In a very rare case, a woman with predominantly male chromosomes and an under-developed uterus has given birth to twins, doctors said here.
According to Dr Sunil Jindal, in-charge of a fertility centre here, a woman with XY chromosomes, which are found in men, gave birth to healthy twins on February 6.
The woman, who is from Haryana, had first visited the centre with her husband three years ago as she had not conceived seven years after marriage.
He said during the course of examination it was found that the woman had both X and Y set of chromosomes. Her physical appearance was of a woman but she had an under- developed uterus and did not posses either ovaries or female hormones.
Jindal said as the women had male chromosomes she never menstruated. Her uterus was developed by giving hormones and the woman started menstruating at 33 years of age.
After ovum donation, the eggs were fertilized with the sperms of her husband and the fertilised embryo was planted in her womb.
Doctors said since her body was almost 'genetically male', the biggest challenge in the case was how to keep the fetus in her uterus for nine months.
According to his wife, Dr Aashu Jindal, this problem was solved by administration of hormones from outside.
She said they encountered some problems in the process. Before the delivery her blood pressure was on the rise and the growth of the fetuses also slowed down as they were twins.
According to the doctors, the research on case has been sent for a conference to be organised by European Society Human Reproduction and Embryology in Lisbon city.
Doctors said that the couple was happy after having the children.
