The Wire

Australian Medical Researchers have made a breakthrough that has the potential to vastly improve the lives of some women who are struggling with infertility, or living with damage caused during birth. The discovery of adult stem cells in the uterus, won a major award for the Monash Institute of Medical Research’s Dr Caroline Gargett, at the recent European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Copenhagen. Monash Medical Centre Uro-gynaecologist, Dr Anne Rosamilia says American studies show up to 11% of women will have surgery for prolapse or incontinence in their lifetime, and 29% will need repeat surgery. She says the stem cell discovery has the potential to encourage better healing after surgery and reduce the need for repeat operations.