Victorian woman in IVF miracle
A Melbourne woman is expecting twins seven years after having both of her ovaries removed as part of cancer treatment.
The once infertile woman, known only by her first name Vali, has achieved her seemingly impossible dream of becoming a mother thanks to pioneering treatment which kick started her fertility.
Vali had a small piece of ovarian tissue removed and then frozen before her second ovary was removed as part of cancer treatment.
In a world-first, IVF researchers at Melbourne IVF and the Royal Women's Hospital then grafted the ovarian tissue to Vali's abdominal wall.
After IVF treatment, she started to produce healthy eggs which were then retrieved, fertilised and two embryos implanted into her uterus.
Vali is now 25 weeks into her pregnancy and is expecting twin girls.
Scientists say it is an 'overwhelming achievement'.
"I think we all had a big cry together," Professor Kate Stern of Melbourne IVF said.
The mum-to-be and partner Dean agree.
"It's amazing the medical and scientific breakthroughs - it's almost science fiction," Dean said.
The successful twin pregnancy is conclusive proof that ovarian tissue can function normally outside its usual environment within a woman's reproductive system.
More than 300 Victorians have ovarian tissue stored at the Royal Women's Hospital.
Professor John McBain, of Melbourne IVF, said: "It is important for all of those women and young women who do develop cancer that this treatment is now successful."
The couple's miracle twins are due a week before Christmas.
"It's phenomenal, I never dreamt it would be possible," Dean said.
