Dear Mary,
Three months ago, I began taking birth-control pills. I was prescribed the generic version of Yasmin. In the three months since, I have gained seven pounds, suffered through my first yeast infection and recently had the most painful period of my life because it was accompanied by two days of diarrhea and vomiting.
I want to tell my doctor that I want some other form of birth control, and I am wondering if there is anything available that doesn’t have hormones?
—Sick of Hormones
Dear Sick of Hormones,
Yasmin and Ocella, the generic version of Yasmin, may have adverse side effects just like any other combined hormonal method. But since every woman has a slightly different physiology, everyone reacts differently to specific medications. Often Yasmin and other combined hormonal methods are adequate and well-liked by the women taking them.
With that said, I must admit that Yasmin and Ocella have some uniquely problematic side effects, a few of which you mentioned in your question.
In the FDA clinical trials, Yasmin users noted side effects including “headaches, menstrual changes or problems, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, vaginal discharge, acne, vaginal yeast infections, diarrhea and back pain,” according to a study by pharmacist Kristin Monson and Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt available at medical self-help Web site eMedtv.com.
Similar complications are sometimes associated with many forms of hormonal contraceptives since all feature synthetic hormones that may interfere with one’s natural physiology. Yasmin and Ocella, however, are the only birth control pills on the market that feature progestin drospirenone, a synthetic progesterone that has been associated with body-salt regulation interference.
Most doctors are more concerned with the serious side effects of salt imbalances, including hyperkalemia, stroke, blood clots and other serious heart problems, but the minor discomforts (minor to your overall health and wellness, not to your daily activities) that you cited could easily be traced to a salt-and-water imbalance.
I am by no means a medical practitioner, and before you make any decisions about your method of birth control, you should make sure to research it yourself and discuss the health benefits and concerns fully with a health-care professional, but with all of the information you shared, it seems to me that your desire to opt for a non-hormonal method is justified.
It is also important that you realize that weight gain is rarely associated with Ocella or Yasmin, according to the FDA clinical trails. That problem may be unrelated.
With regard to the yeast infections, menstrual changes and digestive issues, there are a few other options you can look into.
There are some non-hormonal barrier contraceptives available, including diaphragms and spermicidal sponges, but if your vagina is sensitive to yeast infections, then I think either of these barrier methods would prove uncomfortable in the long run.
One method to check out with your doctor is the intrauterine device, also called intrauterine contraceptive. These small, t-shaped devices are inserted directly into the uterus by a health-care professional and then left in for up to 10 years.
IUDs are the most popular form of birth control worldwide and are more effective at preventing pregnancy than getting your tubes tied, according to Contraceptive Technology, the most comprehensive source for contraceptive information and trusted resource for the FDA.
However, because of the fact that IUDs come with a small string attached to the bottom that comes out from the uterus through the cervix and rests around the opening of the cervix, the risks associated with sexually transmitted infections can be greater for women who use them.
This is a lot of information and there may be more factors in your specific case that may make a different birth control option more attractive. The only way to find the best option for you is by talking with a professional.
