Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, light spotting between periods, headaches, mood changes, and yeast infections.

Because Yaz contains drospirenone, it carries a slightly higher risk of hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) and blood clots than some older birth control pills. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience signs of a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack (severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, vision changes, or calf pain/swelling).

Smoking cigarettes while taking Yaz significantly increases the risk of severe cardiovascular events. Women over 35 who smoke should not take Yaz.

Neither pill is universally better. Which one works for you depends on your specific priorities, monthly cycle preferences, and how your body reacts to hormone levels.

Yaz may be better for you if you experience severe premenstrual mood changes or PMS, struggle with moderate acne, or prefer a lower estrogen dose to minimize side effects like nausea or breast tenderness. You may also experience lighter, shorter periods on Yaz.

Yasmin may be better if you experience breakthrough bleeding and would like stronger uterine lining stability during active pill days.

Yaz comes in a 28-day blister pack (24 active light pink pills and 4 inactive white placebo pills) taken once daily at the same time. If you miss an active pill, take it as soon as you remember and use backup contraception (like condoms) for 7 consecutive days if required by your package insert instructions.

Store your pill pack at room temperature (68°F to 77°F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light.

If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Yaz (drospirenone ethinyl estradiol) to be picked up near you—often within the same day.

Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered immediately for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

If Yaz isn't right for you, providers offer prescriptions and refills for a variety of options, including:

• Combination Pills: Levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol, norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol, and norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol
• Estrogen-Free Options: Progestin-only pills (like drospirenone)
• Vaginal Rings: Non-oral options (like NuvaRing)
• Emergency Contraception: Single-dose options (like levonorgestrel)