How do birth control pills work?
While there are many different types of pill, they all work to prevent pregnancy in the same way. The hormones in the contraceptive pill prevent pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), increasing the thickness of the fluid around the neck of the womb to prevent sperm from reaching an egg, and making the lining of the womb thinner to make it harder for any fertilised eggs to implant. Read for more information on how the pill works.
How effective is Yasmin?
All contraceptive pills are equally effective, and are more than 99% effective in protecting you against pregnancy. However, things like missing a pill, and vomiting or having diarrhoea shortly after taking it can make it less effective. Taking this into account, the pill is about 91% effective in practice.
What should I do if I miss a Yasmin pill?
If you miss a pill, the first thing you should do is take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill as normal, even if it means taking two pills at the same time. Depending on the type of pill you are taking (combined or mini pill), or where in your cycle you missed a pill, you may not be protected from pregnancy any more and would need to use additional contraception. Read our doctors’ guide on what to do if you miss a pill.
Can I take antibiotics on Yasmin?
Most antibiotics don’t interact with the pill, and won’t make it less effective. However, there are a few less common antibiotics that do, so you should always tell your doctor that you are taking the pill if they prescribe you antibiotics. In addition, some antibiotics can have an indirect impact on the effectiveness of the pill, such as causing vomiting or diarrhoea. If you are taking antibiotics regularly, or are planning on taking them, then speak to your doctor first to make sure they do not interact. For more information, read our doctors’ guidance if you should take the pill and antibiotics.
Can I drink while taking Yasmin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Yasmin without affecting your protection from pregnancy, but you should always drink within the recommended weekly amount.
Can I take painkillers when taking Yasmin?
Yes, simple painkillers like paracetamol are safe to take when on Yasmin. If you are taking other types of painkillers, you should inform your doctor.
Can I take Yasmin when I’m breastfeeding?
It is not advisable to take Yasmin when breastfeeding as it can be passed on to the baby through breastmilk. It can also make it difficult for breast milk to flow due to the oestrogen hormone in Yasmin. Speak to your doctor about other suitable forms of contraception when breastfeeding.
Does Yasmin make your breasts grow?
Yasmin contains oestrogen (ethinyl estradiol) which can make breasts feel tender and swollen especially when you first start f taking Yasmin.
Does Yasmin increase your risk of blood clots?
Yes, but the risk is very small. The risk only increases if you already have other risk factors for developing blood clots such as if you smoke, are overweight, have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of developing blood clots, stroke or heart disease.
Does the Yasmin pill help acne?
Yes, Yasmin is one of the combined oral contraceptive pills prescribed for treating acne in the UK.
Can Yasmin make you depressed?
Some women using combined oral contraceptive pills like Yasmin have reported feeling depressive symptoms, but there is no clear research linking taking Yasmin with depression. If you experience any symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts while on Yasmin, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Can Yasmin cause changes to your weight?
Although weight changes have been reported as a side effect of taking Yasmin, not all women experience this. However, oestrogen can cause you to retain more water, progesterone can increase your appetite, both of which can lead to weight gain. For more information, read what our doctors have to say about weight gain and the pill.
Does the Yasmin pill stop periods?
Yes, if you take Yasmin pills daily without the 7-day pill break, you can delay experiencing your monthly periods. This will also be reversed if you stop taking Yasmin.
Can Yasmin cause mood swings?
Some women taking Yasmin have reported changes in their mood but there is no clear study linking Yasmin with mood changes. If you do experience mood changes when taking Yasmin, your doctor may suggest you try a different contraceptive pill.
Can Yasmin give you low libido?
Changes in sex drive have been reported as side effects of Yasmin but not all women experience this. If you are concerned about changes in your sex drive, speak to your doctor for advice.
Is there a best contraceptive pill?
Lots of different pills are available, and they are all slightly different. There is no “best contraceptive pill”, but certain pills may work better for you than others, and some may not be suitable for you at all. Each pill contains slightly different hormones, sometimes in different amounts, so finding the best pill for you may involve some trial and error, with the guidance of a doctor. For advice on getting the right pill for you, read our doctors’ guide on how to find the best contraceptive pill.
Can Yasmin make me bleed between periods?
Bleeding between periods is a possible side effect of some of the contraceptive pills, especially the mini pill. Apart from discomfort and inconvenience, this is not usually a sign of something wrong and isn’t harmful to your health. However, bleeding between periods is usually a temporary side effect, and typically gets better in the first few months as your body gets used to the pill. So if it doesn’t stop after a couple of months, or is very heavy or worrying, you should see your doctor straight away to rule out any other causes. For more information, you can read our doctors’ advice on how the pill can affect your bleeding.
I didn’t get my period while taking Yasmin. Am I pregnant?
The pill is over 99% effective, so if you are taking it correctly then you are very unlikely to get pregnant. If you miss your period, it does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. Some pills, especially the mini pill, can cause you to delay or skip your period, or stop having them at all. Read our doctors’ advice on how to tell if you are pregnant on the pill, and what you can do about it.
Can I switch to a different pill?
There are lots of different contraceptive pills, so if you find that the pill that you are on isn’t right for you, then there are plenty of other options to choose from. However, before switching to a different pill, you should talk with a doctor about which pill to switch to, and how to switch pills safely. For more information, read our doctors’ advice on how to switch contraceptive pills.
How long will it take to get pregnant after taking Yasmin?
Taking the contraceptive pill has no long term impact on your fertility, so your fertility levels should return to normal shortly after stopping the pill. It is possible to get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the pill, though some women may find it takes a few months for their periods to return to normal.
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