Reception of oocytes from the partner, commonly known as the ROPA method , is an assisted reproduction technique that allows female couples to become mothers together, sharing the gestation process in a unique and special way.
Today we share with you the story of Alice and Elise, who choose this path to fulfil their dream of becoming mothers and bringing their daughter into the world.
The desire to share the project.
Alice and Elise considered the traditional methods of artificial insemination and conventional donor IVF in their country. However, they both shared the desire for their future child to have a biological link with each of them.
In France, the ROPA method is not recognised, as the legislation does not allow it, so they had to carry out intensive research until they discovered this technique. The possibility that one of them could contribute the genetic material and the other could gestate the baby convinced them from the start.
Why do it at Barcelona IVF?
The proximity of Spain to their native country was fundamental in their decision. After comparing several clinics in search of the best option, the high success rates of Barcelona IVF in the ROPA method convinced them to take the first step.
In addition to their good results, at Barcelona IVF they found a team that provided them with clear and detailed information about each phase of the process in their mother tongue. They also appreciated the convenience of being able to follow the treatment from France, except at key moments such as the ovarian puncture and the embryo transfer.
What was the most important thing in relation to the selection of the sperm donor?
In Spain, gamete donation is anonymous, which means that only the physical characteristics of the donor can be selected. Since Elise was going to be the egg donor, and therefore the one who would contribute the genetic load, they were assigned a donor with physical characteristics like Alice's. For them, it was essential that their baby should reflect a little of both.
An easier path than they expected.
From the outset, the process was simpler than they had imagined. Elise responded very well to ovarian stimulation. The follow-up scans were carried out in France and, when the optimum moment arrived, she travelled to Barcelona for the egg retrieval.
Meanwhile, Alice began her endometrial synchronisation treatment with oral medication until the time of the transfer, at which point they both travelled back to Barcelona. They used the trip as an opportunity to celebrate, relax and connect even more with the experience.
A moment to remember.
Prior to the transfer, the Barcelona IVF team showed them images of the exact moment when fertilisation took place and the early stages of embryo development. For them, it was a very special moment, in which they felt a deep connection with the new life they were creating together. Nine months later, their daughter was born.
They felt very lucky, aware that the process is not always easy. They also managed to freeze nine embryos, which gives them the possibility of expanding their family in the future.
A sense of family from the start
For Alice and Elise, the most important thing was to live this experience as a true couple's project, a process that would bring them even closer together.
Thanks to the ROPA method, they both felt that they were bringing their daughter into the world together, each with a fundamental role in her gestation. From the first heartbeat to the first embrace, they knew that their bond was unbreakable.
The full testimony of Alice and Elise can be heard in the IN-Fertile Cast podcast ‘Devenir Mamans grâce à la méthode Ropa’ (only available in French).
Dr. Cristina Guix
Gynecologist specialized in fertility at Barcelona IVF
