Yasmin Gallbladder Disease

By: John7 Davidson7 Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Women have complained about abdominal pain, bloating, and even nausea and vomiting after taking Yasmin birth control pills. These symptoms are often related to gallbladder disease. It is not yet clear how large a role Yasmin plays in the development of gallstones and gall bladder disease. However, a growing number of reports are coming from women who have never experienced problems with their gallbladders. This suggests the condition is one of many Yasmin side effects.

Yasmin is known as a fourth generation combination oral contraceptive. It combines estrogen with a synthetic progestin called drospirenone. It is thought that drospirenone's diuretic qualities contribute to the inflammation of the gallbladder and the development of gallstones.

In a majority of cases, the presence of stones does not trigger symptoms. That said, inflammation and infection caused by Yasmin-induced gallbladder disease can occasionally lead to intense, gripping pain (called biliary colic). The pain can often last for days and make it difficult for the patient to breathe properly. Below, I'll describe the worst symptoms and most common forms of treatment for gallbladder disease.

Symptoms Of Gallbladder Disease

Yasmin gall bladder disease can take the form of gallstones (known as cholelithiasis) or inflammation (known as cholecystitis). Symptoms are similar for both types. When it presents, pain is most prevalent within the abdomen in the upper right section next to your rib cage. You may also feel pain in your back or beneath your breastbone. The sensation can last for minutes or several hours, and prevent you from breathing comfortably.

Women have also reported abdominal bloating, heartburn, nausea, chills, and fever. You might notice discoloration in your urine and stools. Your blood pressure might drop as your heartbeat quickens. In extreme cases, jaundice can set in. Each of these are Yasmin side effects that can manifest after developing gallbladder disease. If they recur, your doctor will recommend one of several forms of treatment.

Treatment For Yasmin Gallbladder Disease

Depending upon the type of gall bladder disease, your doctor might recommend one or more medications. He or she might suggest a contact solvent dissolution treatment that dissolves gallstones within a few days. Alternatively, ursodiol and chenodiol may be taken orally to dissolve cholesterol gallstones (though it can take years to dissolve them completely).

Doctors will usually recommend a surgical procedure called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the entire organ. After your gallbladder is removed, the bile that is normally collected within it will flow directly from your liver, passing through the common bile duct on its way to your small upper intestine. The most common problem with this type of surgery is that a bile duct can be torn, which would allow the bile to seep into the abdominal cavity. This can cause infection, which must be addressed surgically.

Coping With The Removal Of Your Gallbladder

Many women who have developed Yasmin-induced gallbladder disease and been forced to have their gallbladders removed must make post-surgery lifestyle changes. Diarrhea is common during the first few weeks following the operation. It is estimated that one in five patients suffer from chronic diarrhea after undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sometimes, the diarrhea persists, requiring the patient to adopt a high-fiber, low-fat diet.

If you have taken Yasmin and have been diagnosed with gallbladder disease, you're not alone. Many women have endured the same experience. Consider contacting a Yasmin lawyer to discuss your options.