Facts About DES
If You Were Born Between 1938 and 1971 or
Pregnant Then, Yo Could Be Exposed to Drug DES.
National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Institutes of Health
DES
(Di-ethyl-stil-bes-trol)
DES (Di-ethyl-stil-bes-trol) is a drug that was given to millions of pregnant
women primarily from 1938-1971. Women who took the drug and the children
they carried were exposed to DES. If you were exposed, you may need special
health care.
DES Daughters
Women exposed to DES before birth
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
- Pregnanacy problems (ectopic pregnanacy, premature labor) and infertility.
- Rare cancer of the vagina or cervix.
WHAT TO DO
- Find out if you are DES exposed and tell your doctor
- Get the recommended pelvic exam every year.
- Learn what is involved in the recommended
pelvic exam for DES daughters. The exam includes special screening procedures
for vaginal cancer.
- Visit your doctor as soon as you think you may be pregnant. You need
a blood test and exam in the first weeks of pregnanacy to be sure your pregnancy
is in the uterus. This simple step could save your life.
- Get high risk obstetric care to detect possible premature labor.
- Get a second opinion from a doctor experienced in caring for DES daughters
whenever surgery on reproductive organs is recommended.
- Stay informed about new research findings.
WHY DO IT
- Early detection and treatment of cancer saves lives. With proper care
most DES daughters have successful pregnancies.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
- Small increase in breast cancer risk.
WHAT TO DO
- Get mammograms every 1-2 years after age 50, and yearly breast exams
by your doctor. Examine your breasts for lumps monthly.
- Tell DES-exposed children that they may need special medical care even
if they have no health problems.
- Stay informed about new research findings.
WHY DO IT
- Early detection and treatment of breast cancer saves lives and may reduce
the extent of surgery needed.
DES Sons
Men exposed to DES before birth
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
- Undescended testicles
- Non-cancerous lumps on back of the testicles (epididymal cysts).
- Possible fertility problems with high dose exposure.
WHAT TO DO
- Find out if you DES exposed and tell your doctor
- Examine your testicles for lumps and report suspicious findings to your
doctor.
- Discuss any fertility concerns with your doctor.
- Stay informed about new research findings.
WHY DO IT
- New research findings may apply to you; you may need special heatlh
care.
- If found early, testicular cancer can be successfully treated.
Find out if you were exposed to DES.
Ask your mother (when possible), and get
your medical records.
a DES Ad from 1957
This ad appeared in a major medical journal in 1957. 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.
