Several Yaz side effects are intertwined. For example, the heightened risk of blood clots can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In turn, deep vein thrombosis can lead to Yasmin / Yaz and pulmonary embolism, a condition that is potentially life-threatening. The problem is that many women who have never shown a susceptibility to blood clots are developing clots after using Yaz birth control pills. In fact, the official Yaz website warns women of the increased risk of clotting.

Yaz Pulmonary Embolism Begins With Blood Clots

Most popular oral contraceptives include estrogen, a hormone which increases a woman’s risk of developing blood clots. Yaz is different. It is a relatively new fourth-generation birth control pill that combines estrogen with a progestin known as drospirenone. Recent studies have shown that drospirenone sharply increases the risk of clotting. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, women who take Yaz are six times more likely to develop blood clots than those who don’t take birth control.

Most cases of Yaz PE are caused by blood clots that form within a deep vein in the lower part of the leg (i.e. deep vein thrombosis). The clot becomes dislodged and is carried along by the bloodstream. Eventually, the traveling clot (known as an embolus) reaches one of the pulmonary arteries which feed the lungs.

If the clot is large enough, it will block the flow of blood within the artery, thereby starving a portion of the lung. That will cause lung damage. If multiple clots reach the arteries, blood flow to the lung is further hampered.

Tests To Diagnose Yaz and Yasmin Pulmonary Embolism

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism can be severe, mild, or even nonexistent. Much depends on the size and number of blood clots that block pulmonary arteries. When symptoms manifest, patients will often complain of a shortness of breath, pain or pressure in their chest area, or persistent coughing. They might also develop a fever that is accompanied by lightheadedness and profuse sweating.

Doctors have a number of tests they can use to determine whether a patient suffers from Yaz pulmonary embolism. They will often start with a spiral computerized tomography (CT) scan to identify blood clots that have formed within the lungs. A contrast dye is injected into the patient’s arm to help the doctor examine the blood vessels near the affected site.

A pulmonary angiography can also be performed, though fewer hospitals offer it. A catheter is used to deliver dye to the affected site. Then, X-rays are taken in order to examine the blood flow through the arteries. Though a pulmonary angiography is extremely accurate, there are risks involved, including kidney damage and hematoma.

Doctors can also perform a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan. This is a type of lung scan that uses radioisotopes to examine airflow and blood flow within the lungs. Because of limitations with doing a V/Q scan (for example, it does not screen for DVT), it is being used less frequently today.

Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Once diagnosed, it should be treated as quickly as possible to limit lung damage. If you have developed deep vein thrombosis or suffered a pulmonary embolism as a result of taking Yaz birth control, consider contacting a Yaz lawyer to review your options. We have experienced birth control litigation attorneys and offer a free no-obligation consultation for women who have suffered from a lung blood clot.