Welcome to DES Action Ireland

We are a national, voluntary consumer organisation dedicated to informing the public about DES (diethylstilbestrol) and helping DES exposed individuals. We publish a twice-yearly newsletter and hold an annual general meeting where DES exposed people can meet and share experiences.

DES Ad from 1957

This ad appeared in a major medical journal in 1957. The small print at the bottom reads:

"Recommended for routine prophylaxis in ALL pregnancies... 96 per cent live delivery with desPLEX in one series of 1200 patients - bigger and stronger babies, too. No gastric or other side effects with desPLEX - in either high or low dosage."

DesPLEX is a US brand name for Stilboestrol.

It is now known that DES exposure is related to health problems in the children of the women who took it, and in the women themselves. If you were exposed to DES, you may need special health care.