Patients Who Are DES Sons
		Overview Identification of DES Sons Health Risks and Related Concerns for DES Sons Counseling DES Sons DES References: Research on DES Sons

Patients should be reassured that the majority of men exposed to DES in utero (DES Sons) will not experience DES-related health problems. However, like all male patients, they should be informed about testicular self-exams, and counseled to immediately report any symptoms relating to the urogenital system Studies investigating the links between DES exposure and testicular cancer have yielded mixed results (199,203,205,214,222,227,231). Although it is not proven that DES exposure increases the risk of urogenital cancer in DES Sons, any symptoms, including testicular masses, hematuria, or other urogenital complaints, should be thoroughly investigated.

DES Sons should be encouraged to discuss the issue with their mothers, and, when possible, obtain their mother's obstetrical records. This is of particular importance since health risks to DES Sons are still being studied. Many women prescribed DES while pregnant are elderly. If their children and grandchildren are not informed of their potential risk, opportunities for future intervention may be lost.

For more information on health risks and ongoing studies for DES Mothers, DES Daughters and the Third Generation, refer to the following sections:

• Women Prescribed DES While Pregnant
• Women Exposed to DES in Utero (DES Daughters)
• Third Generation (the Offspring of DES Daughters and Sons)

For a complete list of the numbered citations on this page see DES References.

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