What Are the Health Risks Associated with DES Exposure?
Health risks associated with DES exposure vary depending on whether the individual was directly prescribed DES or was exposed in utero. Women who took DES during pregnancy have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. The daughters of these women, often referred to as DES daughters, face a higher risk of various health issues, including:
Clear cell adenocarcinoma (a rare form of vaginal and cervical cancer) Structural anomalies of the reproductive tract, such as a T-shaped uterus Increased risk of infertility and pregnancy complications Increased risk of preterm labor and ectopic pregnancy
DES sons, or the male offspring of women who took DES, may experience genital abnormalities and an increased risk of testicular cancer, although these risks are lower compared to DES daughters.
