ROPA method in Spain

Price of a ROPA Method in Spain

The average cost of the ROPA Method in Spain in Barcelona is 4800 euros. Depending on your needs, the price can vary from 4400 euros to 5000 euros.

PMA	Cost in Euros
IVF ICSI	3100 euros
IVF ICSI Egg donation	3800 euros
IVF ICSI Double egg donation	4100 euros
IVF ICSI Sperm donation	3200 euros
Sperm donation	800 euros
Egg vitrification	2600 euros
Artificial insemination	1000 euros
Embryo donation	3150 euros
ROPA technique (shared maternity)	4800 euros
Guaranteed or reimbursedpregnancy	15,000 euros

What is a ROPA method?

The Spanish clinics in Barcelona offer you not only the best experts, but also the most comprehensive and innovative treatments, such as reciprocal IVF for lesbian couples (ROPA Method). This procedure is an excellent choice for lesbian couples who wish to create a family and allows each partner to participate in the pregnancy process.

HOW DOES RECIPROCAL IVF USING THE ROPA METHOD WORK IN SPAIN?

Reciprocal IVF for lesbian couples works in the same way as standard IVF. The ROPA method in Barcelona, also known as “shared maternity”, stands for “Receiving oocytes from the partner”. Along with artificial insemination, IVF with sperm donation is the usual first-line treatment for same-sex couples wishing to start a family.

Reciprocal IVF differs from standard IVF in that it allows both partners to physically participate in the conception of their child. One of the partners provides the eggs that will be used in IVF, while the other partner will carry the pregnancy as the resulting embryos are transferred to his or her uterus. Both partners play an important role in building their family: one woman is the biological mother of the child (she provides the egg) while the other is the gestational mother (she carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the baby).

Clinics in Spain have developed methods for determining the expected success rate of your fertility treatment. It is free of charge and you will receive the results of your study in advance and always before the start of your treatment, so that you are fully aware of your chances of obtaining a positive result with each treatment cycle.

THE ROPA METHOD IN SPAIN STEP BY STEP

The ROPA method in Spain allows two women to share the childbirth process and comprises the following stages:

1. OVARIAN STIMULATION FOR THE PARTNER PROVIDING THE EGGS

The partner providing the eggs will undergo a cycle of ovarian stimulation and the egg retrieval procedure, which is identical to standard IVF procedures. Ovarian stimulation involves the use of hormones to produce several eggs. In a natural menstrual cycle, a woman produces only one egg. Fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This means that more eggs can be collected for fertilisation.

With more fertilised eggs, there will be a greater choice of embryos to use in your treatment. Regular ultrasound scans, and in some cases hormonal blood tests, will be carried out to monitor follicle growth and ensure optimal response to stimulation.

2. EGG RETRIEVAL

Once the follicles have reached a certain size, measured by ultrasound, you will be given a different hormone to help the eggs mature. After about 36 hours, your eggs are ready to be retrieved. The egg retrieval is carried out in an operating theatre under light anaesthetic (sedation) so that you are completely comfortable and feel no pain during the procedure.

The egg retrieval procedure only takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It is carried out under ultrasound guidance in order to visualise the uterine cavity and reach the ovary and follicles. The procedure is virtually risk-free.

3. FERTILISATION AND EMBRYO CULTURE

The eggs collected are mixed with sperm from your partner or, if applicable, the donor, in the laboratory using a tiny sterile pipette (a glass tube). The next day, they are checked to see if they have been fertilised (a fertilised egg is called a zygote).

4. THE PARTNER WHO WILL CARRY THE PREGNANCY

The partner who will carry the pregnancy is prepared for the embryo transfer. You will undergo a simple, direct treatment to prepare your uterus and endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) for embryo transfer. This treatment will help to keep your uterus in good condition until the transfer takes place. You will be given medication (commonly known as hormone replacement therapy) to thicken the lining of your uterus. Several checks will be necessary to ensure that the preparation is going well.

Both partners must synchronise their menstrual cycles. If synchronisation is not possible, the embryos created can be frozen and transferred to the partner during a subsequent hormonal preparation.

5. EMBRYO TRANSFER

Embryo transfer is the last decisive step in the process of achieving pregnancy after reciprocal IVF. Embryo transfer is a crucial phase of the procedure and is usually carried out 72 hours (3 days) after egg retrieval. A maximum of two embryos will be transferred per procedure.

The embryo transfer process is very simple and is carried out in the operating theatre, just like the egg retrieval. The embryos are placed in the uterus using a thin, flexible tube (embryo transfer catheter) that does not damage the reproductive tract (lining of the uterine cavity). Embryo transfer is painless and requires no sedation or anaesthetic.