Definition:
DES syndrome is a term used to describe the abnormalities suffered by an infant due to diethylstilbestrol (DES) medications the mother used to take during pregnancy to avoid miscarriage.
Diagnosis:
DES syndrome can be diagnosed under a pelvic exam, PAP smears and colposcopy. Physical examination can be done to males affected by the disorder.
Treatment:
Surgical correction cannot be done to treat the disorder. However, when an affected woman incurs uterine cancer, the affected organs can be surgically removed.
Symptoms and Signs:
Females affected by the DES syndrome may encounter certain abnormalities in the vagina, uterus and cervix; males meanwhile have penile dysfunctions.
Causes:
The disorder is a side effect of DES medications while a woman is pregnant. DES is a drug used to prevent one from having a miscarriage.
