Contraceptive pill keeps weight off

The Pill uses a new form of progestogen

A new contraceptive Pill which does not cause weight gain will be introduced in the UK this week.

Yasmin has fewer side effects than other low-dose contraceptive Pills, say its makers, Schering Health Care.

They claim it does not cause fluid retention or mood swings and it reduces breast tenderness.

One medical study found that women taking Yasmin even lost weight in the first year of using it.

Schering also claims it improves skin and hair condition and relieves the bloating associated with other oral contraceptives, which often encourages women to abandon taking it.

I would welcome its introduction if it is different from other Pills and has an effect on wellbeing

Dr Diana Mansour, gynaecologist

The new Pill contains the same low-dose of oestrogen, but its other pharmacological properties help counteract fluid retention by balancing oestrogen in the body.

The Pill, taken by 3.5 million British women, has always been associated with a slight weight gain, on average 4lb in the first three months.

Between 40 and 60% of users give it up within the first two years, research shows.

Dr Diana Mansour, head of fertility services for Newcastle on Tyne, said: "If you ask women why they give up taking the Pill, it is side effects, or perceived side effects, and one of those is weight gain.

"I would welcome its introduction if it is different from other Pills and has an effect on wellbeing.

Diuretic properties

"If it improves continuation rates it should be beneficial in stopping unplanned pregnancies.

"Many people may come back to the Pill and women may believe it's a more suitable option."

Studies in Germany and Belgium found women taking Yasmin lost on average between 1lb 10oz and 3lb 10oz over a year, while those taking brand leaders Microgynon and Marvelon gained 1lb 8oz and 7oz respectively.

Many women lost faith in the Pill after studies published in 1995 linked it to an increased risk of blood clots, although research last year suggested this was unfounded.

A recent review by the World Health Organisation found that women who took the Pill for more than five years had twice the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Conventional Pills use synthetic oestrogen and progestogens and while oestrogen is thought to be responsible for bloating, the progestogens fail to counteract this.

'Prohibitive' costs

Yasmin uses a unique form of progestogen, known as drosperinone, which mimics the body's own hormones and acts as a diuretic.

However, there is concern that Yasmin costs more than other leading Pill brands and therefore may not be available to all.

A three-month supply of Yasmin costs the NHS £14.70, compared to £2.40 for Microgynon, £8.50 for Mercilon and £13.00 for Dianette, which also improves skin condition.

Dr Mansour said: "Most family planning clinics are run through health trusts and have a very limited pharmacy budget and it's difficult to get anything new on board."

A spokeswoman for the Family Planning Association said: "We welcome this new Pill as extending contraceptive choice for women.

"It's suitability remains a matter for discussion between an individual woman and her doctor".

Yasmin has already been launched in the US, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Ireland and is currently being used by one million women worldwide.

It will be available from doctors and family planning clinics in the UK from Thursday 18th April.