ROPA Method: Who Will the Baby Look Like?
For female couples who wish to start a family, reproductive medicine offers options such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and egg donation, along with the ROPA method, or “Reception of Partner’s Eggs.” But what does the ROPA method involve?[1]
What is the ROPA method?
The ROPA method offers both women in the couple the opportunity to actively participate in the pregnancy. One will be the biological mother, who provides the genetic material, while the other will be the gestational mother.
The process involved in this technique is the same as in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The role each partner adopts depends on their preference.[1]
In Mexico, the ROPA Method and other assisted reproduction techniques have been practiced in clinics and hospitals for over four decades, but access and regulation of these procedures are still evolving.[1-3]
Can all female couples access this technique?
Since 2006, the Assisted Reproduction Law recognizes both mothers as biological parents. Therefore, both have the same legal rights and obligations toward the newborn, regardless of their marital status.[1]
It is recommended that the younger woman donates her eggs, as they will generally be of better quality, increasing the chances of success.
The woman who will carry the embryo must have a uterus free of fibroids or malformations that could complicate the pregnancy. It is also advised that she does not have autoimmune diseases, hypertension, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders.[2]
The woman donating the eggs will undergo the following medical tests:[1-3]
- Blood analysis with hormonal testing to assess ovarian reserve and serology tests to rule out transmissible infectious diseases.
- Gynecological ultrasound to evaluate the internal reproductive organs, uterus, and ovaries.
- Karyotype (chromosomal analysis) to screen for genetic or chromosomal diseases.
For the gestational woman, the necessary medical tests are:
- Gynecological ultrasound to assess the uterus.
- Blood analysis with serology to rule out transmissible diseases.
How is the process of the ROPA method?
- Initial consultation: A specialist will assess the health status of both women and conduct the necessary tests to begin the process.[3]
- Ovarian stimulation: The woman donating the eggs will undergo ovarian stimulation through hormonal medication to help produce follicles. The goal is to collect as many as possible, from which a selection will be made.
- Follicular puncture: Once the follicles reach the desired size and quantity, a hormone is administered to mature the eggs. Then, a minor procedure is performed under sedation to extract the eggs from the donor.[2-3]
- Fertilization of the eggs: The collected eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with sperm from an anonymous donor chosen for compatibility.
- Embryo culture: After fertilization, the embryos are cultured for three to six days before being ready for transfer.
- Endometrial preparation: The gestational mother receives hormonal treatment to thicken the endometrium using estrogen and progesterone, facilitating the embryo’s implantation.[3]
- Embryo transfer: Once the gestational mother’s endometrium is ready, the embryo is transferred to the uterus in a painless, quick procedure. Typically, one embryo is transferred, but in specific cases, two may be transferred.
- Freezing of surplus embryos: Embryos that are not transferred can be cryopreserved for future use—whether for additional attempts if the first cycle is unsuccessful or for expanding the family. They can also be donated to other couples or used for research.[2-4]
- Pregnancy test: Fifteen days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to detect the hormone betaHCG, confirming whether the treatment has been successful.
What are the advantages of the ROPA Method?
- Active participation of both women: This not only strengthens the bond between the partners but also with the child they are raising.[2-4]
- Solution to medical issues: It offers hope to women who have previously been unable to conceive. Combined with other reproductive medicine alternatives, it becomes a viable option.[4]
- High success rates: The success rates of the ROPA Method are high, thanks to the possibility of combining treatments such as egg donation, sperm donation, and fertility preservation.[5-6]
- An option for diverse families: It represents an important step toward the inclusion of same-sex couples in fertility treatments.[1-3]
In the ROPA method, both women influence the baby’s physical characteristics. While one provides the genetic material, the gestational mother also imprints on the baby’s DNA.
What is UR-Crea, and how can we help if you have infertility issues?
At UR Crea Reproductive Medicine, we have over 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction services. We offer different types of treatments based on your needs, which is why we perform a diagnostic protocol that is key to helping you.
Our network consists of a team of specialists in gynecology and obstetrics, reproductive biology, embryology, perinatology, anesthesiology, and nursing staff—all trained to provide excellent care to patients.
We nurture the dreams of those who long to become mothers and fathers. That’s why we offer a trusting environment based on the ethics and professionalism of our team, who provide personalized and compassionate care. Come and meet us!
References:
- Quirón Salud. The adventure of becoming a mother. Available at: https://www.quironsalud.com/blogs/es/aventura-madre/compartir-maternidad-posible-gracias-metodo-ropa
- Blogs Mapfre. ROPA Method: What it is, pros and cons. Available at: https://www.salud.mapfre.es/salud-familiar/mujer/planificacion-familiar/metodo-ropa/
- Farmacia Medifert. ROPA Method: Share Motherhood as a Couple. Available at: https://farmacia.medifert.com.mx/blog/metodo-ropa/?utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&ctf_src=x&ctf_net=adwords&ctf_mt=&ctf_grp=&ctf_ver=1&ctf_cam=20344686854&ctf_kw=&ctf_acc=9769720342&ctf_ad=&ctf_tgt=&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjO3TlWOuNn0sPlGXRbucRbs8cRej-f0XCPI4pvFDPPg3fcg3c7cfixoCEBoQAvD_BwE
- UR-Crea website. ROPA Method. Available at:https://ur-crea.mx/en/treatment/ropa-method/
- UR-Crea website. Egg Donation. Available at: https://ur-crea.mx/tratamientohttps://ur-crea.mx/en/treatment/egg-donation//ovodonacion/
- UR-Crea website. Fertility Preservation. Available at:https://ur-crea.mx/en/treatment/fertility-preservation/
