Today, modern medicine offers several advanced treatments for infertility. However, there was a time when a drug derived from the urine of elderly nuns was considered a miraculous cure for women struggling to conceive. This unusual yet groundbreaking discovery helped thousands of women achieve motherhood. Let’s delve into this incredible but true story.
In the 1940s, Italian scientist Piero Donini made a significant breakthrough. He found that two hormones—Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)—played a crucial role in enhancing female fertility. These hormones were found in higher concentrations in postmenopausal women. Based on this discovery, Donini developed a drug called Pergonal, which revolutionized infertility treatments.
The challenge of collecting urine
Producing this medication on a large scale required massive amounts of urine. However, obtaining such a vast quantity proved to be a major challenge. In the 1950s, Jewish scientist Bruno Lunenfeld came across Donini’s research and decided to take it forward. But the question remained—where could they source the required volume of urine?
Recognizing the potential of this drug, a pharmaceutical company expressed interest. However, securing a steady supply of urine remained a significant hurdle. That’s when Giulio Pecelei, a Vatican member, stepped in. He revealed that his uncle, Pope Pius, considered the initiative a noble cause and agreed to facilitate urine collection from elderly nuns living in monasteries across Italy. Soon, tanker loads of urine were transported to laboratories for processing.
First successful birth
The first successful use of Pergonal occurred in 1962 when an Israeli woman gave birth to a healthy baby girl. This marked a major milestone, and by the 1970s, the drug had gained widespread acceptance in countries like the United States.
By 1982, scientists discovered that Pergonal could also help men suffering from low sperm production. The drug proved effective, enabling thousands of men to experience fatherhood.
Controversy over multiple births
One unintended consequence of Pergonal was an increased chance of multiple births. In 1985, an American woman gave birth to seven babies at once. She later sued the hospital and doctors, winning a compensation of approximately $22 million.
By the 1980s, demand for Pergonal skyrocketed, requiring an estimated 30,000 liters of urine daily—an impossible feat. Scientists then turned to synthetic alternatives. In 1995, Gonal-F, the first lab-created version of the hormone, received approval, eliminating the need for nun-derived urine forever.
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