Yaz And Gallstones: A Detailed Look At How Gallstones Form

Otherwise healthy women have reported experiencing problems related to Yaz and gallstones. In most cases, the stones are asymptomatic, especially if they remain within the gallbladder. However, it is not uncommon for symptoms to emerge years later, causing debilitating pain and dangerous complications. Please contact us for the latest updates on Yaz gallbladder class action lawsuit type claims which are referred to as multidistrict litigation.

Gallstones and gallbladder disease are among the many severe side effects of Yaz birth control. Doctors usually address both circumstances by surgically removing the gall bladder. Below, you’ll discover how the stones form, how they can trigger gallbladder disease, and some of the resulting problems that may occur.

Production And Flow Of Bile Fluid

Bile is necessary for the digestion of fats that arrive in your small intestine. It is manufactured by your liver, which secretes bile fluid into the common hepatic duct. While a small amount flows directly into your small intestine through the common bile duct, most of the fluid flows into your gallbladder. It remains there until it is needed for digestion.

Your gall bladder functions as a storage facility for the bile. It receives between two and five cups of bile fluid each day. There, the fluid is concentrated to several times its original strength, leaving only a few tablespoons available for digestion.

When fats enter your small intestine, a hormone called cholecystokinin is produced. This sends a signal to your gallbladder, causing it to contract. The contraction pushes the concentrated bile fluid into the common bile duct, allowing it to flow into your duodenum.

This process can be interrupted with the formation of Yaz gallstones.

Root Cause Of Yaz and Gallstones

When your liver produces bile fluid, it secretes a small amount of cholesterol. Because the cholesterol is highly insoluble, it must be contained within bile salts as it moves to your gallbladder; over time, it is dissolved by the bile.

If your liver produces excess cholesterol, the bile salts will be unable to dissolve it. Instead, the fluid begins to thicken within your gallbladder and eventually goes through a process called supersaturation. Solid cholesterol particles begin to form and crystallize. These crystals begin to clump together and form gallstones.

Yaz gallbladder problems are the result of two catalysts. The oral contraceptive is believed to be responsible for increasing the amount of cholesterol secreted from your liver. Moreover, the estrogen and drospirenone (a synthetic progestin hormone) contained in the birth control pill is thought to reduce the contraction-related activity of your gallbladder. This raises the risk of supersaturation. As the cholesterol crystallizes and Yaz gallstones form, additional problems can emerge.

Yaz Gallbladder Disease

Stones that remain in your gall bladder can potentially block the opening that leads to the cystic duct. A blockage prevents bile from exiting the organ. The trapped bile eventually causes inflammation, triggering a gallbladder attack. When this happens, you will experience sharp pain in your upper abdomen.

Gallstones caused by Yaz can also migrate from your gall bladder into the common bile duct. If they form a blockage, the flow of bile will be slowed. That sets the stage for bacterial infection and inflammation within the duct. A secondary effect is swelling in your gallbladder, which causes biliary colic.

If the stones migrate further along the common bile duct, they can block the ampulla of Vater. This is a juncture at which the bile duct and pancreatic duct merge. A blockage in this area can prevent digestive enzymes secreted by your pancreas from passing into your small intestine. This can lead to pancreatitis, a potential side effect of Yaz gallbladder problems.

Many women who have never experienced problems with their gall bladders have developed gallstones after taking Yaz birth control pills. This often results in the surgical removal of the organ. If you or someone you know has suffered gallstones or gallbladder disease following use of this oral contraceptive, contact a Yaz lawsuit gallbladder attorney to discuss your case and the latest news regarding a Yaz gallbladder settlement. You may be entitled to file a claim for compensation for your injuries.