Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a medicine that was prescribed in the United States until 1971 to prevent miscarriage or premature delivery. It is no longer prescribed because it caused their children to have various medical problems.
These problems may include a slightly increased risk of infertility and changes in the reproductive organs. There is also a slightly higher risk for cancer of the cervix or vagina.
What are the effects of diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure?
People exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth have an increased risk of certain health problems. These problems may include a slightly increased risk of infertility or changes in the reproductive organs. There's also a slightly higher risk for cancer of the cervix or vagina.
DES is no longer used because of these risks.
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