What kind of health problems can women and children who were exposed to DES have?
DES (diethylstilbestrol) was used to prevent miscarriages from 1938 to 1971. In 1971, use of DES during pregnancy was related to an increase in the number of clear cell carcinomas of the vagina of female babies. The peak incidence of vaginal cancer in the child was at age 19. Use of the drug was also related to deformities in the development of the uterus that can increase the chance of miscarriage. The women exposed to DES in the uterus may have a problem with the cervix (opening to the uterus) dilating and opening prematurely in the second trimester of pregnancy. DES has not been used in pregnant women since 1971. We do not know whether the women who were exposed while in their mother’s wombs are at risk for development of other cancers. It has been estimated that 5 to 10 million people were exposed to DES during pregnancy. Many of these people are not aware that they were exposed. A woman who was pregnant between 1938 and 1971 and had problems or a history of problems during pregnan
