The gallbladder is one of the most overlooked organs in the body. Indeed, it is not an essential organ like the heart or kidney. If it becomes irritated or inflamed, doctors often remove it. But the gallbladder provides a useful function that should be recognized. If you have suffered Yaz or Ocella side effects including gallbladder disease, please contact us for the latest information on being part of a Yasmin birth control lawsuit.

The gallbladder is a small pear shaped organ, located near the liver. The liver produces bile, which digests fat in the small intestine. The gallbladder stores excess bile from the liver until it is needed, and then releases it into the duodenum of the small intestine.

Bile moves from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine through a system of ducts. It leaves the liver through the right and left hepatic ducts and goes through the common hepatic duct and cystic ducts into the gallbladder. To leave the gallbladder, bile goes through the cystic duct into the common bile duct, and into the small intestine.

Cells from the mucous membrane of the gallbladder absorb moisture from the bile, leaving it 5 to 18 times more concentrated than when it was in the liver. The gallbladder stores about five tablespoons of bile at a time, and excretes 50 – 100 tablespoons in a day.

Gallbladder Disease

Two types of problems are common with the gallbladder: gallstones (cholelithiasis) and inflammation (cholecystitis). Both are conditions that may require the removal of the gallbladder. Yaz and Yasmin side effects involving gallbladder problems are continuing to be reported by women using these birth control pills.

Gallstones are hardened pieces of bile or cholesterol that form small rock-like bits. They may be harmless and go unnoticed, but they may also cause intense pain in a gallstone attack. The gallstones may also block or become stuck in a bile duct, which can lead to infection and inflammation.

Doctors may use solutions to dissolve gallstones. They may use shockwave therapy to diminish them, but they are most likely to remove the gallbladder completely because once gallstones develop, they are likely to reoccur. If the gallbladder is inflamed, it needs to be removed to prevent further infection. Women who had taken Yasmin, Yaz or Ocella contraception have had to undergo Yaz gallbladder removal surgery when their gallbladder stopped functioning at an appropriate level.

Since the gallbladder does aid in digestion, its removal can cause certain side effects. Without the periodic release of concentrated bile from the gallbladder, patients may experience chronic diarrhea. Some studies also indicate that people who have had their gallbladder removed are at a higher risk for developing colon cancer. Scientists believe that without the gallbladder as a storage facility, the continuous exposure of certain bile acids to the intestines cause cell damage, leading to cancer. Doctors recommend taking care of the gallbladder by reducing the intake of fat, and following a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

If you or a loved one has suffered from Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella side effects please contact for a free no-obligation consultation. We will explain your legal options including filing a Yasmin birth control lawsuit.