Frequently Asked Questions About DES/Stilboestrol

1. When was Stilboestrol/DES prescribed in pregnancy in Ireland?
   Its use in pregnancy in Ireland is known as early as 1949 and as late as 1975 but it was most commonly used from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s.

   DES was used in Ireland as early as 1949 and as late as 1975

2. Can I get medical records about my drugs from my doctor or hospital?
   It is most unlikely that records are still available from the years in question and your doctor's recall may not be reliable.

3. How can I find out if I am a DES daughter?
   The only reliable way to find out is to be screened at the DES clinic.

4. My mother thinks she was prescribed DES/Stilboestrol when she was pregnant with me. I have a smear test annually and I have no health problems; do I need to attend the DES clinic?
   Yes, you do. A routine smear test is not sufficient for a DES daughter. Any definite or possible DES daughter needs to be tested and screened by an expert in DES exposure.

5. What are the risks of developing the cancer associated with DES exposure?
   The risks are very small, approximately 1 in 1000 DES daughters. However, there are other less serious effects which can be identified.

6. How can I get an appointment at the DES clinic?
   You can get an appointment by referral from your GP or directly by writing to Dr. Mary Wingfield at the DES clinic, National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2. DES Action Ireland (01-6762873) can help you decide if you need to be screened if you are in doubt.

7. My mother got Stilboestrol to dry up her breastmilk. Do I need to be checked at the clinic?
   No. Although it was the same drug used for this purpose, there was no baby in the womb to be affected and there is no risk to subsequent pregnancies.

8. Are there any effects on the sons exposed to DES during their mothers, pregnancies?
   The effects on DES sons are less clear and the suggested effects occur in non DES-exposed men as well. There is, at present, no way of screening DES sons.

9. Are there any effects on the mothers who were prescribed DES/Stilboestrol in pregnancy?
   Yes. These women are at somewhat higher risk of developing breast cancer. Since breast cancer is a 1-in-12 risk for all women, DES mothers need to follow the advice given in general about the early detection of breast cancer.

10. Do all doctors know about DES exposure?
    No. Many doctors are aware of the effects of DES exposure but there are also many doctors who are not familiar with the issue. The specialist clinic run by Dr. Mary Wingfield has all the expertise necessary to meet the needs of DES-exposed people.

11. Can I meet up with other DES-exposed women, mothers and daughters?
    Yes. DES Action Ireland has an annual General Meeting in February of each year where DES exposed people can get information and share their experiences. A DES daughters' group meets on the same day as the AGM. DES Action can also put individual daughters in touch with each other to discuss their experience of being DES-exposed and to provide support.