Diethylstilbestrol (say: "die-eth-el-still-bess-troll"), or DES, is a man-made estrogen. Between 1938 and 1971, millions of women in the United States were given DES to keep them from having a miscarriage ("losing" their babies) or giving birth too early. DES was used in other countries until at least the early 1980s.
In 1971, researchers found that women who were exposed to DES before they were born are more likely to get a certain kind of cancer of the vagina and cervix (called clear cell adenocarcinoma, or CCA). These women are called "DES daughters."
Diethylstilbestrol
Has DES caused any other problems?
How do I know if I was exposed to DES?
I took DES during pregnancy. What should I do?
I am a DES daughter. What special health care needs do I have?
I am a DES daughter and I'm pregnant. Is there any risk to my baby?
I am a DES son. What special health care needs do I have?
See Also:
Diethylstilbestrol
What is diethylstilbestrol?
Has DES caused any other problems?
Yes. Women who took DES during pregnancy have about a 30% higher risk of getting breast cancer.
Up to one-third of DES daughters have reproductive tract problems. These problems increase their risk of not being able to get pregnant, losing a baby or having a baby too early. Even with the increased risk, however, most of these women have no problem getting pregnant and delivering their babies.
The sons of women who took DES during pregnancy (called "DES sons") have a higher risk of some reproductive tract problems. However, they seem to have normal fertility.
Up to one-third of DES daughters have reproductive tract problems. These problems increase their risk of not being able to get pregnant, losing a baby or having a baby too early. Even with the increased risk, however, most of these women have no problem getting pregnant and delivering their babies.
The sons of women who took DES during pregnancy (called "DES sons") have a higher risk of some reproductive tract problems. However, they seem to have normal fertility.
How do I know if I was exposed to DES?
If you were pregnant between 1938 and 1971 and think that you may have taken a prescription medicine during your pregnancy, try to get your medical records from the doctors who took care of you. Remember, DES was used in other countries until the early 1980s.
If you were born between 1938 and 1971, ask your mother if she remembers taking any prescription medicine during her pregnancy.
If you were born between 1938 and 1971, ask your mother if she remembers taking any prescription medicine during her pregnancy.
I took DES during pregnancy. What should I do?
Be sure your children know that you took DES during your pregnancy and encourage them to tell their doctors.
The increase in your risk of getting breast cancer is small. Tell your doctor that you took DES during your pregnancy. He or she will discuss this risk factor with you and tell you what you can do to have the best chance to find breast cancer early.
The increase in your risk of getting breast cancer is small. Tell your doctor that you took DES during your pregnancy. He or she will discuss this risk factor with you and tell you what you can do to have the best chance to find breast cancer early.
I am a DES daughter. What special health care needs do I have?
Be sure to tell your family doctor that you were exposed to DES.
If you have never had a pelvic exam, your doctor will want you to have one. This exam should include a special exam of the tissues of your vagina and cervix. This special exam is called colposcopy (say: "call-poss-kah-pee").
Have pelvic exams and Pap smears every year. You might have a little trouble getting pregnant, but most DES daughters are able to get pregnant and have healthy babies.
If you have never had a pelvic exam, your doctor will want you to have one. This exam should include a special exam of the tissues of your vagina and cervix. This special exam is called colposcopy (say: "call-poss-kah-pee").
Have pelvic exams and Pap smears every year. You might have a little trouble getting pregnant, but most DES daughters are able to get pregnant and have healthy babies.
I am a DES daughter and I'm pregnant. Is there any risk to my baby?
Most DES daughters have healthy babies. If you are worried, however, it would be a good idea to talk with your doctor.
I am a DES son. What special health care needs do I have?
Tell your family doctor that you were exposed to DES. Have regular prostate exams and do regular self-exams of your testicles. You also should report any urinary or genital problems to your doctor.
More Information
Other Organizations
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DES Action USA
610 16th Street, Suite 301
Oakland, CA 94612
1-800-337-9288
email -
National Cancer Institute: Questions & Answers About DES
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Diethylstilbestrol Exposure by S Schrager, MD, and BE Potter, MD (American Family Physician May 15, 2004, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040515/2395.html)
Reviewed/Updated: 06/05
Created: 01/05
Copyright © 2005-2008 American Academy of Family Physicians
|This article provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this article applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
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|This article provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this article applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
For private, noncommercial use only.
Home | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | About This Site | What's New |