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Yaz Birth Control Risks

Yaz birth control is a contraceptive pill that releases hormones to make the body think it is pregnant. In most cases, Yaz prevents ovulation, or the releasing of eggs from the ovary. However, should an egg be released, Yaz also thickens the mucus of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to travel up the cervix and fertilize the released egg. In addition, Yaz alters the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant in the wall of the uterus. As with any contraceptive, consider the risks before taking it.

  1. Blood Clots

    • All contraceptive pills increase the chance of blood clots with the higher amount of estrogen found in the pill. While Yaz contains a lower dosage of estrogen, it contains a specific type of progestin hormone, called drospirenone, that increases the risk of blood clots up to six times more than that of other hormonal contraceptives.

    Increased Potassium Levels

    • Drospirenone may also increase levels of potassium in the blood, also known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrest and kidney failure, so those with history of liver, kidney or adrenal disease should not take Yaz due to health and heart issues. Furthermore, certain drugs also increase potassium and should not be taken with Yaz. These include potassium-sparing diuretics, NSAIDS, heparin, ACE inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists, potassium supplements and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists.

    Cigarette Smoking and Yaz

    • While taking Yaz, a woman who smokes as well increases the chance of heart problems. Heavy smoking and age together increase the risk of heart-related issues. Women ages 35 and older have a greater likelihood of developing heart problems, and smoking significantly adds to that risk. Regardless of age, women taking Yaz should not smoke.

    Other Risks of Yaz

    • In more than 1 percent of users, YAZ causes high blood pressure, back pain, stroke, heart attack, dizziness, pelvic pain, diarrhea, elevated triglycerides, irregular bleeding, thyroid dysfunction, liver disease, liver tumors, pulmonary embolism, fever, nervousness, increased appetite, acne, elevated cholesterol, deep vein thrombosis, weakness and weight gain.

      Other occasional side effects of taking YAZ include upper respiratory infection, depression, decreased libido, bladder infection, abnormal discharge, vaginal yeast infection, nausea, mood swings, stomach pain, skin disorder, breast pain, migraine, painful menstrual period, headache, sinus infection, abnormal Pap smear, urinary tract infection, menstrual disorder, allergic reaction and sudden death.

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