I have been using Bayer Yasmin birth control pills for several years (I started on brand, switched to generic, then switched back to brand). The Yasmin pills have worked excellent for me. They have done their job (I haven't become pregnant). In addition, since going on the Yasmin, I have enjoyed lighter periods. I did gain a little weight (about 5-10 lbs) when I first went on the pills, however, it dropped away (with no effort on my part) after about 3 months. I have had the Yasmin in two types of packaging over the years. One has 4 rows of 7 pills each (the first 3 rows were pale yellow active pills and the last row had white dormant pills), the other has 21 pale yellow pills running around the edge of a small rectangle. Both are small and fit easily into my purse, makeup bag, or bedside table. However, I prefer the package with the 4 rows (although I never took the white dormant pills). I liked the rows over the oval, because sometimes in the morning I am so groggy I take the pill from the wrong direction. Then it messes up the day labels on the rest of the pills. I've done it more than once, so I see it as a real annoyance (I'm really not a morning person). Like most pills, you have to take it every day (well, every day for 3 weeks, then you take a week off). I don't mind this as it keeps me in a routine. I do have a period every month, but I am a bit uneasy about the ones that cause you to skip- seems too unnatural and I am sceptical that it doesn't harm you. Plus those ones seem to cause more weight gain. But that's just my opinion. UPDATE: At the start of 2012 my doctor insisted I switch pills since Yasmin significantly increases your risk of blood clots. I ended up switching to a natural form of birth control and it wasn't until I stopped Yasmin that I realized it was harming me more than I realized. It had caused me to become very sun sensitive (I'd burn after 5 min in the sun) and my skin would sometimes hurt for no reason. I also started to feel very disconnected from my emotions. I would feel sad for no reason and other times when I should feel happy or sad I would feel nothing at all. But worst of all, over time these pills almost completely killed my libido and caused dryness 'down there'. All of these things significantly improved after I stopped taking Yasmin so I have to say I wouldn't recommend them any more.

j9j

San Antonio, TX

I lost an ovary to this medication. A cyst on it grew to weigh a pound. The doctors said it had been growing for 2 years prior. I had been on Yasmin for 2 years prior. Coincedence? There are many** lawsuits** against this product. Google paints a terrifying image. Find some other way! This pill is dangerous and ought to be pulled from the shelves. I have switched to Nuvaring. Wish me luck!

rainbowpoop

San Francisco, CA

After 5 pregnancies and 4 children, birth control is a primary decision in my life.  Not that I ever planned on sharing my thoughts on the subject on a website -- but hey, why not maybe someone is using or thinking of using the **Bayer Yasmin Birth Control Pill.** **How does the**  **Bayer Yasmin Birth Control Pill work**? Like any other form of birth control it uses hormones to trick your body into thinking that you are pregnant, so that you can't conceive.  It is a daily pink pill, with 5 white pills for during your period. These are to keep you on "track' so you don't forget to take a pill every day. **What isn't so great about the** **Bayer Yasmin Birth Control Pill** - have to take it every day - causes weight gain or an inability to lose weight - increased risk of stroke - increased appetite **What is pretty great about the** **Bayer Yasmin Birth Control Pill** - easy to use - effective - I have had clear skin, but I have never really had a problem with that anyway - lighter periods, but one still occurs - no side effects for me other than the inability to lose weight but that happens with most birth control pills - don't have to remove it from any part of my body - insurance covers it ***My Viewpoint: ***We are done creating our family and right now the "Yaz" or **Bayer Yasmin Birth Control Pill **is a good choice for us until a more effective and permanent method of birth control can be decided upon.  I actually had considered an IUD, however, the costs associated with it as well as the side effects of pain, cramping, and bleeding scared me off for awhile. There is a period of adjustment with this birth control pill, as there are with all forms of birth control. But if you are interested in a low dose birth control pill or considering your options I would recommend discussing this one with your doctor. Another birth control option I have used is the [Encare Vaginal Contraceptive Inserts.][1] [1]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Blairex-Encare-Vaginal-Contraceptive-Inserts-18-Each-review-c3e12

LisaCarey

Houston, TX

  With more than 40 birth control pills to choose from, it's important to know what's inside the one you take. Let me explain you a little bit about Yasmin,  Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that are similar to these naturally occurring hormones. Combination pills contain an estrogen and a progestin and work in two ways: - The body is "tricked" into thinking it is pregnant. This prevents the release of an egg, or ovulation. Without an egg to be fertilized, a woman cannot become pregnant - The cervical mucus is thickened, making it difficult for sperm to travel toward the egg and fertilize it in case an egg is released. Today's combination pills: The most recently developed combination birth control pills are referred to as "low dose," meaning that they have 0.035 mg of estrogen or less (as Yasmin). Through the years, research has shown that the higher amounts of this hormone used in older birth control pills are not necessary to prevent pregnancy. As a result, the doses have gotten lower, but contraceptive effectiveness has stayed the same. With "perfect use", meaning that the pills are taken exactly as directed, low-dose combination pills are more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than one out of 100 women will become pregnant when they take the combination pill in a way that is consistent and correct. Benefits of the Pill Taking conbination pills can result in many health benefits beyond protection against pregnancy*: - Milder, more regular periodsUsing a combination pill helps with irregular periods. Your periods will probably be lighter and shorter. Because you lose less blood overall during periods when on a combination pill, you are less likely to develop iron-deficiency anemia. And, if you suffer from menstrual cramps, you will probably find that you have less pain during your period when taking a combination pill. - Reduced risk of ovarian cystsMonthly ovulation can put you at risk for development of benign (noncancerous) ovarian cysts. These may need to be surgically removed if they grow larger, rupture, or hemorrhage. Taking a combination pill prevents ovulation, decreasing your chances of developing these kinds of cysts. - Reduced risk of ectopic pregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy is one that develops outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes (called a tubal pregnancy), and it can be a life-threatening condition. When you use a combination pill, you reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancy. - Reduced risk of benign breast cysts or lumpsUsing a combination pill makes you less likely to develop benign cysts or lumps in your breast, and the risk decreases the longer you use the Pill. - Reduced risk of endometrial cancerThe endometrium is the lining of the uterus, and it's where endometrial cancer can occur. Combination pills help to protect you from this kind of cancer. And, the longer you use them, the more protected you are. What's more, protection continues to increase for many years after you stop using the Pill. - Reduced risk of ovarian cancerCombination pills help to protect you from cancer of the ovaries, and the longer you use them, the more protected you are. After one to two years of use, your risk is somewhat reduced. After you have used combination pills for ten years, you are significantly less likely to get ovarian cancer. What's more, you are protected for many years after you stop using the Pill. You should not take the Pill if you: - Are already pregnant or think you might be - Know or think you have cancer of the breast, uterus, or cerviz  - Have had a heart attack or stroke - Have a history of blood clots in your legs, lungs, or eyes - Have a history of blood clots in the deep veins of your legs - Have had liver tumors (cancerous or noncancerous) - Have active liver disease - Get chest pain or angina - Have vaginal bleeding other than from your regular period - Have had jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) during pregnancy or when you took the Pill before - Have heart disease - Have severe blood pressure - Have diabetes The Pill can cause side effectsNot all women experience them, and most of these symptoms disappear within the first few months of use, as the body adjusts to the Pill. Some of these include: - Headaches - Nausea - Bloating - Bleeding between periods - Breast tenderness Symptoms that persist should be brought to the attention of your healthcare professional. It's been so wonderful knowing more about Yasmin, now my period gets back on track, no more pms!!!   

arunret74

Los Angeles, CA