'Progesterex': Horse and human sterilizer, date rape drug, or urban legend?
(1) Dear Alice,
I just received an e-mail that said the rape drugs known as "roofies" are being added now with another drug called progesterex. The e-mail said it was a sterilization pill given to horses that permanently sterilizes a woman, keeping the man's rape a secret.
I did forward the news to the women I e-mail to but later researched for a few minutes and found nothing on the Internet about that particular drug name. Have you heard about it? This makes this date rape problem even more horrifying to women.
Can this be true? It seems too simple. Why would women go thru getting their tubes tied if a pill could do it all?
Please let me know if you can verify this bone chilling e-mail that's circulating.
(2)
Dear Alice,
I have heard of a new drug called "Progesterex" recently being used along with Rohypnol as a date rape drug. I have been told Progesterex is a small pill used by veterinarians to sedate and sterilize horses, but is now being used at frat parties not only to rape, but also to sterilize, so women can't be impregnated with the rapist's sperm. I have also been told that this new drug permanently sterilizes women. Is this true? What information about this do you know?
(3)
Dear Alice,
I just received a forward regarding a new vet. drug called "progesterex." It is supposedly used in vet's offices to sterilize large animals like horses. According to the forward, it is being stolen from these offices and used in conjunction with roofies as the newest version of the "date-rape drug." Together, they allegedly have the effect of amnesia and sterilization of the victim. Is this a fact or just a hoax?
(4)
Alice,
I am a Hall Advisor at another college and just received a forward from a student that says that a drug called Progesterex, which the e-mail claimed to be a drug used to sterilize horses, is being used by rapists in combination with Rohypnol. It goes on to explain that this combination allows a rapist to take advantage of his victim (from the effects of the Rohypnol) without the worry that the woman will get pregnant, thus eliminating a paternity test that could be evidence of the rape. I have been unable to find any information about this drug on the web, and was wondering if there is such a drug and if this should be a concern.
(5)
Dear Alice,
I received an e-mail from my friend about a new date rape drug called Progesterex. The e-mail said that this drug is used by vets to sterilize horses and that it can also be used in conjunction with ROHYPNOL to knock out the victim and then sterilize her forever. I'm having a hard time believing this one but I figured I'd ask. The reason I am asking you is that the e-mail directs the reader to one of your sites where you answered a question about rohypnol (www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0884.html) and having an answer about Progesterex linked in that article may help answer fellow readers' questions about it. Thank you for your time.
Dear Readers,
Your letters are just a sample of the many "Progesterex" postings on the Net. Not included are other notes referencing information passed on by the "hair stylist of a friend's sister-in-law," claiming they heard examples of where the "drug droppings" had occurred.
Much research was done on the matter; no evidence of the existence of such a drug was substantiated by veterinarians, pharmacists, and researchers at the following agencies and institutions:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Cornell University, Equine and Farm Animal Hospital
- University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, New Bolton Center
Further, these experts state that the one equine medication taken orally that tangentially relates to the stated purpose of "Progesterex" is used to temporarily prevent mares from coming into heat (estrus).
Universities and drug education organizations are also not familiar with the supposed drug and its alleged use.
As some of you pointed out in your questions, there are drugs, including Rohypnol and GHB, which have been used to sexually assault and/or burglarize victims. Information about these drugs, along with how to prevent such crimes, is available in the following Q&As:
Go Ask Alice! is not the only place on the "Progesterex" case. Many other educators and health care providers around the country received similar messages, were concerned about what they read, and took action to find out whether or not what they were reading and hearing was legitimate. This isn't the first time that seemingly-implausible situations have popped onto the scene, and it no doubt won't be the last – who's rectum will a gerbil find its way into tomorrow? Whose image, sense of security, and peace of mind will be sacrificed next year just for laughs? Yes, the volume of information and the speed at which it can travel 'round the world sometimes make it more difficult to separate the truth from the crap. Some sound research from reputable resources is a good tool to have along to reach reality.
This current situation certainly seems like a hoax; its creator(s) might be reading this, laughing, and basking in his/her/their fifteen minutes of Internet fame. If so, there are some other things you might try when you next find yourself with some time on your hands: teach kids to read; volunteer at a soup kitchen; raise money for a charity; or, just take a nap.
Originally published Nov 19, 1999
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