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DES Sons
Men who were exposed to DES in the womb have not shown the
same ill-effects as women. However, studies on DES sons are
ongoing. While the links are not conclusive, DES sons seem
to be more likely to have undescended testicles or unusually
small testicles. Men with these conditions are at greater
risk of developing testicular cancer, although they may or
may not be caused by DES.
Health Effects for DES Sons
Only a few studies have focused on health problems experienced
by men exposed to DES before birth (in the womb), known as
DES Sons. The research has focused on the following health
concerns among DES Sons.
DES Sons and Non-Cancerous Epididymal Cysts
The most consistent research finding for DES Sons indicates
that they have an increased risk for non-cancerous epididymal
cysts, which are growths on the testicles (Bibbo, 1977; Gill,
1979; Conley, 1983; Niculescu, 1985; Wilcox, 1995). In one
study, 21% of DES Sons had non-cancerous epididymal cysts
compared with 5% of unexposed men (Gill, 1979).
DES and Other Genital Abnormalities
Whether DES increases the risk for other genital abnormalities
in men remains unclear. A few studies have reported that DES
Sons experience a greater likelihood of being born with undescended
testicles (cryptorchidism), a misplaced opening of the penis
(hypospadias), or a smaller than normal penis (microphallus).
These studies estimated that 15%-32% of DES Sons experience
one or more of these structural differences compared with
5%-8% of unexposed men (Gill, 1979; Wilcox, 1995). Other studies,
however, have not identified an increased risk of structural
differences (Leary, 1984; Vessey, 1983). Because findings
have been inconsistent, researchers cannot say with certainty
that DES causes these types of genital abnormalities in DES-exposed
men.
* source - Center for Disease Control and
Prevention
DES Sons
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