Yasmin

Yasmin is a contraceptive pill containing 0.03 mg of the synthetic oestrogen ‘ethinylestradiol’ and 3 mg of the synthetic progestin ‘drospirenone’. 

Ethinylestradiol helps to stop the release of the luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, thereby preventing ovulation. It also helps to stabilise the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation of a fertilised egg. Drospirenone thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilise the egg.

Yasmin is formulated to be taken at certain times during monthly menstrual cycles to prevent pregnancy. Do not use the Yasmin combined pill for any reason other than to prevent pregnancy unless explicitly instructed by a medical professional.

Yasmin contraceptive pills stop the ovaries from releasing an egg during a typical menstrual cycle. They also thicken the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. In addition, Yasmin pills affect the uterine lining, preventing a fertilised egg from being implanted in the lining.

Take one Yasmin pill per day at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days. Following this, do not take any Yasmin pills for 7 days. During this time, you may experience withdrawal bleeding resembling a period. This is normal and not a cause for concern. After this 7-day break, repeat the process: take one Yasmin pill per day at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day break, and so forth.

Yasmin works immediately if it is taken from the first day of the menstrual cycle. If started at any other time, it is recommended to use additional contraception (such as condoms) for at least seven days while taking Yasmin pills.

Yasmin can be 91% to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken according to the instructions in the patient information leaflet. The effectiveness of Yasmin may decrease if pills are missed or taken at irregular times.

Yasmin should not be taken by individuals who have uncontrolled high blood pressure or have experienced blood clots in the past.

Yasmin pills may also be unsuitable for individuals with certain cancers, conditions affecting the liver, or those who are either pregnant or have recently given birth. Always discuss the use of contraceptive pills, such as Yasmin, with your doctor or GP before taking them.

Yasmin should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light, moisture, and heat. Keep the pills in their original packet until use, and ensure the pack is kept closed to protect the pills from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

It is advisable to start taking Yasmin on the first day of your menstrual cycle. It is also possible to take Yasmin pills from the first Sunday following the start of your period; however, the effectiveness of the pills may not be as high, and additional contraception, such as condoms, will be needed for the first seven days of taking the pill.

If you have accidentally missed a Yasmin pill dose and less than 12 hours have passed since you missed the dose, take a pill as soon as you remember. 

If more than 12 hours have passed since you forgot to take a Yasmin pill, taking one may not be effective at preventing pregnancy. At this point, it is advised to have intercourse using barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, for the next seven days after the missed dose. Following this, resume your course of Yasmin pills as normal.

Yasmin and Lucette are the same in that they are both branded oral contraceptive pills that contain the same active ingredients (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone) in the same dosages. The only difference between the two contraceptive pills is the branding.

There are several alternative oral contraceptive pills individuals may consider if Yasmin is unsuitable. These include:Otherwise, if taken at any other point in the cycle, it can take up to 7 days for Levest to become effective in preventing pregnancy.

• Lucette is a direct alternative to Yasmin as it also contains ethinylestradiol and drospirenone. Lucette and Yasmin are medically identical and produce the same effects, with the only difference being the brand.
• Rigevidon, Microgynon, and Levest are each 'combined pills; that contain a combination of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
• Gedarel, Marvelon, and Mercilon are each ‘combined pills’ that contain a combination of ethinylestradiol and desogestrel.
• Lovima, Cerelle, and Cerazette are 'progestogen-only' pills which contain the synthetic hormone desogestrel.
• Noriday 350 mcg is a 'progestogen-only' pill that contains norethisterone.
• Norgeston is a 'progestogen-only' pill that contains levonorgestrel.

The brands listed above vary by active ingredient and dosage to cater to different health needs and preferences.

It is recommended to consult your doctor or GP if you wish to switch to Yasmin from a different contraceptive pill, as each individual reacts differently to medications.

Yasmin (and other hormonal contraceptives) may lead to weight gain in some women, primarily due to changes in water retention and appetite. However, this is relatively rare, and the weight gain experienced is typically minimal.

It is not recommended to use Yasmin while breastfeeding, as the ethinylestradiol (synthetic oestrogen) in Yasmin pills can pass into breast milk. This can potentially reduce milk production and alter the composition of the milk, which might affect the breastfed infant's development and health.

If you are already pregnant, taking Yasmin contraceptives (or any combined oral contraceptive pill) is not recommended. Yasmin contains a combination of two hormones, drospirenone (a synthetic progestin) and ethinylestradiol (a synthetic oestrogen), which are designed to prevent pregnancy. These hormones may potentially affect the developing foetus.

Yasmin will not stop periods completely; rather, it typically causes them to become lighter and less painful.

Yasmin does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always use a barrier contraceptive, such as a condom, to minimise the risk of contracting an STI.