What was the original use of diethylstilbestrol?

What was the original use of diethylstilbestrol?

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is an artificially created hormone first synthesized in the late 1930s. Doctors widely prescribed DES first to pregnant women to prevent miscarriages, and later as an emergency contraceptive pill and to treat breast cancer.

Why is diethylstilbestrol contraindicated in pregnancy?

The FDA’s Administrator then announced that diethylstilbestrol products were to be labelled with a warning that diethylstilbestrol was contraindicated in pregnancy and should not be given to pregnant women because of risk of the cancer in the offspring [25].

Why is there concern about the use of diethylstilbestrol?

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).

When was DES taken off the market?

It wasn’t until 1971 that the FDA discovered DES could cause several serious health concerns, including a rare vaginal cancer in girls and women. After that, the drug was taken off the market. An estimated five to 10 million were exposed to DES in the womb from 1938-1971.

Can DES cause birth defects?

In addition to its carcinogenic properties, DES is a known teratogen, an agent capable of causing malformations in daughters and sons who were exposed in utero.

How quickly does diethylstilbestrol work?

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, and improvements in clinical signs should follow.

Does DES cause infertility?

Problems getting pregnant The largest study of fertility found that 28% of women who had been exposed to DES didn’t get pregnant after trying for at least 12 months, compared with 16% in women who were not exposed to DES. At least part of this difference seems to be caused by changes in the shape of the uterus.