The method ROPA means Reception of Oocytes from the Couple, in which one of the women provides the eggs (genetic mother) and the other woman will carry out the pregnancy (pregnant mother). Next, we will see the 5 stages that make up this innovative method of assisted reproduction that allows two women to carry out a co-maternity of a pregnancy.
To start the method ROPA, it is necessary to determine which woman will provide the ovules and which will carry the pregnancy. This is a decision that can be made together with the specialist, and take into account data such as her age and ovarian reserve. Usually, the couple has already made this decision prior to the consultation appointment.
If you are interested in learning more about this process, Dr. Marcos Azulay, Medical Director of Azul Fertility Experts, made a interview for the newspaper La Nación.
Ovarian stimulation
The woman who will give the eggs will have to go through a Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (EOC). The EOC begins with oral medication and hormones in low doses in order for the ovary to produce more oocytes than in a natural cycle.
This period lasts between 10 and 12 days.
follicular puncture
Also, the donor woman must undergo a surgical intervention called Ovarian or Follicular Puncture. This is done to remove the eggs from the ovaries before ovulation occurs.
This intervention lasts 20-30 minutes, under mild anesthesia, a needle is inserted vaginally, and the follicular fluid where the ovules are found is aspirated.
Endometrial preparation
Simultaneously, the woman who will carry out the pregnancy must prepare her endometrium so that it grows and has the appropriate thickness. For this, it is necessary for her to receive estrogen and progesterone.
At this point, the couple will already have chosen the sperm donor that best suits their needs. That said, you can move on to the fertilization stage.
Fertilization and Embryo Culture
Fertilization can occur in a conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) or by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The selection of the method or another may also depend on certain characteristics of each patient (age, quality of eggs, among others).
After this, it is necessary to do an embryo culture that lasts between 3 and 6 days.
Embryo Transfer
Once the pregnant woman's endometrium has the appropriate thickness and appearance, an embryo transfer is scheduled. This is the name given to the process of depositing the highest quality embryo in the uterine cavity.
