Shared Motherhood IVF

Shared Motherhood IVF is an inclusive approach to fertility that is designed for same sex female couples. Also known as Reciprocal IVF or the ROPA method, which stands for ‘Reception of Oocytes from the Partner’, it involves one partner providing the eggs while the other carries the pregnancy.

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Shared Motherhood IVF

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What is Shared Motherhood IVF and How Does it Work?

Shared Motherhood IVF is a form of IVF that involves one partner undergoing ovarian stimulation and egg collection, while the other partner undergoes embryo transfer and carries the pregnancy. This allows both partners to be physically and emotionally engaged throughout the journey towards becoming parents.

The treatment process is very similar to IVF cycle, with donor sperm used to fertilise the eggs within our embryology laboratory.

Am I Suitable for Shared Motherhood IVF?

Shared Motherhood IVF is designed for lesbian couples who wish to create a family:

Both of you wish to have a biological connection to the child and wish to be actively involved in conception and pregnancy
One partner is able to provide eggs
The other partner is medically suitable to carry a pregnancy
Donor sperm is being used as part of treatment

The Shared Motherhood Process Step by Step

Ovarian stimulation (egg provider partner):
The aim of the stimulation phase is to encourage the ovaries of the egg provider partner to develop multiple follicles containing mature eggs. During this stage, medications are used to stimulate egg development and temporarily suppress the body’s natural hormone signals to prevent premature ovulation before egg collection.

Hormone injections are usually taken at home for around 9 to 14 days. Throughout treatment, response to stimulation is carefully monitored using ultrasound scans and, where required, blood tests. This allows medication doses to be personalised and helps determine the optimal timing for egg collection.
Trigger injection (egg provider partner):
Once the follicles have reached the appropriate stage of development, you will be advised to take a carefully timed “trigger injection”. This injection helps the eggs complete their final stage of maturation prior to collection. The timing of the trigger injection is extremely important, as egg collection is usually performed approximately 34 to 36 hours later. Our team will provide clear instructions regarding the exact timing and administration of the medication.
Egg collection (egg provider partner):
Once the follicles have reached an appropriate stage of development, the eggs are collected via a straightforward, minor surgical procedure performed under deep sedation. Using ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is passed through the vaginal wall into the ovaries to collect the fluid from the developed follicles. The procedure takes around 20 to 30 minutes. After collection, the eggs are transferred to our team of embryologists in our state-of-the-art lab, where they are identified, assessed and prepared for fertilisation.
Embryo development:
The eggs are fertilised in the laboratory with sperm from your partner or a donor. In conventional IVF, eggs and prepared sperm are combined within a specialised culture dish. In some cases, we may recommend Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is carefully injected into the egg. The embryos are kept within carefully controlled time-lapse incubators, allowing continuous assessment of the development while maintaining a stable laboratory environment. Our embryology team monitors embryo development over the next five to six days to help identify embryos with the highest developmental potential.
Endometrial preparation (birth partner):
Whilst the egg provider partner undergoes ovarian stimulation, the birth partner usually begins preparation for embryo transfer.

This typically involves treatment with oestrogen and progesterone to prepare the lining of the uterus and create the most suitable environment for implantation. Ultrasound scans may be performed during treatment to assess the thickness and appearance of the endometrium and help optimise the timing of embryo transfer.

If a frozen embryo transfer is planned, endometrial preparation will instead take place in the treatment cycle when the embryo transfer is scheduled.

The exact treatment protocol will be tailored to your individual circumstances and discussed with your fertility specialist.
Embryo transfer (birth partner):
Following embryo development, the selected embryo is transferred into the uterus of the birth partner. This is a quick and straightforward procedure that does not usually require sedation.

A fine catheter is used to place the embryo within the uterine cavity under ultrasound guidance. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, after which normal daily activities can usually be resumed.

Following embryo transfer, there is typically a two-week wait before taking a pregnancy test.

FAQs

Will I need a fertility assessment for Shared Motherhood IVF?

Yes. Before treatment, both partners will undergo a thorough fertility assessment and screening to help determine the most appropriate treatment approach, including which partner’s eggs are most suitable to use and which partner will carry the pregnancy.

Do I need to find a sperm donor?

You will need donor sperm for Shared Motherhood IVF. Our team will support and guide you through the process of selecting a suitable donor from one of our partnered sperm banks. We will also organise specialist counselling so you can talk through the emotional, practical and legal implications of using donor sperm.

Will both my partner and I legally be the parents?

In the UK, the person who gives birth is automatically recognised as a legal parent. If you are married or in a civil partnership at the time of your treatment, then both partners are recognised as the child’s legal parents. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, you both need to sign additional consent forms before treatment to ensure you are recognised as legal parents. We will guide you through this process.

What is the success rate of Shared Motherhood IVF?

Success rates for Shared Motherhood IVF are broadly similar to standard IVF treatment. The main factors affecting success include the age and egg quality of the partner providing the eggs, embryo development, and the overall reproductive and general health of the partner carrying the pregnancy.

Shared Motherhood IVF

Shared Motherhood IVF

What is Shared Motherhood IVF and How Does it Work?

Am I Suitable for Shared Motherhood IVF?

The Shared Motherhood Process Step by Step

Ovarian stimulation (egg provider partner):

Trigger injection (egg provider partner):

Egg collection (egg provider partner):

Embryo development:

Endometrial preparation (birth partner):

Embryo transfer (birth partner):

FAQs

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