Yasmin, also known as Drospirenone is a combination birth control that combines the hormones estrogen and progestin. This oral birth control pill is used to prevent pregnancy, and it is available in 21-day or 28-day packs. When used properly, Yasmin birth control pills provide a 99 percent effectiveness rate against becoming pregnant.
How It Works
This birth control pill works by altering the mucus in your cervix and making it thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to penetrate your uterus. It also causes changes in your endometrium, thus making it more difficult for an egg to implant. By preventing your ovary from releasing an egg, called ovulation, Yasmin can protect you against becoming pregnant.
Benefits of Yasmin
• Prevents pregnancy
• Treats moderate acne for women older than 16
• Treats premenstrual disorder (PMS)
Taking Yasmin
You should discuss the best time for you to begin taking birth control pills with your doctor. You may be advised to begin taking Yasmin pills the first Sunday after your period begins or on Day 1 or 5 of your period. You should always take the pills at approximately the same time every day.
During the first week of the first cycle after you begin taking Yasmin, you should use a second birth control method such as spermicidal gel or foam or latex condoms. This will protect you against pregnancy.
You may experience light bleeding or spotting or feel nauseous during the initial 3 months after you start taking Yasmin. However, continue taking the birth control pills, as this effect should disappear.
Possible Side Effects
After taking Yasmin birth control pills, you may experience dizziness, nervousness, back pain, abdominal bloating or cramping, breast swelling, tenderness or pain, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea and acne.
More serious side effects that need to be discussed with your doctor include decreased or prolonged bleeding during periods, no menstrual bleeding for several consecutive months or occasional stopping, swollen feet or ankles, vaginal yeast infection, worsening migraines or headaches, emotional changes or persistent feeling of sadness, increased blood pressure, pain, tenderness or swelling in the upper abdominal area or signs of a liver problem (abdominal pain, itchy skin, pale stools, dark urine or yellow skin or eyes).