A BRIEF HISTORY OF DES
Just after World War II, having children was especially important to
many couples. DES became available around the time that "wonder drugs"
like penicillin and sulfa had shown astonishing results. It was thought
that DES prevented miscarriage and helped ensure a healthy baby. People
quickly trusted the drug DES. Unfortunately, DES was ineffective, and has
now been found to cause health problems for some people.
News about harm to the daughters exposed to DES before birth (DES daughters)
first appeared in 1971 long after most mothers had taken it. Researchers
reported a rare vaginal cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma in DES daughters
who were in their late teens. Since then scientists have learned of other
problems in DES daughters (see page 6), DES sons (see page 7) and DES mothers
(page 3).
Major new research studies on the health effects of DES began in 1993. Everyone
exposed to DES should stay informed about new research findings.
You Are Not Alone
Many people find that an open discussion with family members about DES exposure
is a good form of mutual support. It might also be helpful to have your
doctor present.
Another source of support is talking with others who are DES-exposed. If
you or your mother would like to speak with other DES mothers, daughters,
or sons, call one of the DES consumer
organizations.
As a DES-exposed person, you are not alone. There are an estimated 9.6 million
DES-exposed people in the United States: 4.8 million DES mothers, 2.4 million
DES daughters and 2.4 million DES sons.
All DES mothers, daughters and sons should know that the largest study ever
done on DES exposure is now in progress. What researchers learn from this
work will be reported to health care providers and to the public through
the resources on the next pages.
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