What is partner’s egg retrieval?
Partner’s egg retrieval, or more commonly known as ROPA, is an assisted reproduction treatment focused on same-sex couples formed by women. It consists of an in vitro fertilization technique in which one of the women of the couple undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce mature eggs, which are extracted through an ovarian puncture.
Why is it performed?
This method allows both women to actively participate in motherhood, since one will be the biological mother, that is to say, the one who provides the eggs and maintains a genetic link, and the other will be the gestational mother who will give birth to the baby.
This method allows both women to actively participate in motherhood.
What does it consist of?
The process is carried out in a simple way, synchronizing with the monthly cycle of both women through hormonal treatments and ultrasound controls. In addition, the biological mother will undergo the following:
- Daily ovarian stimulation by means of subcutaneous injections, for 10-12 days.
- Ovarian puncture to extract the eggs. This is performed under anesthesia, so no discomfort is felt. As for the recipient mother, the uterus has to be prepared by pills and/or skin patches and later the best embryos fertilized with donor sperm will be transferred. The resulting embryos transferred to the uterus of the other member of the couple, which is the woman carrying the pregnancy, is performed using the same procedures as in a conventional treatment.
Preparation for the reception of the couple’s oocytes
Prior to the intervention, it is important to carry out a study of both women to observe the results of which of the two is more fertile in order for the technique to be successful. Studies show that it is better for the younger woman to provide the eggs, since fertility decreases progressively with age. However, other factors related to sterility must also be ruled out.
Care after the operation
You can lead a normal life avoiding heavy physical exertion. In addition, it is recommended to continue with your daily activities in order to focus your attention on interests that have nothing to do with pregnancy. In specific cases, the specialist in gynecology may recommend following more precise indications depending on the patient. It is important not to become obsessed with the result. The risks are usually the same as with other traditional in vitro fertilization methods. However, ovarian stimulation syndrome can occur when stimulating the ovaries, although with the new protocols the risk is minimal.
Alternatives to this treatment
There are other methods of assisted reproduction, although not all involve the same characteristics:
- In vitro fertilization with donor sperm.
- Microinjection of donor sperm into the oocytes (ICSI).
- In vitro fertilization with double donation: of eggs and sperm.
- Embryo donation