefits and possible disadvantages of the ROPA method and explain why more and more female couples opt for this treatment as a means of starting a family. 

What is the ROPA method? 

Before describing the pros and cons of the ROPA method, we need to explain what it actually consists of. Reception of Oocytes from the Partner (ROPA) is an assisted reproduction technique intended for lesbian, bisexual or transgender couples that wish to share the biological motherhood of their baby. One of the women provides her eggs, which are later fertilised with donor sperm, and the other carries the pregnancy. 

In other words, one woman undergoes ovarian stimulation in order to provide the oocytes and become the genetic mother of the child. The other woman receives the embryo, carries the pregnancy and gives birth, thus becoming the gestational mother of the child. This method allows both women to actively partake in the gestation of their child, which is always incredibly special and emotionally significant for couples. 

Steps of the ROPA method treatment 

The ROPA method consists of similar steps to a conventional in vitro fertilisation, except that it also encompasses elements of egg donation. In the first phase, the woman who will provide her eggs undergoes ovarian stimulation through hormone therapy in order to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles. Frequent ultrasound tests and other types of analyses are performed during this time. Once the follicles have reached the appropriate size, the woman undergoes an ovarian puncture―an easy and safe procedure of extracting the eggs that is carried out under anaesthesia. 

Those eggs are later fertilised with semen from an anonymous donor, in a laboratory, usually through IVF or ICSI. Resulting embryos are then cultured under controlled conditions until it is possible to pick out the most viable ones. Concurrently, the woman who will carry the pregnancy undergoes a specific hormone therapy in order to prepare her endometrium and facilitate the embryo implantation. 

When her uterus is ready, the embryo is transferred quickly and painlessly. If there are any embryos of good quality left, they can be frozen and stored for future use. Finally, after 10 to 11 days, a blood test is performed to check whether the treatment has been successful, and the woman is indeed pregnant. 

Advantages of the ROPA method 

Undoubtedly, there are many medical, emotional and legal benefits of the ROPA method, which we will consider below. 

• This is a true shared motherhood. One of the most important advantages of this method is the fact that both mothers physically take part in the whole process: one as the genetic donor and the other as the birth mother. Therefore, it is a beautiful way to share the emotional and physical baggage that comes with maternity, which can strengthen the family bond between the couple and the child. 

• Biological link. The ROPA method offers both mothers an opportunity to have a biological link with their child. This biological connection between the genetic mother, the gestational mother and the baby allows the couple to feel they are both contributing to the pregnancy. 

• High success rate. During in vitro fertilisation with ovarian stimulation, we can choose the highest quality embryos in the blastocyst stage, which results in high pregnancy rates, especially if the woman donating her eggs is young and healthy. 

• Personalised choice. Couples are able to decide which of the women will provide the eggs and which one will become pregnant, based on factors such as their age, reproductive health, personal preference or medical situation. Moreover, this method allows for the possibility to reverse their roles in the future and choose to use eggs from the previously carrying mother for the previously donating one, resulting in another pregnancy. In this way, couples may explore different family dynamics and share parenting responsibilities. 

• Legal safety in Spain. The ROPA method is possible in Spain by virtue of current legislation, that allows directed egg donation between women. In Spain, it is not required for female couples of Spanish or foreign nationality to be married in order to access assisted reproduction treatments, as stipulated in Spanish Law of 28 February 4/2023 for the real and effective equality of transgender people and for the guarantee of the rights of the LGTBI community. 

Disadvantages of the ROPA method  

Even though it is a highly advantageous technique, there are also a few less positive aspects that have to be acknowledged. The possible cons of the ROPA method are listed below. 

• This technique is more complex and expensive than artificial insemination, which could also be an option to consider for lesbian couples. The ROPA method uses IVF, which causes it to be much more invasive and requires a higher emotional and financial involvement. 

• Both women have to be medically treated in order to, for instance, synchronise their menstrual cycles, and this can be medically, physically and mentally stressful. 

• It may not be possible for some couples. In some cases, the medical condition of both women might hinder the use of this method, and personalised medical assessment could be necessary.  

• Social Security does not cover the ROPA method. This technique is not included in the common portfolio of services of Spanish National Health System, which is why female couples that wish to receive the treatment must do so through private means, for instance, at Tambre. A flexible approach and high level of personalisation are crucial for the ROPA method to be successful.  

What are some other aspects to consider before opting for ROPA? 

Apart from all the advantages and disadvantages of the ROPA method we listed above, it is worth considering the medical advice and recommendations the Tambre team deem important, once you decide to take this particular path to motherhood. 

• It is advised for the younger woman to become the egg donor, so as to guarantee the best quality of the eggs. However, after a medical consultation, the final decision always belongs to the couple. 

• It is also recommended that the genetic mother undergoes a genetic analysis beforehand in order to avoid potential transmission of genetic disorders. 

• The gestational mother also needs to be examined to check whether her uterus has any malformations or diseases that could affect or hinder the pregnancy. 

Is the ROPA method for you? 

Alongside your specialised medical team, at Tambre we will analyse your case from the medical perspective in order to assess the viability of the method. In addition, we will also accompany you throughout the whole process, providing accurate information to help you make the best decision. 

If you are considering becoming mothers through this technique and have any questions regarding its pros and cons, do not hesitate to contact us on 91 411 61 11 and request your first consultation at Tambre. We will provide you with a clear explanation of everything you need to know, answer your questions and identify the method that best suits your needs, considering your circumstances, wishes and vision for your shared future together.