ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner): Shared Motherhood for Lesbian Couples

What is ROPA?

Reciprocal IVF also called ROPA is a trendy option for Lesbian Couples to share motherhood and be involved in the IVF process. The ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) method is uniquely designed for married lesbian couples who wish to actively participate in Fertility Treatment including Embryo Generation and carrying the pregnancy.  

Undergoing IVF for the lesbian couple is a little bit more complicated, simply because there are a few different ways that the cycle can occur. That is why the unique IVF cycle was created to enable sharing the motherhood journey. In the classic IVF cycle, one partner or both partners may undergo IVF using own oocytes fertilized with the donor’s sperm. Unlike the standard IVF cycle, Reciprocal IVF involves both partners — one woman donates her oocytes, and the other woman is carrying a pregnancy. 

Who is it for? 

• Married lesbian couples wishing to share motherhood

When to try Reciprocal IVF?

Whilst it is not yet possible to create an embryo by combining two oocytes, reciprocal IVF may just be the coolest way for the lesbian couple to make a baby and share the motherhood. 

How long does Reciprocal IVF take?

On average, it should take between 4 to 6 weeks to complete one cycle of reciprocal IVF. But in some cases the ROPA timeline can take longer, depending on age, underlying Infertility Diagnosis, Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Protocol, fertility drugs, number of Egg Retrievals, Preimplantation Genetic Testing, number of Mock and Actual Embryo Transfers, and other underlying fertility concerns. 

Reciprocal IVF Success Rates

Reciprocal IVF has similar success rates to standard IVF with a heterosexual couple. Statistically, the chances of getting pregnant are around 50 to 79% per cycle depending on the case.