Main takeaways
Yasmin is a combination oral contraceptive that contains both estrogen and progestin. These two hormones work to help prevent pregnancy in individuals who menstruate but don’t wish to become pregnant.
Similar to Loryna birth control, Yasmin is a combined pill that is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. It does not protect you from the transmission of STDs.
The Yasmin pill may also help provide some relief for those who suffer from menstrual disorders and acne.
Common side effects associated with Yasmin are similar to those experienced with other combination contraception pills, although more severe reactions may occur in certain individuals.
Individuals who smoke or have pre-existing heart, liver, lung, or circulatory conditions may need to choose a different contraception option.
Yasmin Birth Control 101
Combination oral contraceptive medication contains two hormones that help suppress ovulation and prevent pregnancy in women and those who menstruate. There are many different brands of combination birth control pills on the market today.
But are these pills the right choice for your body’s needs and how effective is birth control overall? Luckily, a significant amount of research has been dedicated to understanding the way birth control medication works so that you can make an informed choice about your contraceptive needs and reproductive health.
In this guide, we’ll discuss one specific type of combined oral contraceptive—Yasmin birth control. Read on to learn more about whether or not Yasmin is the best option for you.
What Is Yasmin Birth Control?
Yasmin birth control is a combination oral contraceptive. Each active pill contains two hormones designed to help prevent you from becoming pregnant. Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone are synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin that are in Yasmin.
The hormones in Yasmin tablets work together to help prevent pregnancy by:
Thickening cervical mucus – The mucus in your cervix changes throughout your cycle. When you ovulate, the mucus becomes thinner and more slippery to make it easier for sperm to travel through it. The hormones in Yasmin help keep the cervical mucus thick, making it more difficult for sperm to travel to meet an egg.
Suppressing ovulation – Yasmin also works to prevent ovulation by preventing eggs from fully developing. Eggs that aren’t completely developed aren’t viable for fertilization by any sperm that may reach them.
When you purchase Yasmin, you’ll receive a pack of 28 pills. Twenty-one of these pills are yellow and contain active hormones. The remaining seven hormonal contraception pills are white and don’t contain active hormones. Instead, they act as placeholders to keep you in the routine of taking a pill at the same time every day.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Yasmin?
Yasmin birth control may offer several hormonal contraception benefits to women and people who menstruate. The main benefit for Yasmin is that it is effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. Yasmin offers a multitude of benefits as it is a combination birth control pill.
Potential Benefits of Yasmin
Yasmin hormonal contraceptives may help some individuals who struggle with menstrual disorders and other hormone-related issues. Some of the benefits may include:
Relief from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – Some individuals may find relief from some of the symptoms associated with PCOS when they take Yasmin. PCOS results from a hormonal imbalance that the hormones in Yasmin might help regulate. This might offer sufferers relief from some of the symptoms of PCOS, such as weight gain, excess body hair, and acne.
Lessening of severe premenstrual symptoms – Some individuals find relief from severe premenstrual symptoms when they take a combination oral contraceptive such as Yasmin. Those who suffer from extreme mood swings, debilitating pain, excessive fatigue, and more might find some relief with Yasmin.
Alleviating acne – Combination birth controls like Yasmin contain estrogen and progestin—two hormones which may help to mitigate both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
Finally, Yasmin hormonal contraceptives may benefit those who don’t suffer from more serious hormonal imbalances. After taking combination birth control pills like Yasmin for several months, some patients notice that they have:
Lighter bleeding during their period
These benefits vary from person to person, so it’s important to keep in mind that your experience might be different.
Potential Disadvantages of Yasmin
While Yasmin offers many potential benefits, it isn’t ideal for everyone. Some of the potential disadvantages of Yasmin include:
You may experience similar side effects to other combination oral contraceptives
You need to take a pill daily and at a consistent scheduled time
It doesn’t offer protection against STDs
It’s not suitable for individuals who suffer from certain health conditions
In short, oral contraceptives aren’t the best choice for everyone. However, there are plenty of other options out there if you find that Yasmin or other birth control pills aren’t for you.
Who Should Use Yasmin?
Yasmin can offer advantages outside of pregnancy prevention. Those who should use Yasmin might include individuals who:
Suffer from painful or heavy periods
Don’t wish to become pregnant
However, Yasmin isn’t for everyone. There are certain people for whom using Yasmin isn’t recommended, and there are many alternatives with different hormone combinations, like Aviane birth control, that are equally effective.
Are There People Who Shouldn’t Use Yasmin?
As mentioned earlier, Yasmin contains both ethinylestradiol and drospirenone. It’s believed that drospirenone, in particular, may increase potassium levels in some individuals. The FDA recommends that those who suffer from kidney, liver, or adrenal disease avoid oral contraceptives, like Yasmin, that contain drospirenone. Drospirenone may increase potassium and can lead to an increased risk of blood clots.
Others who might need to opt for a different type of birth control due to an increased risk for serious side effects include individuals who:
Suffer from vascular diseases
Have cardiovascular disease
Have a predisposition to blood clots
Have had certain reproductive cancers
This isn’t a comprehensive list, so you should always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new contraceptive routine.
How to Use Yasmin
All contraceptive users should follow the provided instructions to ensure optimal pregnancy prevention. It is always recommended that you start your birth control the day that it is received or prescribed by a healthcare physician. If you are new to using the Yasmin birth control pill, there are two additional options for when to start your regimen, but it’s recommended you start right away:
Sunday start – You may start your Yasmin schedule on the Sunday after your menstrual cycle begins. Start with the first yellow pill, and continue to take one yellow pill per day until all 21 yellow pills are gone. Then, take one white pill per day until they are gone. You can open a new pack 24 hours after you finish the last white pill from the first pack.
Day 1 start – Users can ingest the first yellow pill the day after your menstrual cycle has begun. Continue to take the remaining yellow pills daily. Then, take the white pills daily. Once you finish the pack, begin a new pack the next day.
Switching from a different pill –Users should begin a new pack of Yasmin on the same scheduled time as their previous contraceptive pill cycle would have begun if they choose to switch to Yasmin.
Switching from a different birth control method – If switching from a shot or injection, users should begin their first pack of contraceptive pills from Yasmin up to 15 weeks after the last shot. If you have a patch or vaginal ring such as Annovera birth control, start the pill one day before removing the patch or ring. If you have an intrauterine device or implant, we advise that you start Yasmin seven days before removing the implant.
To ensure pregnancy prevention, you should make sure to use an alternative method of non-hormonal birth control for seven days after beginning Yasmin.
Yasmin Effectiveness
If you’re interested in using an oral contraceptive, you may be wondering how effective Yasmin is. After all, you want to be certain that you choose a contraceptive that works.
Let’s take a look at Yasmin’s effectiveness in terms of both pregnancy and STD prevention:
Pregnancy – Yasmin offers 99% effectiveness against pregnancy when used perfectly. Perfect use means you take your pills on schedule every day without skipping any doses.
STDs – It’s important to note that while Yasmin is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, it does not protect you from the transmission of STDs. You should always use a condom to prevent the spread of infections.
What Are the Side Effects of Yasmin?
The side effects associated with Yasmin birth control are similar to those of other oral contraceptives. Some of the most common include:
Irregular bleeding or spotting
Bloating or fluid retention
Most of these side effects are strongest during the first few months of use. Over time, discomfort typically lessens. Other less common side effects include changes in libido, acne, and weight gain.
However, some individuals may experience more severe adverse reactions to Yasmin. These can include:
Because these side effects can be life-threatening, you should monitor your health while taking the pill and report any changes to your healthcare professional.
Make Informed Choices About Your Reproductive Wellness with The Pill club
Yasmin birth control is a combination oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy and manage painful or heavy periods. Yasmin yields similar side effects as other oral contraceptives, and people with pre-existing health conditions should consult their doctors before use. Yasmin has been proven to be 99% effective at averting unwanted pregnancies when used perfectly.
But, is Yasmin right for you?
At The Pill Club, we can help answer all the questions you have about your reproductive health and contraceptive options. We offer telemedicine consultations, prescription services, and more with the goal of providing you with the personalized care you need. Visit us today to learn more and sign up.
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