1. A Unique Pill
Like other combination birth control pills, Yasmin contains the synthetic hormones estrogen and progestin. What makes it a bit different from other pills, though, is it's the only oral contraceptive that uses the progestin called drospirenone, or drsp for short. This type of progestin doesn't come from testosterone like other combination pill progestins, but instead is comprised of a drug called spironolactone, which may increase potassium levels in your body.
2. Hide Those Eggs
When you take Yasmin, as with other combination pills, the synthetic hormones keep you from getting pregnant by preventing your body from releasing eggs, or from ovulating. If your body does release an egg, the hormones will also thicken your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg. In addition to being a combination pill, Yasmin is also a monophasic oral contraceptive. This means that it contains the same amount of hormones throughout the first three weeks of each month. The last seven pills don't contain any hormones and are just there to help you to remember to take it every day.
3. Shorter Periods Make for a Happier You
Besides preventing you from getting pregnant, Yasmin has plenty added benefits. Like other combination pills, Yasmin reduces your risk of developing endometrial and ovarian cancer. If you stay on Yasmin over a prolonged period of time, your chances of developing these forms of cancer become even slimmer. Yasmin can also reduce your risk of developing ovarian cysts and having tubal pregnancies. Plus, your period may be lighter, shorter and less painful than normal while taking Yasmin.
4. Side Effects Are Risky Business
When taking Yasmin, you may experience mild side effects such as minor weight gain or loss, change in appetite, breast tenderness or vaginal discharge or itching. If you experience more severe side effects such as chest pains, migraine headaches, jaundice, stomach pains or nausea, depression or lumps in your breast, call your doctor immediately. Since Yasmin may increase the potassium levels in your body, you shouldn't take Yasmin if you have liver, kidney or adrenal disease. Don't use Yasmin if you're pregnant, or if you have circulation problems, a history of blood clots or strokes, cancer, high blood pressure, migraines or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Also, you shouldn't smoke if you're taking Yasmin, especially if you're more than 35 years old. Remember that Yasmin doesn't protect you against HIV or other STD's, so you still need to use a condom to protect yourself.
5. Consistency Is the Key
If you take Yasmin properly, it can be more than 99 percent effective, so make sure to take your pill at the same time every day. Choose a time of day that will make it easy for you to remember, such as first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed. Make sure to let your doctor know if you're taking any other medications, as some drugs can reduce the effectiveness of Yasmin.
