When to Take Your First Dose of Yaz
Your first dose of Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) should be taken either on the first day of your menstrual period (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday after the onset of your menstrual period (Sunday Start). Both approaches are equally effective for preventing pregnancy when followed correctly.
Day 1 Start Method
- Take your first Yaz pill on the first day of your menstrual bleeding (Day 1 of your cycle) 1
- Continue taking one pill daily at the same time each day for 24 consecutive days (active pills), followed by 4 days of white inactive pills 1
- No backup contraception is needed if you start on Day 1 of your period 2
- Taking Yaz with food or at bedtime may help reduce nausea, though it can be taken without regard to meals 1
Sunday Start Method
- Take your first Yaz pill on the first Sunday after your menstrual period begins 1
- Continue taking one pill daily at the same time for 24 consecutive days (active pills), followed by 4 days of white inactive pills 1
- Use backup contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days when using the Sunday Start method 2, 1
- This method allows most women to have their withdrawal bleeding on weekends 1
Special Considerations
- If starting Yaz more than 5 days after the beginning of your menstrual period, you must use backup contraception for 7 consecutive days 2
- For maximum effectiveness, take Yaz at approximately the same time each day 1
- When switching from another birth control pill, start Yaz on the same day you would have started a new pack of your previous pill 1
- When switching from other contraceptive methods (patch, ring, injection, IUD, or implant), start Yaz when your next application/injection would have been due or on the day of removal 1
- Postpartum women who are not breastfeeding can start Yaz no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery due to increased risk of blood clots 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing pills, especially during the first week of the pack, significantly increases pregnancy risk 2
- If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at your regular time (even if it means taking two pills on the same day) 2
- If you miss two or more consecutive pills, take the most recent missed pill immediately and use backup contraception for 7 days 2
- Certain medications (including some antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and St. John's wort) may reduce Yaz's effectiveness, requiring backup contraception 2
- Women over 35 who smoke should not use Yaz due to increased cardiovascular risks 1
Remember that Yaz contains a unique progestin (drospirenone) with antimineralocorticoid properties that may help prevent water retention and bloating that some women experience with other oral contraceptives 3, 4. The 24/4 regimen (24 active pills, 4 inactive) may provide better hormone stability compared to traditional 21/7 regimens 5, 6.