Women and men whose mothers took DES while pregnant with them are at high risk for certain reproductive tract cancers and menstrual irregularities. Many DES daughters have an abnormally shaped uterus that can lead to repeated miscarriages. DES sons are prone to cysts in their reproductive tract, undescended testicles, and other fertility problems. Pelvic adhesions are usually caused by surgery or infection. Pelvic adhesions are actually scar tissue that forms between two or more internal organs.
Infertility can occur when the adhesions attach to the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Polycystic ovarian disease is a hormonally based condition characterized by scanty or absence menstruation. The disease usually causes multiple cysts to form in the ovaries. Some men also make antibodies to their own sperm. Immunological infertility can sometimes be treated medically or with assisted reproductive techniques. The theory that immune system abnormalities cause miscarriages is controversial and needs more study.