DES Exposure in Utero

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Since the sons and daughters of women who took DES were exposed to DES during fetal development, there is no known way to prevent the defects present at birth. Women exposed to DES in utero have a higher risk of developing certain rare cancers of the cervix and vaginal cancer. So more frequent PAP smears and colposcopy may be needed. A colposcopy uses a special scope to look at the cervix and vagina.

A son who was exposed to DES in utero should also have regular physical exams, including regular prostate and rectal exams. He should also perform regular monthly testicular self-examination, and report any suspicious changes or concerns to the healthcare provider.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If a DES-exposed woman becomes pregnant, she should be watched for any signs of problems. These may include miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or premature labor.

A DES-exposed man is at risk for infertility, which may be caused by undescended testicles. He may also develop epididymal cysts, or noncancerous growths on the back of the testicle.

What are the risks to others?

DES exposure affects only the offspring of the particular pregnancy in which the mother was given the medication. DES did not cause similar disorders in the mother. The disorders cannot be passed to others by sexual contact, and will not be passed to children of DES-exposed parents.