I began taking Yasmin when I was 16 to regulate the irregularity ...

I began taking Yasmin when I was 16 to regulate the irregularity and terrible mood swings I was going through. This was in 2004, when Yasmin was very new. I had terrible nausea for the first three months, but after that I was fine. I had clear, healthy skin, and my moods evened out. I was told that it was completely safe and that when I wanted to get off of it to become pregnant there would be no lasting problems. I was great for about two years, and then I began to experience many of the symptoms of pregnancy. I would have pain in my lower abdomen, as well as nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, and even spotting prior to my period. I consulted with my doctor and she assured me that it was all normal. She explained that my being on birth control was like I was permanently in a state of early pregnancy. She also suspected that I might have ovarian cysts. As a solution to all these problems, she proposed that I try Yaz. So I did for about a year and a half. Then I started experiencing the same symptoms again. I contacted my doctor, and they suggested that the hormones in Yaz were not strong enough to prevent my ovarian cysts from forming. It was at this point that I decided that I should do some investigation of my own. My husband and I decided that I should discontinue all birth control and we would manage my mood problems through diet and behavior modification. I have done this successfully, however, I am just now returning to what I expect is my normal hormone levels. I wanted to get off of birth control because I had found that some women who had used the Depro-Provera shot have taken years to regain fertility, as well as the birth control patch. Because we were planning on having children in the next five years from 2008, we became worried. Since being off birth control (in 2007) it took me until December 2008 to begin having periods that were irregular - meaning that it took me about a year and a half to return to normal cycles. I would not recommend Yaz or Yasmin if you are looking to conceive within 2-3 years. All the side effects listed here are similar to what I experienced, but I think it is up to the individual to decide whether it is worth it. I am now 21 and have acne like I never did when I was a teenager. I think I am now going through adolescence when I should be over all that.