Effects of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure
Topic Overview
Between 1948 and 1971, millions of women took a drug called
diethylstilbestrol (DES)
to prevent miscarriage.
Daughters born to women who took DES while pregnant have a slightly higher risk of developing:
- Abnormal cervical cells that cause an
abnormal Pap test
result.
- Cancer of the vagina.
- Structural problems in the reproductive organs (such as a T-shaped uterus), which can cause infertility.
Credits
Current as of: April 29, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Kevin C. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Current as of: April 29, 2020
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Kevin C. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology