Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and conditions

Ok-let me just say that I am so happy that I have found this website and so many other people out there with negative symptoms as a result from taking Yaz. (I WORK FOR AN OB/GYN!) When I was young, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (EXTREMELY TIRED) that was related to heavy bleeding - the treatment: birth control.The doctor I work for recommends Yaz as "the best pill out there." So, trusting his opinion, I started taking Yaz around 2 years ago. In the beginning, I guess I really didn't notice any new symptoms. But, it seems like the longer I am on Yaz (I am taking no other medication) the worse my symptoms get. I started noticing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: alternating constipation and diarrhea, abdominal distention, gas, and soft stools. Lately, my symptoms resemble both IBS and Celiac Disease - which is very scary to me. I've been researching IBS, Celiac Disease, and Lactose Intolerance; while trying to change my lifestyle and diet to try and make my symptoms better - according to the treatment to these illnesses.
Not to mention, I am ALWAYS tired. I've had my hemoglobin checked and am no longer anemic, so where is the fatigue coming from? I could sleep at any time, any place. I have muscle pain that comes and goes and a seriously decreased libido. What?! I have pain with intercourse and feel horrible trying to explain these symptoms to my boyfriend. It wasn't until I read the symptoms (listed on the Yaz website) that included an abnormal reading in pap smears! How can a doctor prescribe this?
It wasn't until recently that I thought my symptoms could be linked to Yaz. I have a yearly appointment with a new OB/GYN in a couple of days and will definitely let her know of my symptoms and will most likely change to a different oral contraceptive.

Hi,

I've never felt compelled to post anything on a blog site before, but in this case, I felt that it was important to share my experience on Yasmin. I've was on Yasmin for 3 years, but last month, I switched to Avianne.

At first, I didn't notice any terrible side effects on Yasmin. However, slowly over the years, I noticed or experienced the following: a) marked decrease in sex drive; b) vaginal dryness; c) melasma (darkening of skin on the face); d) depression (especially in the first week of the cycle); e) muscle spasms; and f) dehydration even while drinking 10 glasses of water a day; g) weight gain; and h) fatigue.

Most desturbing of all, were symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In my opinion, the diuretic component of Yasmin is dangerous. It was rare for me to pass a bowel movement every day and when I would, it was difficult b/c of constipation. Usually, I would pass a bowel movement every 3-5 days . I switched my diet to high fiber and eating mostly fruits/vegetables, and cutting out dairy, but that didn't help. Sometimes the pain from feeling bloated and "so backed up," that it was imbearable. Also, I would alternate from symptoms of constipation and diahrea.

I never had any of these problems before I started taking Yasmin.

It took me a while to put two and two together when I noticed that the ONLY time that I didn't have difficulty passing a bowel movement was the week of taking the placebo pills, and I was on my period.

On Avianne, I have 1-2 bowel movements a day. All symptoms of IBS have disappeared. The other symptoms of Yasmin are starting to abate, too.

Finally, if you don't notice any decrease in your sex drive at first while on Yasmin, you will down the road. It's rather insidious and it's no surprise-- if you do the research, you'll discover that the unique progestin component of Yasmin (what's usually associated with decreased sex drive) is 6 times greater than other BC pills.

Hope this helps.