Gynecologic operative experience in women exposed to DES in utero.
A review of 309 women exposed to DES in utero revealed 43 major gynecologic procedures, excluding cesarean section, in 33 women (11%) with a mean age of 24.3 years. Pelvic adhesions (54%), ovarian cysts (36%), and ectopic pregnancies (21%) were the major operative findings; no invasive gynecologic malignancies were identified. Eight of the women required at least one additional operative procedure, primarily for pelvic adhesions. In those with DES-related cervicovaginal changes, the incidence of operative procedures was 23%. New problems associated with in utero DES exposure continue to be revealed as affected progeny are studied in more detail. These findings suggest an additional problem--an increased incidence of clinically evident adnexal disease involving adhesions, benign ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancies.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
D004054:Diethylstilbestrol