The Yaz birth control pill is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It has a lower dose than many other combined pills, so isn’t as likely to cause vaginal dryness or a drop in libido.
Looking for protection that doesn’t tip the hormonal balance? We can help. Talk to our experts to get advice on what pills are out there. Order Yaz online and get your pill delivered regularly, direct to your door.
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Yaz is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP). It’s a cyclical pill you take at the same time every day to get the most out of the treatment. There are two synthetic hormones in it that adjust the menstrual cycle and stop the body from releasing an egg for fertilization.
A pack of Yaz pills contains 24 active and four inactive pills. The four inactive pills are spacers (pills without any active ingredient), which you take until you’re ready for the next pack. That way you keep up the habit of taking a pill at the same time each day.
How does Yaz work?
There are two hormones in Yaz tablets: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. These are very similar to progesterone and estrogen, hormones that naturally occur in your body.
As part of the menstrual cycle, these natural hormone levels rise and fall, kickstarting ovulation (the release of an egg) and other processes.
Yaz uses hormones to trick the body into thinking that ovulation has already happened, so no egg is released. These hormones also stop the wall of the uterus from getting thicker, which makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to settle there. They also change the consistency of cervical fluid, so sperm can’t reach the egg in the unlikely event the first two methods have failed.
YazDrospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol
How to take Yaz
Yaz needs to be taken at the same time each day. To help you to get into the habit of doing this, taking it as soon as you wake or during a meal you have at the same time each day are handy tips for remembering when to take it. Yaz can be taken with or without food.
Each blister pack contains 28 pills. The 24 light pink pills contain the active ingredients and are taken once a day for 24 days of the cycle. This is followed by four inactive white pills taken for four days. After you’ve taken the fourth inactive pill, you start a new pack the next day.
What to do if you miss an Yaz pill
It’s important to remember that missed pills lead to an increased risk of getting pregnant. If you miss one light pink pill, take it as soon as you remember. This can mean taking two pills on the same day. You don’t need to use any back-up birth control in these circumstances.
If you miss two light pink pills in a row in week one or week two, you need to take two pills on the day you remember and then take another two pills the next day. You will need to use a barrier contraceptive (e.g. condoms) for seven days.
If you miss two light pink pills in a row in week three or week four of your pack, and you started taking Yaz on the first day of your period, discard the rest of the pack and start a new one that day. If you miss two light pink pills in a row in week three or week four of your pack, and you started taking Yaz on a Sunday, keep taking one pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the entire pack and start a new one.
What is the effectiveness rate for Yaz?
Combined birth control pills like Yaz are more than 99% effective as long as they’re taken correctly. This means that out of 100 women taking Yaz over one year, fewer than one will become pregnant. That makes it one of the most effective methods of birth control available.
With “typical” use, which takes into account forgetting the odd pill every now and then, effectiveness is reduced to around 92%. That’s eight out of every 100 women becoming pregnant over one year of taking Yaz.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
YazDrospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol
YazDrospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol
Yaz: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Yaz and Yasmin: what’s the difference?
Answer:
There is a higher dose version of Yaz called Yasmin. It should work in exactly the same way in the body and be just as effective at preventing pregnancy, but contains more estrogen.
Side effects on Yaz are less likely to occur when compared to these higher-strength treatments, so that’s something to consider when choosing a birth control pill if you’re sensitive to estrogen in particular.
What are the hormones in Yaz?
Answer:
Yaz contains ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. These are synthetic or man-made versions of naturally occurring hormones. Developed in a laboratory, they’re used in many areas of medicine, not just contraception.
Birth control pills have either a type of progesterone or synthetic versions of both progesterone and estrogen. If they contain both, like Yaz, they’re known as combined pills.
Can I take Yaz for acne?
Answer:
Some women find that Yaz helps with acne . If you often get acne when you’re about to have your period, let us know during your consultation so we can recommend a pill that could help.
It’s important to note that Yaz, and birth control pills more generally, aren’t always effective at controlling acne. So if your acne becomes uncomfortable, it’s better to see a doctor about other treatments that may be able to help.
Does Yaz cause weight gain?
Answer:
While there has never been a proven scientific link established between hormonal birth control and weight gain, it has been reported as a side effect. But there are a lot of factors that can influence a person’s weight, so this needn’t necessarily be down to the pill. Weight loss has also been recorded as a side effect of birth control pills like Yaz.
If you do notice significant weight or appetite changes after taking Yaz, you can always talk to a clinician through our chat feature to explore what might be the cause and find a solution.
Can I take Yaz for PMDD?
Answer:
Yaz is sometimes recommended for women who have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). That’s when you feel depressed and irritable before your period starts and it impacts your quality of life. PMDD is a severe form of PMS.
Using the Yaz pill for PMDD will need to be monitored by your doctor, so be sure to mention the condition before you’re offered the list of medication. This way you can be sure to have the best options to choose from.
Why should I buy Yaz online with Treated?
Answer:
In short? It’s convenient and you’ll get unlimited access to our medical experts. We’re here to help you find the birth control that’s right for your life. And we also want the medication you get to carry on being the right one for you.
All you need to do is tell us about your health and the kind of pill you’re looking for. It’s easy with our online consultation. We’ll show you which medications are safe, but you have the power to choose the pill you prefer, how often you want to receive it and when. You’ll also get frequent, expert aftercare from our clinicians, to help you make sure the pill you’re using continues to be the best option for you.
Słopień, R., Milewska, E., Rynio, P. and Męczekalski, B. (2018).
Use of oral contraceptives for management of acne vulgaris and hirsutism in women of reproductive and late reproductive age. Menopausal Review, 17(1), pp.1–4.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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