Yasmin and bleeding between periods

Yasmin is a combined hormonal contraceptive. Spotting or bleeding between scheduled bleeds can happen when the body is adjusting, after missed or late tablets, during vomiting or diarrhoea, or with interactions that reduce hormone levels. It can also reflect pregnancy, an infection such as chlamydia, cervical dysplasia, polyps, fibroids or another womb or cervical problem. Bleeding between periods is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and does not by itself identify the cause. Mention bleeding after sex, pelvic pain, unusual discharge and missed tablets during your consultation.

Record when the bleeding occurs, how much there is, whether it follows sex, and any missed tablets. Continue Yasmin as directed unless a clinician tells you to stop, and check the product instructions for missed-tablet advice. If pregnancy is possible, ask about a pregnancy test and backup contraception. A clinician may examine the cervix, review medicines, test for infection and arrange further assessment if bleeding persists. Do not double doses to make bleeding stop without professional advice.

Arrange an appointment for bleeding that continues, returns after previously settling, follows sex, or occurs with pelvic pain or unusual discharge. Seek urgent help for very heavy bleeding, fainting, severe one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. These symptoms can require prompt assessment for significant blood loss or pregnancy-related complications. Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood or a painful swollen leg also needs emergency care while taking a combined pill.

Ask: Could missed tablets, another medicine or pregnancy explain this? Do I need infection or cervical testing? Should I use backup contraception? Is Yasmin still suitable for me? Which bleeding pattern should prompt urgent care?