DES BASICS
The drug: DES (Di-ethyl-stil-bes-trol)
Kind of drug: Synthetic hormone
When given: Primarily between 1938 and 1971
To whom: An estimated 4.8 million pregnant women in the U.S.
By whom: Private doctors and medical clinics in the United States, on
U.S. military bases around the world, and in many foreign countries
Reason given: To prevent miscarriage and improve pregnancy outcomes;
eventually determined to be ineffective
How given: Under more than 200 brand names as pills, injections, or
vaginal suppositories, and sometimes in pregnancy vitamins
Who may be exposed: Any woman who received medication during a pregnancy
primarily between 1938 and 1971, and the child she was carrying, may be
"DES exposed"
When stopped: The FDA directed doctors not to prescribe DES to pregnant
women in 1971, when it was linked to a rare vaginal cancer in DES daughters
Signs of exposure: Usually no obvious signs
Women exposed to DES before birth
All DES daughters need regular screening exams for a rare form of vaginal
cancer (early detection saves lives). This exam
is somewhat different from the one for non-exposed women. It should begin
at puberty and continue throughout their lives.
All DES daughters need special care beginning in the first weeks of pregnancy,
even if they have already had children. You can learn about the pregnancy
care you need in this booklet. With proper care most DES daughters can have
successful pregnancies.
Men exposed to DES before birth
DES sons are at increased risk for non-cancerous cysts on the back of the
testicles (on the epididymis) and for underdeveloped testicles. DES sons
should practice testicular self-examination regularly.
There has been little research on the effects of DES exposure in DES sons,
but new studies are in progress. To protect your health, find out if you
were exposed, and stay informed of new research findings.
Women who took DES are advised to pay particular attention to their breast
care because they may have a small increase in their risk of breast cancer.
Mothers are advised to tell their DES-exposed sons and daughters about their
exposure, even if these children have not had health problems. They need
to know about DES so they can get the health care they need.
There may be no obvious signs of DES exposure.
The National Cancer Institute began new research on DES in 1993. It is important
for you to stay informed about new research findings. You can do so by contacting
a DES hotline, DES consumer organization, or the National Cancer Institute.
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