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

What to read this summer: Greek Australian writers recommend their favourite books

The Greek Herald asked some of the Greek Australian community’s favourite writers for their recommendations on what to read this summer.

Chris Lucas declares Sydney the hottest hospitality market in Australia

Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas has opened Grill Americano in Sydney’s Chifley Square, his latest venue after Chin Chin.

Celebrating the legacy of the Anemones Dance Group

We recently celebrated the remarkable journey of the Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs and our beloved dance group, Anemones.

Call to preserve Greek migrant stories: Community invited to join ‘Our People, Their Stories’

Australia’s Greek community is being invited to play an active role in preserving one of its most valuable assets - its collective memory.

Greek rapper Negros Tou Moria earns spot on best albums list

The Guardian has named Negros Tou Moria’s album Mavri Ellada (Black Greece) among its 10 best global albums of 2025.

You May Also Like

George Logothetis named Table Tennis Australia’s Coach of the Year

George Logothetis has been named the 2022 Community Coach of the Year by Table Tennis Australia and is the first ever recipient of the award.

Remembering well-known Greek actor, Dimitris Horn

The leading actor of Greek theatre and cinema in the mid 1900's, Dimitris Horn was born on March 9, 1921 in Athens.

Australian rally rider finishes strong at gruelling Hellas Rally despite broken bones

Andrew Houlihan overcame a serious crash and injuries to finish strongly in the second round of the FIM European TT Rally Championship.