Managing Birth Control Changes & Persistent Abdominal Pain: A Patient's Experience

Question
I was on Orthotricyclen for a year and my doctor recently switched me to YAZ due to breakthrough bleeding. Before she switched me I had been seeing her for frequent urination, nausea, and lower left abdominal pain. They have ran many tests and have not found anything. I switched to YAZ last month, the frequent urination has lessened, but the abdominal pain has gotten worse. My period is lighter and shorter than normal, but she said to expect that with YAZ. If you can help in anyway I would appreciate it.

Answer
Dear Stephanie,

Unfortunately, I cannot even attempt to diagnose through this forum - especially as a nurse. If they have done testing to rule out a urinary tract infection and done ultrasound to rule out any type of genito-urinary physical abnormality, I would simply suggest that you continue to keep your doctor updated as to the nagging symptoms. If you get no satisfaction there, you can always seek a 2nd medical opinion. The shorter and lighter periods absolutely would be expected with the switch to YAZ.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda