Never taken BC... Thinking of taking YAZ.... Thoughts on YAZ and/or BC???

[Quirk]

hello folks!

so i've NEVER taken any birth control pills ever (with exception to plan B.) i'm kind of a "naturalist" when it comes to putting stuff in my body, especially if it's going to screw around with my hormone levels.

my boyfriend just mentioned to me that he heard about YAZ and was telling me all these great things about it (he wasn't pressuring me, but simply letting me know.) i've heard some good stuff too, but i usually just ignore it because i don't want to take anything "unnatural."

i'm starting to think it would be a good thing to take it... i mean, it would be nice to not have to worry each month if i'm going to get my period **knock on wood!** and with YAZ, the website says it's good for acne and pms symptoms (which i've heard is true for other BC pills.) my boyfriend also said he heard it's good for warding off immune killers like hpv (but i've taken gardisil for that, so i'm not so worried for that!)

in any case, i'm curious what other people have to say about YAZ or BC in general.... i've heard it reduced your risk of breast cancer but increases your risk of ovarian (the latter of which is in my family....) i'm also worried about the weight gain part (don't wanna buy new jeans!) and the fact that i'll be "dependent" on it. i'm also worried about how much it will cost.

any info anyone can offer would be very helpful

[jessi330]

My doctor started me on Yaz. I got three months (free, yay!). It was my first time on birth control and I never had break-through bleeding, didn't feel bloated, didn't gain weight.

But I did feel a little anxious at times and the first week, I had a very mild upset stomach. Those did go away. I had moderate acne. It lessened a bit.

After my three month supply was up, I switched to something my university pharmacy had generic and cheap ($20!) Kariva (generic of Mircette).
I would probably still be on Yaz if I could acquire it for cheap.

I have just finished up 2 months on Kariva. I have gained 5 pounds, and my acne is still lessened but not completely gone. I was thinking of switching, but as my doctor told me, and the board, I should really give it time to settle in, and that's about 3 months.

I have low sex drive and I think either being on Kariva OR just being on birthcontrol for such a time, as my sex drive is a bit replenished.

I have a question for you gals, Has any birthcontrol increased your sex drive?

[noelsgig]

I am feeling the exact same way as you are...don't mess with mother nature. I have some severe pain my entire life and NEVER wanted to be on BC. The doc. is asking me to stick it out for at least three months...I am on month one..on my second white pill..no period. But, this could be because I had a surgery four weeks ago. Anyway, my boobs are growing (most don't mind, I do, big enough) Like you said you did not want to buy jeans...it looks like I might need to. Just more plump. Weight on scale same but body feels like it's changing. Flat tummy not so flat. But maybe if and when I have a period these things will change. I feel like i have my period, cramps, tired, weird tummy tingles..just no flow as of yet.


I am like you "naturalist" and don't think stopping your period or controlling the length is right. Let your body do what it needs!

Not sure if you should try or not. I am still researching. Keep you posted.

[tUrRrRa]

I love my birth control pill! I'm on Yasmin, which is similar to Yaz and have never had any problems on it. I try to not take many pills and only take my birth control pill and over the counter migraine medication as needed. I took anti-depressants once and THAT screwed me up! Never again!

My pill is $20/month with insurance. I'm sure it varies and depends on the brand, insurance, etc. I know my college offers birth control for $35 without insurance per month but it's a different brand.

I personally love the pill because I've had friends have accidents with condoms who got pregnant. I just wouldn't feel safe using only condoms and I know the shot can cause a lot of weight gain. My weight hasn't been affected by the pill at all. Yasmin actually HELPS with bloating during your periods. I don't mess up my pill and follow everything perfectly (if I do mess up, I wait to have sex) and I feel very safe since it's over 99% accurate. Some people find it hard to remember to take it and end up having a less accurate pill from not taking it at the right time.

Noelsgig, it's normal for you to not have your period after one white pill, especially on the first month. On Yasmin, I get my period after three white pills and I've been on it for years. Once it came a day late (scary!) but it was okay.

Jessi330, I don't think the pill has affected my sex drive much, but some people say it has increased theirs because they felt MUCH more protected when taking the pill perfectly and they wanted more sex because of less worrying. Makes sense to me!

[BorderGirl]

The pill increases the risk of breast cancer and reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. The pill does NOT reduce your risk of HPV. To the contrary, it increases the risk of cervical cancer. For a long time it was assumed that cervical cancer was more common because women on the pill were having unprotected sex, but more recent studies indicate that it is the pill itself that raises the risk of cervical cancer.