What are the potential side effects of the Pill?
All birth control pills can cause side effects, but these side effects are usually mild and disappear after the first few months of use. Serious side effects do not occur very often. In clinical studies, women taking YASMIN^® experienced side effects similar in amount and severity to those experienced by women taking other pills.

A common side effect is vaginal bleeding between periods. You may notice some spotting or experience breakthrough bleeding. Usually, this clears up within the first few months, but it can occur later on. This type of bleeding is usually temporary and not serious.

Other possible side effects include: bloating (a feeling of weight gain), an increase in blood pressure, a spotty darkening of the skin, nausea, vomiting, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, moodiness, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections. If you experience any side effects while on the Pill, tell your healthcare professional. It is important to remember, though, that most side effects with the Pill are not serious and will probably clear up within a few months. For contact lens wearers, a possible side effect is a change in vision or inability to wear contacts.

How will the Pill affect my periods?
Once on the Pill, your periods will probably become more regular — with less overall bleeding and fewer menstrual cramps. Usually, you can predict when you are going to get your period by looking at your pill pack. If you have a 21-day pack, you will get your period after your third week of active pills — in other words, during the week when you are not taking any pills. If you have a 28-day pack, you will also get your period after your third week of active pills, when you are taking your reminder pills.

Will the Pill make me gain weight?
Some women gain weight while on the Pill, while others lose weight or see no effect on their weight at all. The hormones in some birth control pills may cause a slight increase or decrease in appetite. Furthermore, some birth control pills may cause you to retain fluids temporarily. This fluid retention may add pounds to the scale, but this is not "real" weight gain. Sometimes, women experience weight gain as a side effect of the estrogen part of the Pill.

Weight gain or loss is usually due to any number of factors, such as changes in exercise, lifestyle, or diet. So, it's often difficult to pinpoint a single cause of changes in weight. If the Pill does cause weight gain for you, it is usually an amount that can be managed with exercise or modifications in your diet.

Will the Pill change my mood at all?
One possible side effect of some birth control pills is increased mood changes. However, there are many benefits of the Pill that include having periods that are more regular, as well as having fewer menstrual cramps. This may affect your mood in a positive way. Basically, every woman reacts differently to the Pill, and not all birth control pills cause the same reaction. If you go on the Pill and find that you are feeling depressed from it, let your healthcare professional know. Most side effects of the Pill are only temporary and will go away after the first few months, as your body adjusts. But if they don't, you should tell your healthcare professional — he or she may suggest that you switch brands or go off the Pill.

Will the Pill increase the hair on my face or body or cause acne?
This has to do with the ingredients that are contained in the pill you are on. If you're concerned, the best thing to do is let your healthcare professional know before he or she writes your prescription. Some birth control pills contain ingredients that act similarly to hormones called androgens, and these can cause hair growth or acne. However, some of today's birth control pills actually produce fewer of these effects, meaning that they may help you to have less unwanted hair and acne.

Are there any medications I can't take if I go on the Pill?
There are certain medications that may lessen the effectiveness of the Pill or cause breakthrough bleeding. This does not mean that you can't take them, but that during the pill cycle when you are taking these medications, you need to use a backup birth control method to ensure that you don't get pregnant. These medications include certain seizure drugs, antibiotics, and herbal remedies, such as St. John's Wort. The package insert you receive with your pills will list these medications under "Drug Interactions." Please click here for patient information.

If you have concerns about any medications you regularly take, discuss them with your healthcare professional.

What if I go on the Pill and then decide to have children later on?
The Pill is known as a reversible birth control method, which means that you should have no problems getting pregnant when you decide to do so. Some doctors may suggest that you wait until you have been off the Pill for a few months before you start trying to get pregnant. However, it is important to understand that once you stop taking the Pill, it is possible to get pregnant immediately — so you'll need to use a backup method of birth control until you wish to become pregnant.

What if I smoke while on the Pill?
Women who are on the Pill are strongly advised not to smoke. The Pill rarely poses some health risks, including heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in the legs that can travel up to the lungs. Smoking increases these health risks. The more cigarettes you smoke, and the older you are, the riskier smoking is while on the Pill.

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What if I forget to take the Pill?
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