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
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kevin C. Kiley, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Current as ofMarch 28, 2018
Current as of:
March 28, 2018