Yasmin and gallbladder disease problems are caused by bile that has become trapped within the gall bladder. This can happen when gallstones form and cause an obstruction. It can also occur if the organ fails to contract, thereby losing its ability to push bile into the common bile duct. Trapped inside the gallbladder, the bile causes inflammation and creates pressure.

When gallstones become symptomatic, or inflammation within the organ causes abdominal pain, the gallbladder is often surgically removed. Prior to its removal, Yasmin gallbladder problems can trigger a number of complications; many of them are serious. Below, we’ll explore the dangers of infection, perforation, and related problems.

Gallbladder Infection

Infection occurs in one out of five cases. Even if it remains mild, it can preclude removal of the gallbladder through a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Moreover, if infection is left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Severe infection can destroy your gallbladder’s tissue, a condition known as necrosis. If this occurs, gangrene can form. Abscesses can also develop, which can potentially allow infection to reach other areas of your body. This is known as septicemia.

Perforation

If you develop gallbladder problems after taking Yasmin birth control, and fail to have them treated, the organ may become perforated. This often occurs when a patient neglects to seek medical attention. Perforation is usually followed by a marked decrease in pain, which often misleads the patient, convincing her that the problem is resolving itself. Unfortunately, once your gallbladder becomes perforated, the abdominal cavity becomes vulnerable to widespread infection.

Common Bile Duct Infection

If gallstones form an obstruction in the common bile duct (a condition known as choledocholithiasis), the bile can become trapped within the duct and cause infection. If the infection is identified quickly, antibiotics are usually effective in eliminating it. A procedure called endoscopic sphincterotomy can then be performed to drain the common bile duct.

Pancreatitis

Besides infection, gallstones within the common bile duct can also cause your pancreas to become inflamed. This is known as pancreatitis.

Your pancreas has its own duct system that converges with the common bile duct before both empty into the duodenum. If gallstones travel far enough through the common bile duct, they can form an obstruction that blocks the pancreatic duct. Inflammation results.

Empyema

Empyema is a condition in which pus forms within your gallbladder. If this happens, you will experience severe pain in your abdomen. The pain can last more than a week. Fortunately, the condition rarely occurs; it is estimated that two out of every hundred cases exhibit signs of empyema.

Fistulas

In rare cases of Yasmin gall bladder disease, the inflamed organ can “stick to” the small intestine. If the gall bladder perforates the small intestine, a tunnel can open between them. This tunnel is called a fistula. It can allow gallstones to travel directly into the small intestine, a dangerous condition that requires surgery to resolve.

Women, after using Yasmin oral contraceptives, have developed problems with their gallbladders. Sometimes, gallstones present. Other times, inflammation occurs. Both cases can lead to serious complications that may become life-threatening. If you or someone you know has taken Yasmin birth control pills and suffered gallbladder problems, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact a Yasmin gallbladder attorney to discuss your case.

Women have complained about abdominal pain, bloating, and even nausea and vomiting after taking Yasmin birth control pills. These symptoms are often related to gallbladder disease. It is not yet clear how large a role this birth control pill plays in the development of gallstones and gall bladder disease. However, a growing number of reports are coming from women who have never experienced problems with their gallbladders. This suggests the condition is one of many Yasmin gall bladder side effects.

Yasmin is known as a fourth generation combination oral contraceptive. It combines estrogen with a synthetic progestin called drospirenone. It is thought that drospirenone’s diuretic qualities contribute to the inflammation of the gallbladder and the development of gallstones.

In a majority of cases, the presence of stones does not trigger symptoms. That said, inflammation and infection caused by Yasmin gallbladder disease can occasionally lead to intense, gripping pain (called biliary colic). The pain can often last for days and make it difficult for the patient to breathe properly. Below, I’ll describe the worst symptoms and most common forms of treatment for gallbladder disease.

Symptoms Of Gallbladder Disease

Yasmin gall bladder disease can take the form of gallstones (known as cholelithiasis) or inflammation (known as cholecystitis). Symptoms are similar for both types. When it presents, pain is most prevalent within the abdomen in the upper right section next to your rib cage. You may also feel pain in your back or beneath your breastbone. The sensation can last for minutes or several hours, and prevent you from breathing comfortably.

Women have also reported abdominal bloating, heartburn, nausea, chills, and fever. You might notice discoloration in your urine and stools. Your blood pressure might drop as your heartbeat quickens. In extreme cases, jaundice can set in. Each of these are Yasmin side effects that can manifest after developing gallbladder disease. If they recur, your doctor will recommend one of several forms of treatment.

Treatment For Yasmin Gallbladder Disease

Depending upon the type of gall bladder disease, your doctor might recommend one or more medications. He or she might suggest a contact solvent dissolution treatment that dissolves gallstones within a few days. Alternatively, ursodiol and chenodiol may be taken orally to dissolve cholesterol gallstones (though it can take years to dissolve them completely).

Doctors will usually recommend a surgical procedure called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the entire organ. After your gallbladder is removed, the bile that is normally collected within it will flow directly from your liver, passing through the common bile duct on its way to your small upper intestine. The most common problem with this type of surgery is that a bile duct can be torn, which would allow the bile to seep into the abdominal cavity. This can cause infection, which must be addressed surgically.

Coping With The Removal Of Your Gallbladder

Many women who have developed gallbladder disease caused by Yasmin and been forced to have their gallbladders removed must make post-surgery lifestyle changes. Diarrhea is common during the first few weeks following the operation. It is estimated that one in five patients suffer from chronic diarrhea after undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sometimes, the diarrhea persists, requiring the patient to adopt a high-fiber, low-fat diet.

If you have taken Yasmin and have been diagnosed with gallbladder disease, you’re not alone. Many women have endured the same experience. Consider contacting a Yasmin gallbladder lawyer to discuss your options.