Yasmin (birth control pills): how they work, recommended dose and effectiveness

Yasmin birth control pills have a high degree of efficiency of up to 99%. It is a monophasic oral contraceptive. There are other types, such as biphasic, triphasic, quadrphasic, continuous cycle, and extended. Each of them has its characteristics.

These pills are among the most chosen because in addition to working as a contraceptive, their hormonal composition is an aid in other treatments.

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How do Yasmin pills work?

Yasmin pills are a monophasic contraceptive. This means that they contain the same amount of progestin and estrogen in each of the tablets.

Unlike other birth control pills, this combination of progestin and estrogen works to prevent ovulation. Thus, the process of releasing the ovum during the menstrual cycle does not occur, and in the absence of an ovum there can be no fertilization.

In addition, the progestin contained in this pill helps control heavy, irregular and painful menstrual cycles. It is even used as an aid in acne control and to treat polycystic ovary syndrome.

Recommended dose

If we follow the instructions of the leaflet and the doctor, this Yasmin pill has a very high effectiveness. Unlike other contraceptive pills that have different doses every 7 to 20 days, this pill is taken in a simpler way.

The usual thing is to take the first pill on the first day of the period.; however your doctor may recommend starting after your period or any other day of the month. It is also recommended to take Yasmin at the same time every day.

The presentation of 21 tablets is generally used. You should take one every day and rest 7 days and then start taking it again.

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Effectiveness

The Yasmin pill has an efficiency percentage of 99%. Keep in mind that this figure only corresponds to the proper use of the pill.

If it is not always used regularly, its effectiveness can drop to 92%, and if it is used undisciplined then there is no guarantee that it can prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

It is relevant to note that Yasmin pills do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Birth control pills are efficient only in preventing pregnancy. In addition to taking Yasmin pills, a barrier method that prevents the spread of sexual diseases should be considered.

Composition.

Yasmin birth control pills contain progestin and estrogen as we discussed earlier. Progestin is the hormone that naturally regulates the menstrual cycle, so the use of the pill can cause temporary loss of menstruation.

Estrogen for its part is known as "the female hormone" since it is produced by the ovaries and the placenta. Its function is to "prepare" all the related organs for ovulation and fertilization.

Yasmin tablets each contain 3mg of drospirenone, that is progestin, and 0.03mg of ethylinestradiol.

Presentations and prices

Yasmin pills are widely used as a contraceptive drug. Its use has become widespread and it can be found in almost any pharmacy in the countries that are authorized for direct sale to the public.

The most common and used presentation is that of 21 tablets.. The average price in which it is around 15 euros in Spain, 38,000 Colombian pesos in Colombia, 230 Mexican pesos in Mexico or 280 Argentine pesos in Argentina.

There is also another presentation of Yasmin, which is the 24/4 presentation. It contains 24 pink pills and 4 white pills to complete the 28-day cycle. This alternative is as effective as 21 tablets and the price varies very little.

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Side effects

Yasmin pill can cause side effects. Its consumption can bring with it one or more secondary effects in lesser or greater intensity. When prescribing the Yasmin pill, the health professional will surely mention these side effects.

Among the most common side effects are: headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, alterations in blood pressure, weight gain, changes in the flow or frequency of menstruation and chest pain or abdomen

It has also been recorded that in some people it has also occurred: alterations in libido, fluid retention, asthma, difficulty hearing, vaginal infections related to the use of contraception or alterations in the state of cheer up.

Consumption of Yasmin may increase the risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism, as clots can develop in the blood of veins and arteries. Although the documented cases are a smaller percentage, the risk of this happening is greater during the first year of use.

What to do in case of side effects

If you have any of the following side effects, first of all do not be alarmed. Any of all these symptoms and side effects are within the normal and expected range of the consumption of the Yasmin pill.

If the discomfort or intensity in them does not disappear after 24 hours, it is best to go and notify the doctor so that he is the one who evaluates and decides what should be done.

We remember that it must always be the doctor who prescribes the contraceptive method after an interview with the patient. Self-medication should never be performed, and the medical specialist can assess the level of risk of presenting a side effect.

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Bibliographic references

• Trussel, J. (2007). Contraceptive Technology, 18th Revised Edition Hardcover. New York: Ardent Media.