DES Exposure - DES is a synthetic estrogen that was given to millions of pregnant women between 1937 and 1971 because the medical profession believed it would help prevent miscarriage and insure a healthy full term pregnancy. A 1957 advertisement claimed desPLEX® would "prevent ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE and PREMATURE LABOR…recommended for routine prophylaxis in ALL pregnancies…" This was only one of numerous brand names that DES (diethystilbestrol) was sold under.
DES did not work. In fact, the unfortunate use of this drug has resulted in severe risks and consequences to the health of many of the women who took the drug, as well, the daughters and sons whom they bore.
DES Sons (46, XY DES) - DES sons are those who's mothers took DES during pregnancy. Although, most DES sons will not experience adverse health effects from this exposure there are certain signs that should be watched for by a medical professional.
The effects faced by DES sons include:
Hypospadias
Meatal stenosis- a narrowing of the opening of the penis.
Epididmymal cysts- the most common abnormality, non-cancerous cysts located on the back of the testicles.
Testicular problems- undescended or small testicles, which are visible at, birth. Men with this condition are at increased risk of testicular cancer.
Microplallus (also called Micropenis)
Testicular varicoceles- an irregularly swollen or varicose vein on the testicle.
Previous studies do not show a correlation between DES and fertility problems in men. Testicular self-exam and yearly check-ups are important for all men, but particularly for DES sons.
DES Daughters (46, XX DES) - Contrary to prior belief, women who were exposed to DES before birth also experience problem. They require special care during pregnancy because of an increased risk of problems such as ectopic pregnancy and premature labor and delivery. However, with proper care most women can achieve and maintain healthy full term pregnancies. Some DES exposed women may have an increased risk of fertility problems, however getting pregnant is not difficult for most women, and routine infertility evaluation is not usually necessary. The greatest risk to DES daughters is an increased risk for a rare form of cervical or vaginal cancer called clear cell carcinoma. Abnormal cell changes on the cervix may occur more frequently among this group of women and they should be treated in most cases. DES daughters need regular pelvic exams at all ages. The pelvic exam for DES daughters is slightly different from the normal pelvic exam because it includes a separate Pap smear of the upper vagina. If DES-related changes are detected during a pelvic exam, it may be necessary to have pelvic exams more than once a year.
Discovery: circa 1970
Usually Diagnosed: at any stage of life problems may be discovered that can be linked to DES exposure before birth or as children.
Frequency: unknown
Environmental Estrogen Exposure - Although DES is no longer given to pregnant women, a new problem has been identified. There are a number of industrial chemicals and pesticides like DDT and PCBs that mimic estrogenic activity (called pseudo-estrogens). Many of these chemicals, although either discontinued or restricted in use, have found their way into the ecosystem. There is a growing body of evidence concerning how these "environmental estrogens" feminize the male reproductive systems across almost all species exposed to them - including human beings. Obviously those exposed to these chemicals in utero or after birth are at risk, though the effects are far more pronounced on a developing fetus than on an adult.
Discovery: Allen, E. and E.A. Doisy. 1923. DDT's estrogenic effect identified in 1950.
Usually Diagnosed: at any stage of life problems may be discovered that can be linked to Environmental Estrogen exposure before birth or later in life.
Frequency: unknown
