Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women in the mid-20th century to prevent miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. Despite being later found ineffective for these purposes, DES was widely used for several decades. Unfortunately, it was discovered that DES exposure during pregnancy could have harmful effects on the offspring, including an increased risk of reproductive tract abnormalities, infertility, and certain cancers. The health effects of DES exposure can extend across generations, impacting the children (known as DES daughters and DES sons) of women who took the drug during pregnancy. While DES is no longer prescribed for pregnancy-related purposes, its legacy continues to shape understanding of prenatal drug exposure and the importance of drug safety during pregnancy.