Yasmin Birth Control

A New Kind of Progestin

All birth control pills contain progestins, and most contain estrogens as well. Progestin is synthetic form of progesterone, a natural hormone that helps prepare a woman's uterus for pregnancy. Estrogen is made by the ovaries in different amounts during a woman's menstrual cycle. The combination of these two hormones essentially tricks a woman's body into thinking she is pregnant. They stop ovulation and cause changes in the uterus so that if an egg is released, it's difficult for a sperm to fertilize it.

The exact chemical makeup of the estrogens and progestins differs among the different brands of pills. They all work the same way, though, even though the molecules are a little different. In most pills, the progestin is based on testosterone. Yasmin is an exception. The progestin in Yasmin is similar to spironolactone, a drug that works on the kidneys. In addition to helping to prevent pregnancy, this progestin, called drospirenone (drsp) also seems to act as a diuretic. Diuretics increase urination and can help with water retention.

Improving PMS

Yasmin's web site doesn't mention effects on PMS, but it appears that this birth control pill may help with PMS symptoms. Effects of drsp may include:

• Less water retention or "bloating"
• Less premenstrual weight gain
• Fewer general PMS symptoms

Side Effects of Yasmin Birth Control

Although the progestin is technically different, Yasmin birth control has side effects similar to other contraceptive pills. These include:

• Breakthrough bleeding. Spotting between periods can happen with any contraceptive pill.
• Fluid retention. Although Yasmin can help with water retention, all birth control pills have the potential to cause ankle swelling and other signs of fluid overload.
• Melasma. This blotchy darkening of the skin is associated with hormone changes and can happen to women taking oral contraceptives.
• Nausea.
• Breast tenderness.

Occasionally, oral contraceptives can cause more serious problems, and Yasmin carries these risks as well. They include:

• Blood clots. Birth control pills raise the risk of developing blood clots in the legs. These clots do not happen often, but when they do they are dangerous because they can travel to the lungs.
• Heart attacks and strokes. It's not common, but oral contraceptives raise the risk of stroke or heart attack. This is especially true for women who smoke.

Yasmin and Potassium

Because the progestin in Yasmin birth control affects the kidneys, it can also affect the balance of certain substances in the blood. Spironolactone, the drug on which drsp is based, causes the body to lose more sodium and less potassium in the urine. Taking Yasmin can cause blood potassium levels to increase over time. For most women, this isn't a problem. However, women who take medicines that affect potassium, or who have kidney, liver, or adrenal problems, need to check with their doctors to see if Yasmin is safe to use. These women may need to choose a different brand of pill.

Precautions

Some women should not take Yasmin. According to the manufacturer, reasons not to use this pill include having:

• Breast, uterine, or cervical cancer
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• A history of blood clots
• Active liver disease, or a history of liver tumors
• Heart disease
• Very high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Vaginal bleeding not related to periods
• A possible pregnancy

Getting a Prescription

Yasmin birth control is a prescription medicine. Obtaining it requires a visit to the doctor. For women who are already taking birth control pills and have a doctor they see regularly, switching to Yasmin may be as simple as getting a new prescription.

Women who are starting on the pill for the first time will usually need a longer visit. Most doctors will require a gynecological exam, or will want to know that one was done within the past year. The doctor will also want to know the woman's medical history and family history, to make sure that it is safe for her to take Yasmin.