WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN ABOUT DES
DES is a drug that was given to millions of pregnant women primarily
from 1938 to 1971. You are a DES daughter if your mother took DES while
she was pregnant with you. While most DES daughters do not have obvious
symptoms, DES can cause serious health problems for some women who were
exposed before birth. Fortunately, there are special steps DES daughters
can take that may protect their health.
ARE YOU A DES DAUGHTER?
To find out if you are a DES daughter:
- Ask your mother (if possible) whether she took any medications while
she was pregnant with you.
- Try to confirm your exposure by requesting your mother's medical records.
You can learn more about how to do this by reading The
Basic Booklet in this series.
- If you know the names of medications your mother took, check the list
on the inside back cover.
- Call one of the DES consumer organizations
for more information.
Summary of Concerns
Pregnancy
DES daughters have an increased risk for pregnancy problems. They need special
care during pregnancy even if they have already had children. You can learn
about the pregnancy care you need on page 16. With proper care, most DES
daughters can have successful pregnancies.
Infertility
Most DES daughters have no problem becoming pregnant, but some may have
an increased risk for infertility.
Evaluation for infertility is not routine. It is recommended only when a
woman has had problems getting pregnant. For
more information, click here.
Cancer
DES daughters have an increased risk for a rare form of vaginal or cervical
cancer called clear cell cancer. They may also be at an increased risk for
abnormal cell changes on the cervix, which often should be treated.
DES daughters of all ages need regular pelvic exams. The recommended pelvic
exam is somewhat different than the one for non-exposed women. You
can learn about this exam by clicking here. Keep in mind that early
detection and treatment of cancer saves lives.
WHAT TO DO
If you know you are DES-exposed (or think you might be):
- Tell your doctor, and get the recommended pelvic exam for DES daughters
at least once a year.
- Learn what is involved in the recommended pelvic exam for DES daughters
(see page 23).
- Discuss your pelvic exam with your doctor. The recommended exam for
DES daughters is somewhat different from the routine exam for other women.
- Visit your doctor as soon as you think you may be pregnant to be sure
you get the medical care you need early in pregnancy. You need special care
even if you have already had a successful pregnancy.
- Get a regular mammogram every one to two years beginning at age 50.
Before that, discuss your individual breast cancer risk with you doctor
to develop a program for breast cancer screening. Practice monthly breast
self-examination.
- Ask for a second opinion from a doctor experienced in caring for DES
daughters whenever any surgery on the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes or
uterus is recommended.
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