The extraction of gonadotropins from urine was first achieved by Piero Donini in 1949. However, it was Bruno Lunenfeld who successfully introduced menotropins into clinical use in 1961 . Initially, menotropin preparations contained FSH and LH in a 1:1 ratio. Over time, it was recognized that FSH plays a more critical role in follicle stimulation, leading to the development of newer preparations with a higher FSH/LH ratio .
hMG is used in various fertility treatments, including:
While hMG is effective, it carries a theoretical risk of infection due to its derivation from human urine. However, no irrefutable evidence has demonstrated infectivity from such products . Recombinant gonadotropins, produced through genetic engineering, offer an alternative to hMG. These recombinant versions provide pure FSH or LH without other proteins that may be present in urinary-derived preparations .