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

Three Greek Australians included among NT News Woman of the Year 2026 finalists

Forty standout women from across the Northern Territory have been named finalists in the 2026 NT News Woman of the Year awards.

Alexis Theodorou says social media ban for under-16s has failed to make an impact

Four months after its implementation, frustration is growing among parents who say the measure has yet to deliver meaningful results.

Intralot secures new 15-year licence for Victoria gaming machine monitoring system

Intralot subsidiary Intralot Gaming Services (IGS) has secured a new 15-year licence to operate Victoria’s electronic gaming machine.

Greece tightens unemployment rules with new benefit system reform

Unemployed individuals in Greece risk losing their benefits if they reject three consecutive job offers that match their qualifications.

Marble statue of Athena discovered in ancient city of Laodicea in Turkey

A marble statue of Athena has been uncovered during excavations in the ancient city of Laodicea on the Lycus near Denizli.

You May Also Like

From Led Zeppelin to the Flintstones: Inside the Hellenic Motor Museum

The Hellenic Motor Museum is a very eclectic museum in Athens, Greece “influenced by the Guggenheim Museum.”

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

Greek Independence Day after-party at Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum

The Hellenic Museum event, a vibrant party, featured traditional music, dance, food, market stalls, and craft activities for children.