DES (di-ethyl-stil-bes-trol) is a synthetic estrogen
drug that was given to millions of pregnant women primarily from 1938-1971.
Use of DES during pregnancy was thought to prevent miscarriage and ensure
a healthy pregnancy. DES did not work. Women who took DES and
the children they carried are at risk for certain health problems and may
need special health care.
This ad appeared in a major medical journal in 1957. The small print at
the bottom reads:
"Recommended for routine prophylaxis in ALL pregnancies... 96 per cent
live delivery with desPLEX in one series of 1200 patients - bigger and
stronger babies, too. No gastric or other side effects with desPLEX - in
either high or low dosage."
It is now known that DES exposure is related to health problems in
the children of the women who took it, and in the women themselves. If
you were exposed to DES, you may need special health care.