Yasmin – Yaz Blood Clots: How DVT Is Diagnosed

Doctors usually inform women about Yasmin blood clot risk symptoms. But, the potential serious side effects in this oral contraceptive may be greater than most women realize. To be sure, clotting is a normal healing mechanism of your body. It is an important process that aids in the repair of injured blood vessels. However, abnormal clotting can become problematic, especially if it occurs within your deep veins.

Your venous network includes superficial veins and deep veins. Clots in the former seldom cause serious problems. Clots in the latter define a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep veins are surrounded by muscles that contract when you move. The muscles squeeze the veins and push blood toward your heart. The contractions can also dislodge existing clots, allowing them to be carried along with your bloodstream.

DVT is dangerous and can lead to a number of blood clot side effects. Unfortunately, the condition is often difficult to diagnose.

Diagnostic Tests Used To Identify Yaz DVT

Deep vein thrombosis is most common in the legs, though clots can also form in your arms and pelvis. The main reason DVT is difficult to diagnose is because symptoms are often nonexistent or barely noticeable. Your doctor will usually begin with a physical exam. He or she will check for signs of clots, including swelling, redness, or tenderness. If your doctor suspects Yaz blood clots after completing the physical exam, he or she will use one or more of the following tests to produce a conclusive diagnosis.

d-Dimer Test – This test measures the level of d-Dimers that are present in your blood. D-Dimers are fibrin particles that are produced when blood clots dissolve. Low levels imply a low likelihood that DVT exists. Elevated levels suggest the presence of clots, but is inconclusive since other factors (e.g. infection, pregnancy, etc.) can raise the level of d-Dimers. For that reason, doctors will only use this test as a way to rule out deep vein thrombosis.

Doppler Ultrasonography – This test is the most common one used for diagnosing deep venous clots. A doctor will apply gel on the suspected area and hold a device called a transducer at various angles near the site. The transducer emits ultrasound waves that bounce within the venous walls and create an image of your veins. While the ultrasound waves cannot directly produce an image of blood clots, they will help your doctor determine the rate of blood flow. Areas where the flow is slowed or restricted are likely to hold clots.

Venography – A venogram can be performed if an ultrasound fails to produce a conclusive diagnosis of Yasmin blood clots. The test uses a contrast dye, which is injected into your foot or ankle. X-rays are then taken of the veins within the suspected area to generate an image showing possible clots. Venography is used less often today than it was in the past because less invasive tests like Doppler ultrasonography are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.

Dangerous Side Effects Of Yaz Blood Clots

Your heart is supplied with blood by your coronary arteries; your brain is supplied with blood by your carotid arteries; your lungs are fed by your pulmonary arteries. Blood clots in the deep veins are dangerous because they can break away from the venous wall and travel directly to your heart. Once emboli (i.e. migrating clots) reach your heart, they can lodge within – and block – any of the above arteries. In doing so, they might trigger heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. All three events can lead to lifelong impairments.

DVT is one of many serious Yaz side effects. The condition places women at risk of suffering debilitating medical events. Some, like pulmonary embolism, can be life-threatening. If you or a family member has developed blood clots after using Yasmin or Yaz birth control, you may have a legal right to file a claim for compensation. Contact a Yasmin blood clot lawsuit lawyer to discuss your case and explore your options.