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Consumers Home > About DES > Known Health Effects: Overview
Known Health Effects

Known Health Effects

 Overview
 Known Health Effects for Women Prescribed DES While Pregnant
 Known Health Effects for DES Daugthers
 Known Health Effects for DES Sons
Overview

Over the years, research has shown that exposure to DES puts both women and men at an increased risk for certain health problems. This means that some, but not all, of the women and men who were exposed to DES will experience one or more DES-related health problems.

The known health effect for women prescribed DES while pregnant is a modestly increased risk for
  • Breast cancer
The known health effects for DES Daughters are an increased risk for
  • Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA), a rare kind of vaginal and cervical cancer
  • Increased risk for clear cell cancer appears to be highest for DES Daughters in their teens and early 20s. However, cases have been reported for DES Daughters in their 30s and 40s (Hatch, 1998).
  • Reproductive tract structural differences (for example, T-shaped uterus)
  • Pregnancy complications, including ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and pre-term (early) delivery
  • Infertility
The known health effect for DES Sons is an increased risk for
  • Non-cancerous epididymal cysts (growths on the testicles)

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