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Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female...

Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female body. Less male hormones normally lead to less acne. 

Oral contraceptives contain an estrogen component (ethinyl estradiol) that is combined with progestin hormones, such as drospirenone (Yasmin® or Yaz®), norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®) or norethindrone (Estrostep®). 

Oral contraceptives are taken once a day with a meal. Make sure to take the pill at the same time every day.

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February 9, 2009

Pros:

Definitely prevents pregnancy, keeps skin clear, shorter periods.

Cons:

It sucks having to remember to take it at the same time every day.

If you love sex, this is a good birth control method.
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February 5, 2009

Pros:

im actually on ortho tri cyclen lo but it prevents preganancy, helps my acne, very LITTLE weight gain, short & predictable periods(3-4 days)...only $15 for 3 packs at a time

Cons:

none that i can recall

i've been on the pill for about a year and a half and i havent had any pregnancy scares....I used to have bad acne which subsided before getting on the pill but i havent had a pimple since....i gained a little weight (10 pounds in 18 months) thats not bad.
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February 3, 2009

Pros:

lighter period, shorter period, clear ance, enlargement breast, less cramps

Cons:

tender breast, a few cramps, a few breakouts, gain weight (5 lbs), food carving

I've only been on this pill for a month, so i'm going to keep waiting it out for the 3rd month to see how everything goes. It's so far the most amazing pill i've been on because i hated the long, heavy flows and now it's really light and only lastes 4 days rather than 7 days. It also made my boobs grow one size up which i'm quite happy about.
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February 1, 2009

Pros:

regular period and clears up acne

Cons:

none... it was great!

I use to forget a lot so i decided to get off of it and I haven't had a period yet.. uh oh I think I many be pregnant but idk... lol
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

improves acne, fuller and firmer boobs, controls period

Cons:

only improves acne. does not clear it.

Ortho tri cyclen lo did not clear up my acne completely. I thought it didnt do much of anything because I still got a few pimples here and there but when i stopped taking it I started breaking out all over. I had actually forgotten how horrible bacne felt and realized the pill really did help. Im wondering if ortho tri cyclen will be more effective than the low dosage...
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January 18, 2009

Pros:

Reduced cramps, lighter blood flow, regulated cycles.

Cons:

A little weight gain, slight acne.

This has done an amazing job for my cycles. I used to have cramps so bad that I would literally not leave my bed, and after a few months on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, I have had no problems with them. The first few months I felt sick and had cramps between cycles, spotting and such. BUT I PROMISE it goes away and after the first 3 or so months, I can't imagine having to go back to periods without this. I don't get the moodiness like I did before I took this, which is awesome. The only thing is, I used to only get one or two pimples a month or so, and I have had a few more on my face.
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January 6, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy.

Cons:

None (See below)

I have been taking this on and off for about 5 years. It does what its made for--preventing pregnancy. I didn't start BC to control my acne or weight but I can say that it hasn't contributed to either--in any way. The ONLY problem I had was when I bought the CHEAP cheap brand from walmart. My face broke out horribly. They didn't tell me they switched 'generic' forms. I take name brand now but the Trinessa (other generic) was fine too--just don't take the SUPER cheap version..its awful stuff. I haven't gained weight from this, I didn't ever get nauseated, and it didn't make my 'acne' worse. Overall, a good BCP.
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November 26, 2008

Pros:

Prevents Pregnancy, Less cramps

Cons:

Your body gets used to the hormones and wont like it once you go off the pill.

I have been a birth control user for over 15 years and have been on this one for 5 years now. I think this is the best one overall, my acne has improved and my moods are "stable"
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November 26, 2008

Pros:

very light periods skin made my skin kind of clear

Cons:

bloatiness....and weight gain!! i've only been on it for less than a wk and i am craving everything!

Everyone is different and I just started...I just hope I do not gain like 20 pounds!
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November 24, 2008

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, clear skin & breasts got bigger. Free with health care plan.

Cons:

Bloating & gas.

My spotting only lasted for 2 days during the first month that I was on the pill. During the 1st month however, it caused extreme bloating! My stomach actually looked like I was 3 months pregnant and when I weighed myself, it said that I had gained 8 lbs! This has since gone away now that I am starting my third month on the pill and I haven't had any other side effects, but the major bloating, weight gain and gas was horrible for the first month! It was all worth it though because I don't have to worry about getting pregnant, my skin is clear and my breasts have become slightly bigger. :)
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