First woman in Greece gives birth after ovarian tissue transplant

·

A 39-year-old woman in Greece, Irini Koka, made history by giving birth to a baby boy following an ovarian tissue transplant.

According to ekathimerini.com, the baby, weighing 3 kilograms and 20 grams, was delivered via caesarean section.

Irini Koka was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma 16 years ago, and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In 2013, the specific hematological cancer reappeared, only this time she resorted to cryopreservation of ovarian tissue to protect her fertility, before proceeding with the prescribed treatment.

“For the first time in Greek history, a pregnancy and birth of a healthy child were achieved after ovarian tissue transplantation,” said Konstantinos Pantos, her doctor and general secretary of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine.

“Science now enables us to overcome more and more obstacles. With this method, 210 children have been born internationally, since the first child in the world in 2004, with a birth rate of 21%, with similar pregnancy rates, both from natural conception and after IVF,” he added.

“My biggest dream came true. I fought and managed, with the help of the medical team, to win the greatest gift of my life, my baby boy. I would like to say to all women who are going through something similar to me that it is worth trying,” Koka said.

Source: ekathimerini

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

‘Lest we forget’: St Spyridon Parish in Sydney hosts moving ANZAC Day memorial

The St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Parish in Sydney has hosted a special ANZAC Day service, bringing together the community.

Final seats released as Sydney races to witness Mimis Plessas centenary tribute

Final seats have been released at City Recital Hall as demand surges for Sydney’s once-in-a-lifetime centenary tribute to Mimis Plessas.

Open letter urges unity over Hellenic Village as $119.5m sale nears completion

An open letter on the impending Hellenic Village sale urges unity within the Greek community, warning it is a once-in-a-gen opportunity.

Rampant APIA Leichhardt crush Sydney Olympic to surge back into second

APIA Leichhardt delivered a statement performance at Lambert Park, powering to a commanding 4–1 victory over Sydney Olympic.

Lydia Kamperos earns first white apron on MasterChef Australia 2026

Lydia Kamperos has become the first contestant to secure a white apron on MasterChef Australia 2026, earning unanimous praise.

You May Also Like

Australia’s Prime Minister praises Alexandra Vakitsidis for service to Greek community

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Alexandra Vakitsidis OAM during his ministerial trip to Adelaide in September.

Crete named fifth most popular travel destination by Tripadvisor for 2022

The beautiful Greek island of Crete has been named the fifth most popular travel destination for 2022 by travel company, Tripadvisor.

SA’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Chris Kourakis claims top power ranking

Supreme Court Chief Justice Chris Kourakis has claimed the top spot in The Australian's 2023 Law Power rankings.