Is Yaz a Safe Birth Control Pill?

The Contraceptive is Under Fire after Misleading Commercials

Sep 17, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

Yaz is a birth control pill that has formerly claimed that it helped reduce PMS and acne. The FDA has fined Bayer, and new information is available.

Several birth control pills are on the market. Yaz is a newer birth control pill that received media attention for claims of reducing symptoms of PMS and acne. Bayer was fined by the FDA, and the company was forced to create new commercials. The misleading commercials were corrected, and now Yaz has new birth control commercials that correct the former 2007 claims. However, there is still some semblance of truth in the claims. Yaz treats moderate acne, and it can help reduce some premenstrual dysphoric syndrome, which is a more severe form of PMS.

What is Yaz?

Yaz is similar to other birth control pills. It is a contraceptive that contains progesterone and estrogen. These two hormones are responsible for ovulation in women. When these hormones are given to women even in small doses, the birth control pills affect a women’s menstruation. The ovaries do not release an egg, which means the woman is not capable of conceiving. Additionally, if the woman has released an egg from the ovaries, Yaz also increases the mucous membrane layer in the uterus. The increase of thickness inhibits the egg’s ability to implant in the uterine wall, which also limits the woman’s ability to conceive. These are the two main functions of Yaz and any other birth control pill on the market.

The Safety of Yaz Birth Control

Before any patient takes Yaz, there are some conditions that prohibit the birth control pill’s use. Patients who smoke should not take any type of birth control pill including Yaz. Smoking greatly increases the chances for stroke or heart attack. Birth control pills increase the chance of hypertension, which can lead to heart attack or heart disease. Additionally, people who take Yaz for birth control should not have any kind of kidney disease. Kidney disease can have a close relationship with heart disease, so the patient should check with her doctor before taking Yaz with these conditions.

When taking birth control like Yaz, patients should ensure that their health is the first priority. If the patient has any of the health issues listed, then taking Yaz has too many health risks. Smoking is a huge contributor in the negative side effects of birth control pills including Yaz. Patients should avoid smoking when taking any type of birth control. If patients focus on health eating, exercise and health concerns, Yaz is an effective way of avoiding conception without health dangers.

References:

News Inferno – Yaz Birth Control Commercial Scandal

Yaz Drug Information

The copyright of the article Is Yaz a Safe Birth Control Pill? in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish Is Yaz a Safe Birth Control Pill? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Yaz Birth Control

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Comments

Dec 12, 2009 9:52 PM

Guest :

I think the lawsuits being made are absolutely rediculous. The women that have had side effects should have known that the pill increases potassium levels. Before starting use of this pill, I did extensive research and was sure to be as informed as possible. Bayer did a good job explaining the side effects. This pill is simply not for everyone. Women who are being affected most likely had pre-existing conditions that placed them at a greater risk. This sort of thing happens all the time. People sue companies because they did not do extensive research about products. The information was out there. I am a college student satisfied with this product and was fully aware of the side effects. I have changed my diet so that I know I am not building up too much potassium. If you are not willing to take this pill, then don't.

Jan 26, 2010 10:42 PM

Guest :

It's bunch of CRAP, I was on yaz religiously, had timer for it to be taken set everyday at the same time. I still got pregnant with my second son(god bless that he's here and i love him to death), we werent ready at the time but we had to be. Take it from someone whos taken it...Take something else....
-Conserned Women of 2-

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