Diethylstilbestrol, or DES, is an estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that is responsible for sexual development in females. From 1940 until 1971 DES was given to certain pregnant women to prevent miscarriages. In the 1960s the drug's effectiveness was questioned and soon DES's safety came under fire. Today, DES is never given to pregnant women because it has been shown to increase the incidence of cervical and vaginal cancers known as clear cell carcinoma in female offspring. Additionally, daughters whose mothers took DES during pregnancy have an increased risk of suffering from irregular menstruation and infertility. Furthermore, these daughters may have more tubal pregnancies, miscarriages and premature deliveries.

Taking DES during pregnancy may also compromise male offspring health by decreasing fertility, increasing the risk of developing testicular cancer and other testicular ailments and abnormalities.

It may be important to see a doctor if your mother received DES during pregnancy. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.