Thinking about Reciprocal IVF and travelling for treatment? Here’s how it works in Denmark (& what to plan for)

Reciprocal IVF is a beautiful approach to family-building that many same-sex female couples in the UK are now considering. 

It allows one partner to use their eggs while the other carries the pregnancy, so that both play a shared role in treatment.

Your Reciprocal IVF Denmark​ guide, at a glance

Denmark has become a popular destination for Reciprocal IVF abroad thanks to progressive legislation, shorter wait times, lower procedure costs and clinics like Maigaard Fertility Clinic – our go-to in Scandinavia with more than 25 years of experience and a strong track record in supporting international patients.

Together with their expert team, we’ve pulled together this guide to Reciprocal IVF in Denmark, the process and timeline, along with a handy checklist for how to prepare as a UK couple.

What is Reciprocal IVF, and is it the same as ROPA?

Reciprocal IVF, sometimes called ROPA IVF (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) in Europe, allows both partners to share in treatment. One partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg collection, and the retrieved eggs are fertilised with donor sperm in the lab. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the other partner’s uterus.

Yes, Reciprocal IVF and ROPA IVF refer to the same process. Some clinics prefer one term over the other, but both describe shared motherhood, where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy.

Why do couples choose Reciprocal IVF abroad?

There are several reasons same-sex female couples from the UK choose to travel abroad for Reciprocal IVF:

• Clear and inclusive legislation in Denmark.
• Access to a wide choice of screened sperm donors.
• Transparent timelines and established protocols.
• Clinics like Maigaard, which have extensive experience supporting couples from the UK.

How does Reciprocal IVF in Denmark work?

The Reciprocal IVF process usually begins with an initial consultation, which can often be carried out online. 

At this stage, your medical history is reviewed and the clinic will talk you through donor options, treatment protocols, and expected timelines.

A typical timeline looks like this:

1. Consultation and planning – Online or in person. Initial blood tests and scans can often be arranged in the UK.
2. Ovarian stimulation – The egg-providing partner starts hormone medication to stimulate the ovaries. This usually takes 10–12 days, with monitoring scans that can be done either in the UK or in Denmark.
3. Egg collection and fertilisation – The partner providing eggs travels to Denmark for this step. The eggs are collected, fertilised with donor sperm, and embryos are cultured.
4. Embryo transfer – Around five days after collection, one embryo is transferred into the carrying partner’s uterus.

From consultation to transfer, the full Reciprocal IVF timeline in Denmark can take a couple of months, depending on donor selection and your cycle.

Choosing a donor – what to know

Selecting a donor is an important part of the process. In Denmark, sperm donation is legal, highly regulated, and donors are extensively screened. 

You can usually choose between an ID-release donor (your child can access identifying information when they turn 18) or a non-ID-release donor (anonymous). 

At Maigaard, you’ll be guided through the options, helping you decide what works best for your family. 

Keen to learn more about the specifics? Read our collab piece on navigating Danish sperm donor law

How to prep before travelling

Before you travel to Denmark, there are several steps you can take in the UK:

• Medical preparation – Both partners will need blood tests, and the partner carrying the pregnancy will require a pelvic scan to assess the uterus. Your local private clinic can often arrange these, if you’d prefer. 
• Legal considerations – In the UK, the partner who gives birth is automatically the legal mother. To ensure both partners have legal parental rights, it’s worth taking early advice on this.
• Logistics – Both partners typically need to travel for egg collection and embryo transfer. Some monitoring can be done locally, reducing the time you need to spend abroad.

What’s the travel timeline and what should you plan for?

For UK couples, most trips to Denmark for Reciprocal IVF involve:

1. One short visit for the initial consultation (though this can often be online).
2. A longer visit of around 7–10 days for egg collection and embryo transfer.

Both partners should be present for these stages, and it’s often preferred so that you can support each other emotionally. 

Denmark is well connected from the UK, with direct flights from most major cities. Many couples plan treatment around work commitments, with spring and autumn being popular times for travel due to lower travel costs and milder weather.

How much is Reciprocal IVF in Denmark?

The cost of Reciprocal IVF in Denmark is usually around £4,300–£6,000 per cycle, excluding donor sperm and medication. 

This compares really favourably to private UK clinics, where the same treatment can range from £6,000–£10,000.

Denmark’s reputation for quality care, patient support, and legal clarity makes it one of the most trusted destinations for Reciprocal IVF abroad.

What follow-up and support can you expect?

After embryo transfer, couples usually return home within a few days. Clinics like Maigaard provide clear instructions for follow-up care, and your local GP or private clinic can support with blood tests or scans. If pregnancy is confirmed, ongoing care continues under your UK healthcare team.

Success rates depend on factors such as age and egg quality, but Danish clinics have results comparable with the best in Europe. Maigaard, for example, has consistently reported excellent outcomes over its 25+ years.

Ready to learn more? Book an initial consultation with Maigaard Fertility Clinic team to chat through your options, explore their network of sperm donors, and find tailored treatment with no wait time.