Why is there concern about the use of diethylstilbestrol?

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Daughters exposed to diethylstilbestrol also have a higher risk of infertility, vaginal adenosis, and abnormalities of the fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus. “There has been a questionable increase in breast cancer [incidence] in DES daughters”, adds Raymond Kaufman (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, US).

What are the side effects of diethylstilbestrol?

Side-effects of the treatment include feeling sick (nausea), swollen feet and ankles and an increased risk of blood clots. Impotence and breast enlargement can occur in men.

What are the post DES problems of daughters?

Compared with women who were not exposed to the drug, DES daughters are at higher risk for ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, miscarriage, and preterm delivery. They also have a slightly increased risk of infertility. Make sure your clinician knows you are a DES daughter.

Can humans take stilbestrol?

CAUTIONS: Some estrogens have been associated with bone marrow suppression and an increased risk of mammary tumors. WARNINGS: FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS PREPARATION TO ANIMALS THAT PRODUCE FOOD OR THAT ARE INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION AS FOOD. Not for Human use.

Is diethylstilbestrol a carcinogen?

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is the first carcinogen to have been shown to cross the placenta and cause cancer in the offspring. Between 1940 and the early 1970s millions of pregnant women were given DES, the first synthetic estrogen, in the mistaken belief that it would prevent complications of pregnancy.

Can DES cause birth defects?

DES was found to be a teratogen and carcinogen, which caused serious birth defects when taken in the first trimester of pregnancy during the formation of the fetal genitalia.