Women without a male partner can achieve a pregnancy through this assisted reproduction treatment using donor sperm.
Reciprocal IVF (ROPA), also known as co-maternity, means “Reception of Oocytes from Partner”. Through this technique, both women are able to take part in and share the process of pregnancy. One will be the genetic mother and the other the gestational or biological mother. One woman will provide her eggs functioning as the donor, and the other will receive the embryo transfer functioning as the recipient.
What are the steps of the process?
The woman donating must undergo ovarian stimulation in order to collect the eggs to perform In Vitro fertilisation (IVF). Egg collection will be performed under sedation in the operating theatre and lasts for around ten minutes. Once the eggs have been collected, they will be fertilised with the donor sperm and embryonic development will be monitored in the laboratory from here on until their transfer 5 days later.
The woman who will become pregnant must undergo endometrial preparation treatment with oestrogens. This endometrial preparation is performed as the other woman in the couple is undertaking ovarian stimulation. Once the recipient’s endometrium is prepared and the embryos are in the laboratory, they will be transferred into the recipient’s uterus to achieve a pregnancy.
Woman donating the eggs
Synchronisation with the recipient
Ovarian stimulation + gynaecological tests
Egg collection
Donor sperm preparation
In Vitro fertilisation + embryo culture
Woman receiving the eggs
Synchronisation with the donor
Endometrial preparation + gynaecological tests
Embryo transfer to the recipient
How is the treatment performed?
We will tell you everything you need to know.
General information
Which previous tests are necessary for the woman donating eggs?
The woman donating eggs needs to undergo the following diagnostic tests in order to perform Reciprocal IVF:
Hormone test to examine the ovarian reserve
Gynaecological ultrasound to rule out uterine and ovarian diseases
Karyotype to rule out genetic abnormalities which may affect the embryo
Serologic test to rule out the presence of transmissible infectious diseases
Which previous tests are necessary for the woman receiving the embryos?
The woman receiving the embryos must undergo the following diagnostic tests:
Gynaecological ultrasound to rule out uterine and ovarian diseases
Serologic test to rule out the presence of transmissible infectious diseases
Real reviews from our patients
★★★★★4.5 · 555 reviews on Google
★★★★★
We had a great experience with the team at Barcelona IVF. We are a couple of 2 women living in the UK and have been going through the ROPA method. All our questions were answered during the first call and they explained…
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We had a great experience with the team at Barcelona IVF. We are a couple of 2 women living in the UK and have been going through the ROPA method. All our questions were answered during the first call and they explained the whole procedure very clearly. We felt very welcome and taken care of every time we went to the clinic and didn't feel at any point we were just a number. The facilities are really nice and intimate. Every person we met was really lovely and the doctor Carrillo has been amazing. Also very surprised at how many languages the team are speaking! We are now expecting a little boy and couldn't be happier!
★★★★★
We contacted the clinic in March to inquire about the ROPA method. We were taken care of immediately, and a video appointment was scheduled two weeks later with a doctor to answer our questions and explain the next…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
We contacted the clinic in March to inquire about the ROPA method. We were taken care of immediately, and a video appointment was scheduled two weeks later with a doctor to answer our questions and explain the next steps. We received excellent support, even for all our tests (which were done in France). When it came time to start the medication, we were also very well supported, with someone always available to answer our questions. We went to Spain in May for the egg retrieval and embryo transfer five days later. We received excellent support throughout the entire process there. Today, a few months later, we have twins.
Nous avons contacté la clinique en mars pour se renseigner pour la méthode ROPA, nous avons été prises en charge tout de suite, un RDV par visio a été fait deux semaines plus tard avec un médecin pour répondre à nos questions, nous indiquer quelles étaient les marches à suivre. Nous avons été très accompagnées même pour tous nos examens (fait en France). Quand il a fallu commencer les médicaments nous avons été très suivies aussi, toujours quelqu’un pour répondre à nos questions. Nous sommes parties en Espagne en mai pour la ponction et le transfert d’embryon 5 jours plus tard. Toujours très accompagnées là-bas dans tout le processus. Aujourd’hui, quelques mois plus tard, nous avons des jumeaux.
★★★★★
The ROPA method worked for us. The medical follow-up, even from France, was excellent. There was always someone available to answer our questions, guide us, and explain things. The clinic prioritizes medical success…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
The ROPA method worked for us. The medical follow-up, even from France, was excellent. There was always someone available to answer our questions, guide us, and explain things. The clinic prioritizes medical success rather than simply taking money without results, and it shows! The medical staff, the reception staff… everyone is fantastic! Our questions were answered very quickly, and there was always someone available to reassure us and provide information. We wholeheartedly recommend this clinic.
Une méthode ROPA qui a fonctionné pour nous. Un suivi médical, même depuis la France qui était bien à la hauteur. Toujours quelqu’un pour répondre à nos questions, nous orienter, nous expliquer. La clinique privilégie le fait de réussir ce qu’elle entreprend au niveau médical plutôt que de prendre simplement de l’argent sans résultat, et ça se ressent! Le personnel médical, le secrétariat, …, tout le monde est au top! Les réponses à nos questions sont très rapides, toujours quelqu’un de disponible pour nous rassurer, nous informer… On recommande les yeux fermés cette clinique
★★★★★
My wife and I came to have the ROPA method done in March 2024 with Manuela and Dr. Zamora. We received a very warm welcome and excellent patient follow-up despite the distance (we live in Corsica). Everything went…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
My wife and I came to have the ROPA method done in March 2024 with Manuela and Dr. Zamora. We received a very warm welcome and excellent patient follow-up despite the distance (we live in Corsica). Everything went smoothly from the start, although we had a slight scare with placental abruption, but even then, the team reacted quickly and adapted the protocol. Today, we are so proud of our little Charlotte, who was born on December 18, 2024, and fills us with joy. A huge thank you for your dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend this clinic!
Ma femme et moi même, sommes venu faire la méthode ROPA, en mars 2024 avec Manuela et le docteur Zamora. Nous avons été très bien accueillis, avec un très bon suivis patient malgré la distance (nous habitons en Corse) Tout à fonctionné dès le début, avec une petite frayeur du décollement du placenta, mais même là, l’équipe a su réagir et a adapté le protocole. Aujourd’hui nous sommes fière d’avoir notre petite Charlotte qui est née le 18 décembre 2024 et qui nous comble de bonheur. Un grand merci pour votre sérieux et votre professionnalisme. Je recommande vivement cette clinique!!!
★★★★★
At 37 and 40, we chose IVF and the ROPA method to conceive the love of our lives. We received excellent care despite being French, and we are grateful to everyone who supported us throughout this beautiful journey. It…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
At 37 and 40, we chose IVF and the ROPA method to conceive the love of our lives. We received excellent care despite being French, and we are grateful to everyone who supported us throughout this beautiful journey. It was incredible; communication was so easy despite the distance. Every email, every phone call, we always had someone available to answer us at any time. Responsiveness, kindness, gentleness, clarity—truly a wonderful team! After two IVF cycles, our darling baby arrived, and she is perfect ❤️
A 37 et 40 ans, nous avons choisi IVF et la méthode ROPA pour concevoir l'amour de notre vie. Nous avons été très bien suivies bien que françaises, et nous sommes reconnaissantes envers toutes les personnes qui nous ont accompagnées dans notre beau projet. C'était incroyable, la communication a été si facile malgré la distance, chaque mail, chaque coup de téléphone, nous avons toujours eu quelqu'un pour nous répondre à tout moment, réactivité, bienveillance, douceur, clarté, vraiment une équipe formidable! Après 2 FIV, notre bébé d'amour est arrivée et elle est parfaite ❤️
★★★★★
We chose this clinic for the ROPA method. We were first contacted by Emilie (thank you for answering all our questions). We were then put in touch with our lovely medical assistant, Manuela, who is a wonderful and…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
We chose this clinic for the ROPA method. We were first contacted by Emilie (thank you for answering all our questions). We were then put in touch with our lovely medical assistant, Manuela, who is a wonderful and responsive person. Thank you so much for your help and support throughout our journey. Thank you for reassuring Marine when she was anxious. Our doctor, Dr. Zamora, is a very good doctor who knows how to adapt the protocol to each individual. A big thank you to the two other doctors we saw during the check-ups and the transfer, which took place over a weekend. A big thank you to the entire team, the receptionists, and the medical staff. A special mention to the anesthesiologist (Don't Worry, Be Happy!). My wife and I highly recommend this clinic and hope to receive good news in the future. See you soon!
Nous avons choisi cette clinique pour faire la méthode ROPA. Nous avons été d’abord contacté par Emilie (merci d’avoir répondu à toute nos questions) Nous avons été mis en relation avec notre charmante assistante médicale Manuela qui est une personne formidable, et réactive. Je vous remercie grandement pour votre aide et votre suivis tout au long de notre parcours. Merci d’avoir rassuré (Marine quand elle fut angoissée) Notre docteur M Zamora, un très bon médecin qui sait adapter le protocole à chaque personne. Un grand merci aux deux autres docteurs à qui nous avons eu à faire lors des contrôles et du transfère qui c’est fait sur un week-end Un grand merci à toute l’équipe, les agents d’accueil, le personnel médical. Une mention spéciale à l’anesthésiste (Don’t Worry be Happy) Ma femme et moi même recommandons cette clinique et nous espérons voir apporter une bonne nouvelle par la suite. À très bientôt
★★★★★
A modern clinic with expert staff ready to clarify any legal or informational questions regarding the techniques performed. I went for ROPA and now I have my little one here with me :)
Translated from original: Italian
A modern clinic with expert staff ready to clarify any legal or informational questions regarding the techniques performed. I went for ROPA and now I have my little one here with me :)
Clinica moderna, personale esperto pronto a chiarire ogni dubbio sia legale che informativo riguardo le tecniche eseguite. Mi sono rivolta per la ROPA ed ora ho qui con me il mi piccolo :)
★★★★★
A calm and supportive experience, with information provided as we went along. We never felt lost or overwhelmed with information. The support was on a personal level. We used the ROPA method, with two good-quality…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
A calm and supportive experience, with information provided as we went along. We never felt lost or overwhelmed with information. The support was on a personal level. We used the ROPA method, with two good-quality embryos. Just one attempt, and it worked! The pregnancy was idyllic. I think having this method helped me be in better shape to receive the two embryos. A wonderful experience for us as a couple too! We gave birth at 37 weeks and now have two very healthy one-month-old babies. Thank you again for your work! We highly recommend it!
Une prise en charge sereine, des informations au fur et à mesure. Nous ne nous sommes jamais sentie perdu ou envahie d'informations. L'accompagnement est à échelle humaine. Nous avons fait la méthode Ropa, avec deux embryons de bonnes qualités. Une seule tentative et la bonne! La grossesse a été idyllique. Le fait d'avoir fait cette méthode, je pense, m'a permis d'avoir un corps plus en forme pour accueillir les deux embryons. Une belle expérience de couple aussi! Un accouchement à 37 SA et aujourd'hui des puces de un mois en très bonne santé. Encore merci pour votre travail! On recommande+++
★★★★★
I wholeheartedly recommend Barcelona IVF, especially for lesbian couples. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we always received personal and expert care, and in our second attempt, despite some challenges such as being over…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: German
I wholeheartedly recommend Barcelona IVF, especially for lesbian couples. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we always received personal and expert care, and in our second attempt, despite some challenges such as being over 40 and having obesity, we had two beautiful boys after an uncomplicated pregnancy. We are especially grateful to Dr. Pagnini, our attending physician, Dr. Pino Sanchez from the laboratory, as well as Mar and Susana for their loving support via email, telephone, and in person. We are happy and thankful that we took the step of going abroad. Without the treatment in Spain, we would never have been able to become mothers.
Ich empfehle Barcelona IVF uneingeschränkt weiter, besonders für lesbische Paare. Wir wurden trotz Corona Pandemie immer persönlich und kompetent betreut und haben im zweiten Versuch, trotz einiger Widrigkeiten wie Alter über 40 Jahre und Adipositas, nach einer unkomplizierten Schwangerschaft zwei wunderschöne Jungen bekommen. Wir danken besonders Dra. Pagnini, unserer behandelnden Ärztin, Dr. Pino Sanchez aus dem Labor, sowie Mar und Susana für die liebevolle Betreuung per Mail, am Telefon und vor Ort. Wir sind froh und dankbar, dass wir den Schritt ins Ausland gewagt haben. Ohne die Behandlung in Spanien hätten wir niemals Mütter werden können.
★★★★★
Positive results
The success rates for Reciprocal IVF are the same as for In Vitro fertilisation and depend primarily on the age of the woman donating eggs.
Women aged < 35
Aged between 18 and 35
Aged between 39 and 42
What does shared motherhood method treatment include?
