ROPA Method

Your best option for shared motherhood.

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What is the ROPA method?

The ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from the Partner) allows both women in the couple to actively participate in the pregnancy. One of them provides the eggs, which will be fertilised in the laboratory with donor sperm, and the other is the woman who will receive the embryo and carry the pregnancy.

Who is the ROPA method treatment recommended for?

Female couples

It is the ideal option for female couples (married or cohabiting) who both wish to actively participate in the pregnancy, each playing a key role during the procedure.

Benefits of the ROPA method

Bonding

Strengthens the couple’s emotional and biological bond with the baby.

Outcome

It takes advantage of the best oocyte quality and the most suitable uterus of the couple to optimize the process.

Success rate

It has a high pregnancy rate, as fertility problems can be reduced as two women are involved.

Genetics

Qualities from both mothers are transferred to the baby: from one, by providing the egg, and from the other thanks to the epigenetics that she shares as the gestational carrier.

Peace of mind

Sharing the challenges of the treatment between the couple can help ease the psychological burden and stress, making it easier to cope with.

Safety

The genetic compatibility between the woman who provides the eggs and the sperm donor avoids hereditary mutations.

Step-by-step guide to the ROPA method

Ovarian stimulation Cycle monitoring Ovulation induction Egg retrieval IVF-ICSI Embryo development into blastocyst Endometrial preparation Embryo transfer Vitrification and storage of embryos Pregnancy test and scans

Based on the diagnostic tests and medical history, the doctor recommends the best candidate to provide the eggs, although the final decision will always be the patient’s own. She begins her ovarian stimulation with a personalised plan and a unique medication regimen to produce the highest number of mature oocytes.

The duration of ovarian stimulation lasts between 8 and 11 days.

During stimulation, we monitor follicular development by means of vaginal ultrasound scans and hormone blood tests. The first ultrasound scan is performed at the beginning of the cycle and the rest during the next 10 to 12 days. Once a good number of dominant follicles are developed, the egg retrieval is scheduled.

3 to 4 controls are required during the stimulation.

When the follicles reach the right size, ovulation is induced by a subcutaneous hormone injection.

10 to 12 days after the start of the treatment.

We retrieve the oocytes in the operating room in a procedure that lasts 5 to 15 minutes, with sedation and painkillers. Each follicle is punctured to extract the liquid that will be examined by biologists to determine the presence of oocytes and whether they will be able to be used in the treatment.

36 hours after ovulation induction.

The sperm donor is chosen with the closest physical resemblance to the woman carrying the pregnancy. The laboratory also selects the best sperm based on morphology, and injects one spermatozoa into each mature egg.

ICSI procedure achieves excellent fertilisation rates.

Our biologists monitor the embryos for the next 5 to 6 days, using state-of-the-art incubators, to cultivate as many embryos as possible to blastocyst stage.

Blastocysts have a higher implantation capacity.

The woman who will be carrying the pregnancy will undergo endometrial preparation by means of hormonal treatment for optimal embryo implantation. This can be synchronized with the ovarian stimulation of the donor partner.

The endometrium is usually ready after 14 days.

We select the best embryo available, using Artificial Intelligence, and transfer it into the patient’s uterus. After a few minutes of rest in the clinic, you can return to your normal routine.

The embryo transfer takes approximately 15 minutes.

We vitrify and preserve the embryos that have not been transferred so that they can be used in subsequent transfers if necessary, or when you wish to seek a new pregnancy.

2 years of storage is included in the treatment.

10 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test (Beta-hCG) is carried out to check for pregnancy. If the result is positive, the patient should go for an early pregnancy ultrasound scan to confirm everything is correct. Two weeks later, the patient should go for another follow-up ultrasound scan.

Approximately 12 days after the embryo transfer.

Técnicas


Estudio de compatibilidad genética
Realizamos un test del ADN de ambos progenitores (o donantes, si es el caso) para detectar si comparten mutaciones que puedan transmitirse al bebé. Aunque la mayoría de las personas somos portadoras sanas sin saberlo, cuando existe coincidencia en una misma alteración genética aumenta el riesgo de enfermedad hereditaria. Esta prueba permite identificar más de 16.000 posibles mutaciones antes de iniciar el tratamiento y, en caso necesario, adaptar la estrategia reproductiva para reducir riesgos. Una prueba fundamental que aporta seguridad y tranquilidad desde el inicio del proceso.
Embryoscope+ con Time-Lapse
Embryoscope+ es una incubadora de última generación que proporciona el mejor entorno posible para el desarrollo de los embriones hasta el estadio de blastocisto. Su diseño garantiza que las condiciones dentro de la cámara de incubación sean estables y controladas. Gracias a un sistema de captación de imágenes time-lapse permite monitorizar y tener un control total sobre la evolución de los embriones, sin necesidad de sacarlos del incubador, evitando alterar las condiciones de temperatura, humedad y luz. Con este seguimiento en tiempo real podemos elegir los embriones con mayor potencial de implantación.
Inteligencia Artificial para desarrollo embrionario: IDAScore y KIDScore
Aplicamos avanzados sistemas de inteligencia artificial que contribuyen a mejorar las tasas de implantación embrionaria: IDAScore (Intelligent Data Analysis) y KIDScore (Known Implantation Data). Estos algortimos morfocinéticos analizan cada uno de los embriones, comparándolos con información recopilada de millones de embriones en todo el mundo, identificando y clasificando aquellos con mayores probabilidades de éxito. Además, permiten relacionar los patrones de desarrollo observados en cada embrión con su potencial de implantación.
Son herramientas de apoyo a la vanguardia de la tecnología reproductiva y permiten a nuestros embriólogos tomar las mejores decisiones con un único objetivo: lograr el embarazo en el menor tiempo posible.
Maduración in vitro (IVM) de ovocitos y su vitrifcación
Durante la punción ovárica de la paciente es posible obtener, además de ovocitos maduros, también ovocitos inmaduros. En estos casos, en nuestro laboratorio aplicamos la técnica de maduración in vitro (IVM), que consiste en cultivar estos óvulos en condiciones controladas para favorecer su maduración.
Aquellos que alcancen la madurez pueden vitrificarse posteriormente para su uso futuro. Los ovocitos madurados in vitro no se incluyen en el recuento mínimo de 8 ovocitos maduros necesarios para iniciar la ICSI; en caso de que no se alcance dicho número, se recomendará proceder con un ciclo de acumulación ovocitaria.
Embryo transfer embrionaria personalizada
La transferencia puede realizarse en ciclo natural, sustituido o diferido, adaptándose a las características y necesidades de cada paciente. Esto permite elegir el momento óptimo para la implantación, ya sea aprovechando el ciclo hormonal propio o mediante preparación endometrial controlada. Gracias a esta personalización, se optimizan las condiciones del endometrio y se aumentan las probabilidades de éxito.
Técnicas de selección espermática
Procedimientos específicos de laboratorio que permiten optimizar la muestra de semen y seleccionar los espermatozoides de mayor capacidad para la fecundación, en función de su movilidad, morfología e integridad del ADN. Se emplean tecnologías avanzadas como MACS o FertileChip, que ayudan a eliminar los espermatozoides dañados y a identificar los más aptos. Gracias a esta selección precisa, se mejora la calidad embrionaria y aumentan las tasas de implantación, reduciendo además el riesgo de alteraciones genéticas.
Plasma Rico en Plaquetas (PRP) endometrial
Es una técnica que consiste en aplicar en el endometrio un concentrado de plaquetas obtenido a partir de la propia sangre de la paciente. Estas plaquetas contienen factores de crecimiento, regeneración y reparación tisular que ayudan a mejorar la calidad y la receptividad del endometrio, creando un entorno más favorable para la implantación del embrión.
Un procedimiento sencillo y rápido, especialmente beneficioso y aplicable en pacientes con endometrio fino, baja receptividad o fallos previos de implantación, cuando el equipo médico considera que puede aportar valor al tratamiento.
Criopreservación y mantenimiento de embriones vitrificados
La criopreservación consiste en una congelación ultrarrápida que evita la formación de cristales de hielo en el embrión, protegiendo su estructura celular durante el tiempo que estén conservados.
Incluimos esta técnica y dos años de mantenimientro sin coste para todas nuestras pacientes, facilitando la planificación y espaciando los embarazos si se desea ampliar la familia en un futuro.
Matcher
Un avanzado sistema electrónico de trazabilidad y etiquetado, cuya función es evitar cualquier posible error de identificación durante el manejo de material biológico (óvulos, espermatozoides y embriones), garantizando que cada muestra se asigne siempre a la persona correcta en cada etapa del tratamiento.
Este sistema informatizado utiliza etiquetas con código de barras y electrónicas para comprobar automáticamente la coincidencia de identidad antes de realizar cualquier procedimiento.
Controles gestacionales
Tras la confirmación del embarazo, realizamos dos controles gestacionales con ecografía para verificar la correcta evolución de la gestación en sus primeras semanas. Este seguimiento permite confirmar la implantación, valorar el desarrollo embrionario y acompañar a la paciente en un momento clave del proceso, garantizando continuidad asistencial por parte del mismo centro y aportando tranquilidad desde el primer positivo.
Cariotest ‘Pregnancy loss’
Hasta el 70% de las pérdidas gestacionales tempranas están relacionadas con anomalías cromosómicas. Conocer la causa aporta respuestas en un momento especialmente delicado, y permite evaluar el riesgo de recurrencia y orientar los siguientes pasos del tratamiento.
Por ello, aplicamos esta prueba genética avanzada que permite analizar el ADN fetal a partir de una simple muestra de sangre materna, con el objetivo de identificar si una alteración cromosómica ha sido la causa de pérdida gestacional. A diferencia de los métodos tradicionales —que pueden fallar por contaminación o dificultades técnicas—, este test es no invasivo, más preciso y puede ofrecer resultados incluso en etapas muy tempranas del embarazo.

Pregnancy success rate of the ROPA method

Our success rates are high thanks to the latest technology and total customisation of endometrial stimulation and preparation procedures. This is our cumulative pregnancy rate per cycle, with gestational discharge at eight weeks.

79%

ROPA method price and financing

Our closed treatment package includes all of the techniques you may need to help achieve pregnancy. There may be the option to pay the total cost in instalments without any interest.

ROPA Method

6.170€

The best option for shared motherhood in an LGBTQIA+ couple.

  • Genetic compatibility study of 16,592 mutations (between the patient and sperm donor)
  • Ultrasound and hormone analysis controls (unlimited)
  • Egg retrieval
  • IMT Matcher: for electronic identification and traceability of genetic samples
  • IVF -ICSI
  • Sperm selection techniques: Fertilechip, PICSI, MACS, Microfluidics (if needed)
  • Assisted hatching by laser (if needed)
  • Donor´s sperm (sample frozen)
  • Embryo culture (day 0 to 6) up to blastocyst stage using Embryoscope+ with time-lapse included (unlimited)
  • KIDScore / IDAScore (AI for embryo selection)
  • IVM (In Vitro Maturation) of oocytes and their vitrification, including 2 years storage
  • Embryo transfer (1 or 2 embryos)
  • Endometrial P.R.P Platelet-Rich Plasma (if needed)
  • Progesterone monitoring pre-/post-transfer
  • Specific transfer procedures (if needed)

  • Vitrification of remaining embryos (unlimited)
  • Beta-hCG blood test to check for pregnancy (unlimited)
  • Two gestational checks
  • Storage of frozen embryos for 2 years
Book your free consultation Cost breakdown

We love hearing success stories like these

We asked about IVF because we were not familiar with the ROPA method. When they explained it to us, we didn’t hesitate: the best decision of our lives. Thanks to IGIN, we have a family of 3 at home!

Joana and Miriam

Our most sincere and eternal thanks to the entire IGIN team for making our dream come true. It wasn’t easy but they did a great job.

Tessa

Your free consultation

The best way to clear up all your doubts about the ROPA method is to book your appointment with us today. We will be able to analyse your medical history, examine the state of your reproductive health and clarify anything you need – without obligation or cost.

Book your free consultation

FAQs about the ROPA method


Are all female couples eligible for the ROPA method?
Yes, as long as they medically present the necessary conditions: ovarian reserve, uterus without many morphological alterations, etc. In addition, they must be legally married or in a common-law relationship.
How much does the ROPA method cost?
At IGIN, the ROPA Method costs €6,170. It includes everything necessary to achieve pregnancy, with state-of-the-art techniques and procedures.
How long does the ROPA treatment last?
A complete cycle of the ROPA method, including ovarian stimulation and endometrial preparation, lasts approximately 4 to 5 weeks.
What is ovarian stimulation?
It is a fundamental and integral procedure of treatments such as In Vitro Fertilisation. It consists of administering hormonal medication to the woman in order to increase the production of mature oocytes in her ovaries. Normally, a woman produces only one egg during her menstrual cycle. However, in an assisted reproduction cycle the aim is to stimulate the ovaries to obtain the maximum number of mature oocytes in that cycle, which will be crucial to go ahead with the treatment and increase the chances of success.
What is egg retrieval like and does it hurt?
It is a simple procedure that is usually completed in about ten minutes, but can vary depending on the number of follicles present. It is usually performed under sedation and intravenous painkillers under the constant supervision of an anaesthetist. The recovery period afterwards lasts one to two hours. Slight bleeding sometimes occurs, which is completely normal. Discomfort in the form of pelvic discomfort may persist into the next day, but is usually controlled with oral analgesia (Paracetamol or Nolotil). Normal routine activity should be possible the next day.
Can we know the quality of the eggs before starting treatment?
The quality of the eggs cannot be determined beforehand by any technique (analytical or ultrasound). Eggs of varying quality are found in the ovary and it is during the fertilisation process that the individual quality of each egg is determined. It is, however, possible to orientate oneself according to certain parameters. The most important is age. And there are pathologies that can reduce the quality of eggs, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome. But they are only indicative and we will rarely be able to determine with certainty the quality of the oocytes before the treatment is carried out.
Can we know how many eggs we are going to obtain in the egg retrieval?
As with quality, the quantity of eggs in the puncture is not something we can know exactly, as there are many fluctuations between a woman’s cycles. There are indicators, such as the anti-mullerian hormone, which give us clues as to the possible quantity of eggs that can be found. But this is only an indication and it will not be until the procedure itself that we will know.
Is it possible to choose a sperm donor?
No, by law, donation in Spain is secret and anonymous, guaranteeing the confidentiality of the identity of both the donor and the patients who use the samples.
How is it decided which of the women will carry the pregnancy?
The decision is up to the couple, although medical advice will determine who has the best ovarian reserve and who is in optimal endometrial and reproductive health.
Can a baby born thanks to the ROPA Method be registered as the child of both mothers?
Children born from this procedure can be registered as children of both women in the Civil Registry, provided that both women are married or in a common-law relationship and have given their informed consent prior to treatment.
What happens to the unused embryos?
As in other reproductive procedures, the remaining embryos that have not been transferred are frozen. The treatment includes free maintenance for two years.
Is it normal to experience spotting as the date of the pregnancy test (Beta) approaches?
It is common. Up to 80% of patients who undergo embryo transfer may have vaginal spotting that can even be confused with the onset of menstruation or embryo implantation. For this reason, vaginal bleeding at this time does not allow us to determine whether the pregnancy test will be positive or negative. You must continue taking all medication and follow the guidelines without varying the dosage until you have the results of the pregnancy test. In case of spotting, it is recommended not to have sexual intercourse and not to do high-intensity sports. Bed rest is not necessary.
How long will I have to stay on the medication if I am pregnant?
Each patient has a personalised therapeutic plan that is tailored to their individual needs. This means that some medications may be stopped at week 12, for example, but others will be maintained throughout the entire pregnancy. Once discharged from the clinic, we send you a report by email explaining to you how long you will need to continue taking each medication.