Yaz Birth Control and Gallbladder Diseases

If you have taken Yaz birth control pill, you should know that some people believe there is a correlation between using these newer contraceptives and Yaz / Ocella gallbladder disease. Although it can take years before symptoms of the disease begin to show, it is important for women to know the signs of different ailments that affect the gallbladder including undergoing Yaz gallbladder removal surgery.

The gallbladder is a muscular, pear shaped organ that is located near the liver. It connects to the liver and to the intestine via ducts. The liver produces bile, a chemical that digests fats. Excess bile is stored in the gallbladder until needed, and is then sent to the small intestine to aid digestion.

Although it is often considered a nonessential organ, it does provide an important function in digestion. And, if it becomes diseased, it can present serious health conditions.

Biliary Colic

One of the milder symptoms a person with gallbladder disease may experience is intermittent pain in them middle or upper right area of the abdomen. This may occur several hours after eating a large or fatty meal, and may go away on its own. This symptom, known as biliary colic, may also produce nausea and vomiting.

Ocella Gallbladder Disease and Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Gallstones are hardened material, either cholesterol or bile, which form a rock-like substances in the gallbladder. While they may exist for years without being noticed, they can create gas, nausea, stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

Cholecystitis

When Yaz and gallstones block the cystic duct, it can cause an inflammation. Symptoms of cholecystitis include constant pain in the upper abdomen for more than six hours, a history of biliary colic, fever and chills, nausea, and increased pain when inhaling deeply.

Choledocholithiasis

Gallstones may also become lodged in another duct, the common bile duct. This can lead to a serious infection with symptoms including fever, chills, pain in the right side of the abdomen, jaundice, dark urine, a rapid heartbeat or a sudden drop in blood pressure.

If you are having any of the symptoms described for cholecystitis or choledocholithiasis, seek medical treatment immediately. Left untreated, an infection can spread, leading to perforation of the gallbladder, abscesses, and infections in other parts of the body.

Gallbladder cancer

While gallbladder cancer is rare, over 80% of people who have it also have gallstones. If the cancer is contained in the gallbladder, the gallbladder can be removed. Unfortunately, symptoms do not always appear until advanced stages. Those symptoms would include weight loss, anemia and a lump in the abdomen.

Although it may take years for any problems to develop, people who have taken these birth control pills should understand their risks for developing Yaz gallbladder disease. If you or a family member has suffered from gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder leading to Yaz gallbladder removal, please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation.