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

International Day of Dance: The lives of Melbourne’s Greek dance teachers

Dance has long been at the heart of Greek culture, particularly within the traditions of Hellenism that are taught across Australia.

Cyprus recognised at Lakemba ANZAC Service

The 2026 ANZAC Day service at Lakemba brought together veterans, families, students, and civic leaders in a formal commemoration.

Nominees announced for the CYDIA Awards 2026

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum has announced the nominees for the CYDIA Awards® 2026, the annual celebration recognising outstanding achievements.

Why Greeks in Australia are rethinking how they manage property in Athens

Your Athens home may sit empty for months, but problems don’t wait — for many in the diaspora, Home Watch Athens offers peace of mind.

Seminar to examine rise of Metaxas regime and fascist influence in interwar Greece

A public seminar examining the political turmoil and ideological forces that shaped modern Greek history will take place in Melbourne.

You May Also Like

Families speak out after St Basil’s in Victoria fined for COVID safety failures

Families of residents who died during the COVID-19 outbreak at St Basil’s Home for the Aged in Fawkner, Victoria, have spoken out.

The British Museum and the abduction of Persephone

By George VardasAccording to Greek mythology the goddess Persephone was the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of fertility and harvest, and almighty Zeus.  Persephone...

Cyprus Community of NSW unveils 2026 School Holiday Cultural Camps to inspire youth

The Cyprus Community of New South Wales Ltd has announced the launch of its 2026 School Holiday Camp Program from July 13 – July 17, 2026.