D.E.S. kid?
Answer:
Here are a few sites that can help explain some of the risks associated with DES and what it is exactly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/diethylstil...
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a drug once prescribed during pregnancy to prevent miscarriages or premature deliveries. In the U.S. an estimated 5 to 10 million persons were exposed to DES from 1938 to 1971, including pregnant women prescribed DES and their children. In 1971, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised physicians to stop prescribing DES because it was linked to a rare vaginal cancer.
After more than 30 years of research, there are confirmed health risks associated with DES exposure. However, not all exposed individuals will experience DES-related health problems. Whether you know for sure or suspect you were exposed to DES, you can use CDC's DES Update to learn more about DES exposure and what you can do about it.
http://www.cdc.gov/DES/
Cancer:
All DES daughters (women whose mothers took DES while pregnant with them) have a risk of about 1 in 1,000 for a rare cancer of the vagina or cervix called clear cell adenocarcinoma. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with clear cell adenocarcinoma, we urge you to contact the DES Cancer Network. This cancer is practically non-existent in non-exposed women in this age group. Because of this risk DES daughters need a special exam at least once a year. There is no upper age limit to the risk, so DES daughters need this exam annually for the rest of their lives.
Breast cancer is also a concern for DES Daughters over the age of 40. New research shows they are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease than unexposed women. As a result, the best recourse is extra vigilance, by having annual mammograms, along with yearly clinical breast screenings (which is when your health care provider does a hands-on breast exam), as well as routine self-exams.
Infertility:
DES Daughters have an increased risk for infertility. Infertility treatments for DES daughters are, in general, not different from those for other women. DES daughters may want to see a doctor experienced in treating DES-exposed women.
Pregnancy Problems:
DES Daughters have a higher risk for ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and preterm labor and delivery. Most DES daughters can become pregnant and carry their babies to term. However, because of the above risks, all DES daughters (whether they have had previous normal pregnancies or not) require high risk obstetric care and early confirmation of pregnancy. DES daughters should have their pregnancies confirmed by a health care provider as soon as pregnancy is suspected, and should be seen more frequently throughout their pregnancies.
Structural Changes in Reproductive Organs:
DES daughters have an increased incidence of structural changes in their reproductive organs. These may or may not be linked to pregnancy problems, and are not known to be linked to cancer.
The Recommended Annual Pelvic Exam for DES Daughters:
The recommended annual pelvic exam for DES daughters is somewhat different from the routine exam for other women.
http://www.desaction.org/
Hope this helps some.
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