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

Greece records longest working week in the EU, Eurostat data shows

Workers in Greece recorded the longest average working week in the European Union in 2025, according to new Eurostat figures.

Cannabis use among Greek teens reaches 25-year high

Cannabis use among teenagers in Greece has climbed to its highest level in 25 years, according to new findings released.

Metallica fans shook Athens harder than Iron Maiden, seismologists find

Fans of Metallica generated stronger seismic activity than supporters of Iron Maiden during recent Athens concerts, according to a study.

Investigation underway after historic bell disappears from Pylos fortress

Authorities in southwestern Greece are investigating the disappearance of a commemorative bell from a chapel inside the historic Niokastro fortress in Pylos.

Standoff grows over reopening of Kalavryta’s historic rack railway

A disagreement has emerged between the Greek government and local authorities in Kalavryta over the reopening of the famous Diakofto–Kalavryta rack railway.

You May Also Like

Secretary General for Greeks Abroad meets with Kytherian Association of Australia President

The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis, met with the Kytherian Association of Australia President, Emmanuel Alfieris.

Greece rejects major parts of a US arms package

The Hellenic Armed Forces has refused to accept most of the offered weapon systems from US stockpiles due to high refurbishment costs.

‘Right thing to do’: 100-year-old Les Cook on fighting in Battle of Crete and Greek Campaign

*Les Cook speaks to The Greek Herald’s Giorgos Psomiadis, with the help of Rania Kalimeris. 100-year-old Leslie Cook is a true ANZAC who fought against...