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Effects of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure
Topic Overview
Between 1948 and 1971, millions of women took a drug called Reference diethylstilbestrol (DES) Opens New Window 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 Reference abnormal Pap test Opens New Window result.
- Cancer of the vagina.
- Structural problems in the reproductive organs (such as a T-shaped uterus), which can cause infertility.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 12, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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