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:
September 8, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kevin C. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology