Birth Control Pill Comparison Tool
| Brand | Estrogen Dose | Progestogen | Failure Rate | VTE Risk | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yasmin | 30 µg | Drospirenone 3 mg | 7% | 1.5–2× higher | Acne improvement, anti-androgenic |
| Yaz | 20 µg | Drospirenone 3 mg | 7–8% | Moderate | PMDD relief, acne |
| Microgynon | 30 µg | Levonorgestrel 150 µg | 7–9% | Low | Well-studied safety |
| Desogen | 20 µg | Desogestrel 150 µg | 7–8% | Lower | Lower VTE risk, lighter cycle |
| Seasonique | 30 µg | Levonorgestrel 150 µg | 7–9% | Moderate | Fewer periods per year |
When you hear the name Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that contains 30µg ethinyl estradiol and 3mg drospirenone. It’s been on the Australian market since 2001 and is popular for its acne‑helping and mood‑stabilising reputation. But Yasmin isn’t the only pill out there, and choosing the right one means weighing effectiveness, side‑effects, cost and personal health factors.
How to Compare Birth‑Control Pills
- Hormone mix: the type and dose of estrogen (usually ethinyl estradiol) and progestogen (drospirenone, levonorgestrel, desogestrel, etc.).
- Contraceptive efficacy: typical‑use failure rate (usually 0.3-9%).
- Side‑effect profile: risk of blood clots, weight change, acne, mood swings, bleeding patterns.
- Non‑contraceptive benefits: acne improvement, cycle regulation, reduced dysmenorrhoea.
- Cost & availability: price per pack, PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) listing, generic options.
- Regulatory approval: Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) status and any prescribing restrictions.
Yasmin - What It Offers
Yasmin’s hormone blend delivers 30µg ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic estrogen that maintains the uterine lining, and 3mg drospirenone, a progestogen with anti‑androgenic and mild diuretic properties. This combo makes Yasmin stand out for women who struggle with acne or fluid retention. The pill follows a 21‑day active/7‑day placebo cycle, producing a predictable withdrawal bleed.
- Effectiveness: 0.3% failure with perfect use, 7% typical use.
- Key benefits: often improves acne, can reduce premenstrual mood symptoms, and may cause less water‑weight gain compared with older progestogens.
- Common side‑effects: breakthrough spotting, breast tenderness, nausea.
- Serious risks: slightly higher venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk than pills with levonorgestrel, especially for smokers over 35.
Top Alternatives to Yasmin
Below are four widely prescribed COCs that people commonly consider instead of Yasmin.
- Yaz - Same hormone combo (ethinyl estradiol 20µg + drospirenone 3mg) but lower estrogen dose, marketed for acne and PMDD.
- Microgynon - Contains 30µg ethinyl estradiol and 150µg levonorgestrel, a first‑generation progestogen with a long safety record.
- Desogen - Pairs 20µg ethinyl estradiol with 150µg desogestrel, a third‑generation progestogen known for a lower VTE risk than drospirenone.
- Seasonique - A 84‑day extended‑cycle pill (30µg ethinyl estradiol + 150µg levonorgestrel) that reduces the number of withdrawal bleeds per year.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Brand | Estrogen dose | Progestogen | Typical‑use failure | VTE risk (vs. levonorgestrel) | Notable non‑contraceptive benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yasmin | 30µg | Drospirenone 3mg | 7% | 1.5‑2× higher | Acne improvement, anti‑androgenic |
| Yaz | 20µg | Drospirenone 3mg | 7‑8% | PMDD relief, acne | |
| Microgynon | 30µg | Levonorgestrel 150µg | 7‑9% | Well‑studied safety | |
| Desogen | 20µg | Desogestrel 150µg | 7‑8% | Lower VTE risk, lighter cycle | |
| Seasonique | 30µg | Levonorgestrel 150µg | 7‑9% | Fewer periods per year |
Who Should Choose Yasmin?
If you’re 20‑35, non‑smoking, and looking for a pill that tackles acne or mild mood swings, Yasmin’s anti‑androgenic drospirenone can be a good fit. Women with a family history of clotting disorders, who smoke heavily, or who are over 35 should discuss alternatives with lower VTE profiles, such as desogestrel‑based pills.
When an Alternative Might Be Better
- Lower clot risk needed: Choose desogestrel (Desogen) or levonorgestrel (Microgynon) pills.
- Fewer periods: Seasonique’s 84‑day cycle cuts withdrawals to four per year.
- Very low estrogen dose: Yaz offers 20µg, which can reduce breast tenderness for estrogen‑sensitive users.
- Cost concerns: Generic levonorgestrel pills are often cheaper and listed on the PBS, while drospirenone brands are usually out‑of‑pocket.
Cost & Availability in Australia (2025)
Yasmin is not PBS‑listed, meaning the average retail price sits around AU$45-55 per 21‑day pack. Generic drospirenone‑containing pills (e.g., generic Yasmin) have begun entering the market, dropping the price to ~AU$30. Levonorgestrel‑based options like Microgynon are PBS‑eligible for eligible patients, costing as low as AU$6 per pack. Desogestrel pills sit in the AU$20-35 range, depending on the brand.
Key Takeaways
- Yasmin offers strong acne and mood benefits thanks to drospirenone, but carries a modestly higher VTE risk.
- For lower clot risk, consider desogestrel (Desogen) or levonorgestrel (Microgynon, Seasonique) alternatives.
- Cost varies widely: PBS‑listed levonorgestrel pills are the most affordable; drospirenone brands are pricier.
- Age, smoking status, and personal health history should drive the final choice.
- Consult a GP or pharmacist to weigh benefits against risks, especially if you have clotting concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Yasmin to a generic version?
Yes. Generic drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol pills contain the same hormone amounts as Yasmin and are considered bio‑equivalent. Discuss the switch with your doctor to ensure timing aligns with your cycle.
Is Yasmin safe for a smoker over 35?
Smoking plus age over 35 significantly raises clot risk, especially with drospirenone pills. Most clinicians recommend a levonorgestrel‑based pill or a non‑hormonal method for this group.
Which pill is best for acne?
Drospirenone‑containing pills (Yasmin, Yaz) have proven anti‑androgenic effects that help clear acne faster than levonorgestrel or desogestrel pills.
Do I need a prescription to get Yasmin in Australia?
Yes. All combined oral contraceptives require a prescription from a GP, pharmacist‑only supply is not allowed for Yasmin or its generics.
What should I do if I miss a Yasmin pill?
Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then continue with the next scheduled pill. If you miss two or more, use a backup method (condom) for 7 days and consider emergency contraception if unprotected sex occurred.
Choosing the right oral contraceptive is a personal decision. By comparing hormone mixes, side‑effect profiles, cost and your own health factors, you can land on the pill that fits best-whether that’s Yasmin, a drospirenone alternative like Yaz, or a levonorgestrel or desogestrel option.
Fae Wings
October 10, 2025 AT 20:25Oh wow, reading through all that data really hits home 😢.
It’s amazing how a little pill can change life, but also scary with the clot talk.
Just remember, every body is different, so talk to your doc and weigh the pros and cons.
Bryce Charette
October 14, 2025 AT 23:11Great rundown, very helpful!
Christina Burkhardt
October 19, 2025 AT 01:58The table makes it crystal clear which pills have the lower VTE risk, which is super useful for anyone with a clotting history.
Also, seeing the acne benefits side‑by‑side helps when that’s a top priority.
Feel free to share your own experience if you’ve tried any of these options.
liam martin
October 23, 2025 AT 04:45One could argue that the choice of a contraceptive is less about chemistry and more about the narrative we tell ourselves about control.
When the label says “higher clot risk,” does that sentence alone rewrite our destiny?
Perhaps the fear of a rare event eclipses the daily reality of acne or mood swings.
Yet the data sits there, stark and indifferent, waiting for us to interpret it.
It’s a dance between statistical probability and personal desire for beauty or comfort.
In the end, the pill you pick becomes a symbol of the balance you’re willing to strike.
So, consider not just the numbers, but the story you’re comfortable living.
Remember, every pill carries a trade‑off, and the right story differs for each of us.
maya steele
October 27, 2025 AT 07:31The comparison chart you provided is both comprehensive and well‑structured, facilitating an informed decision.
From a clinical perspective, the lower estrogen dose in Yaz may indeed reduce estrogen‑related side effects for sensitive patients.
Moreover, the cost analysis highlights the practical considerations many overlook when prescribing.
Overall, this resource serves as an excellent reference for both clinicians and patients alike.
Sharon Lax
October 31, 2025 AT 10:18The risk‑benefit calculus presented lacks thermodynamic rigor, rendering the comparative analysis suboptimal.