Yasmin Gallbladder Disease: Effects On The Biliary System

Yasmin gallbladder disease usually begins with the formation of gallstones. These stones form as the result of circumstances that can be traced to the hormones contained in this birth control pill. Even though stones might be present for years without causing symptoms, they can become symptomatic unexpectedly and require medical treatment. Without treatment, several dangerous complications can develop.

To understand how Yasmin birth control contributes to gall bladder problems, it's important to know how your biliary tract works. We'll cover this in more detail below. You'll also discover some of the serious side effects that can develop as the result of Yasmin gallstones.

How Your Biliary Tract Works

Your biliary tract includes the organs and ducts that contribute to the delivery of bile to your small intestine. Bile fluid is manufactured and secreted by your liver. It is collected into the common hepatic duct through which it flows toward your gall bladder.

The common hepatic duct merges with the cystic duct to form the common bile duct. The majority of the bile fluid travels through the cystic duct and into the gall bladder, where it is stored and concentrated. It remains there until food enters your small intestine.

When food arrives, the presence of fat stimulates the release of a hormone called cholecystokinin. The release of this hormone, in turn, stimulates contractions in your gallbladder, which pushes bile outward into the common bile duct. The fluid flows downward through the duct and eventually passes a muscular valve called the Sphincter of Oddi. This valve controls the passage of bile and pancreatic secretions into the duodenum, the top portion of your small intestine.

Essentially, your biliary tract has two jobs to perform. First, it carries waste material from your liver to your small intestine. Second, it functions as the delivery mechanism for bile, which is necessary for digestion.

Bile also has two jobs. It serves as the delivery vehicle for waste material from your liver to your duodenum. It also helps digest fats. Being aware of this process is important for understanding how Yasmin gallbladder disease develops.

Effects Of Yasmin On Your Gallbladder

This birth control pill contains estrogen and drospirenone, a synthetic progestin hormone used exclusively in Yasmin, Yaz, and Ocella. Many experts believe these hormones have two distinct effects on the biliary tract. First, they cause the liver to secrete a higher-than-normal level of cholesterol. This is significant because most gallstones are comprised of cholesterol. Second, the hormones reduce the gall bladder's activity. The contractions become less frequent and less forceful, which causes the organ's contents to remain within.

Excess cholesterol and reduced motility (i.e. movement) dovetail, setting the stage for the formation of gallstones. Cholesterol normally comprises a very small portion of the liver's secretions. This makes it possible for the compound to be absorbed into the gall bladder's lining. When there is too much cholesterol present, it cannot be absorbed completely; the excess sits within the organ and forms crystals.

Meanwhile, the reduced motility results in bile fluid remaining within the gall bladder. Along with bilirubin, calcium, and small fragments of cholesterol, it turns into biliary sludge. This sludge can inflame the lining and eventually evolve into stones. This inflammation is the catalyst for the intense abdominal pain experienced during a gallbladder attack.

Health Problems Caused By Yasmin Gallbladder Disease

The typical treatment path for symptomatic gallstones and gallbladder disease is to have the organ surgically removed. However, many patients neglect the pain, and refuse to seek medical attention. This can lead to a number of dangerous complications.

Infection can develop in certain areas of your biliary tract, causing liver damage and kidney problems. Acute inflammation of the gallbladder can lead to perforation, fistulas, and accumulation of pus in the organ (called empyema). If gallstones migrate far enough down the common bile duct, they can block secretions from your pancreas, causing pancreatitis. This condition can be potentially fatal.

About the Author:

David Whitney is the author of this article on Yaz Lawsuit Gallbladder. Find more information about Yaz Lawsuit 2010 here.