Yasmin birth control pills are an effective way to prevent pregnancy, but this medication is not for everyone. Women considering taking Yasmin birth control pills as a method of birth control should do research, learn about the medication and talk to their doctor to decide if this medication is right for them.
Function
Yasmin birth control is typically prescribed to prevent pregnancy, treat moderate acne in menstruating women over 14 years old and to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This medication works to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, creating an inhospitable environment for sperm and making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How to Use
Yasmin should be taken at the same time each day, beginning on either the first day of your menstrual cycle or the Sunday following the first day of your menstrual cycle. Women who miss one pill should take it as soon as they remember or take two pills at the next scheduled dosage time. Women who miss two pills in the first or second week of the menstrual cycle should take two pills at the regularly scheduled dosage time for two days to get back on schedule. Women who miss two pills in the third week of the menstrual cycle, as well as women who miss more than two pills, should throw away the remaining pills and start a new package. (The exception to this applies to women who selected the Sunday start method of taking the pills. These women should continue taking a pill each day until Sunday, then start a new package.) Whenever a woman misses a pill, a back-up method of birth control should be used for seven days to prevent pregnancy.
Effects
Possible side effects of Yasmin include breast pain or tenderness, changes to menstruation, headaches, changes in weight or appetite, problems with contact lenses, vaginal itching or discharge, freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth or loss of scalp hair and swelling, according to Drugs.com. In addition, possible severe side effects include sudden numbness, weakness, eye pain or changes in vision, chest pain, spreading pain in the arm or shoulder, stomach pain, jaundice, breast lumps, allergic reactions or depression. Women who experience any of these serious side effects should contact a doctor immediately.
Considerations
Yasmin contains drospirenone, which may raise potassium levels in the blood. Women who have medical conditions that also raise potassium levels should talk to a doctor before using this medication. These medical conditions include liver disease, kidney disease and adrenal gland disorders.
Warnings
Yasmin should not be used by women who suspect they may be pregnant, as the medication may cause birth defects. Women who have certain medical conditions should not use Yasmin. These conditions include circulation problems, a heart valve disorder, history of blood clots or stroke, abnormal vaginal bleeding, kidney or liver disease, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, breast or uterine cancer or a history of jaundice caused by oral contraceptives. Also, Yasmin should not be used by breastfeeding women, as the hormones may interfere with breast milk production or pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby.
