Tackling the aftermath faced by the daughters of DES

Although the number of women who have been exposed to diethylstilboestrol (DES) in the womb is relatively small (about 10,000 in the UK) professionals should be aware of the possible associated problems. The situation is very different in other countries. For example, in the Netherlands DES was in use until 1975 and up to that time more than 300,000 people were exposed. Throughout Europe and the USA the drug was in widespread use, giving thousands of women and their children unnecessary problems. The situation is very serious and has been compared to the scandal of Thalidomide exposure. In both cases the drug was used before proper toxicity tests had been carried out and its use continued long after the side-effects to the unborn child had become apparent. Therefore, it is important for professionals to make themselves aware of the problems associated with DES.