Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.5
1015
5
22.7%
4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
June 7, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Gained 20 lbs in a few months because of increased appetite. Have breakthrough bleeding for three out of four weeks. Keeps the babies away. I love kids but have a three and a one year old and my family insisted I slow down / stop.

This medication might work for you............ I found YAZ to have minimal side effect, but still the breakthrough bleeding 3/4 weeks but not the starving situation with eating all the time.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 5, 2009

Pros:

Boobs got a little bigger

Cons:

I have never had acne before but now i get a new pimple like every other day, Iv gained some weight but i think thats normal during the first months of the pill. I have spotting like crazy.

Im gonna stay on it another few months just to see if this is the initial side effects but I cant handle the acne problem. I am on the generic version, Trinessa, and my doctor said that its practically the same thing. Please if anyone can help me please respond.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 3, 2009

Pros:

reduced acne quickly, no severe mood swings, losing weight!!

Cons:

Don't have any yet

I've only been using OTC for a little over a month but it seems to be working great for me.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 2, 2009

Pros:

increased breast size, lost a few pounds, no pregnancies, loss of appetitte, and helped clear my back

Cons:

nausea, mood swings, more emotional about things

I like it. It works well. I thought id gain a lot of weight being on it but im glad i'm losing it. It has helped with my back acne too which is great. I love that my boobs are bigger. they are fuller now then they were before and I can fill out a bra that was slightly too big for me before. It works well. I like it. i think the nausea mood swings and emotional aspects will subscide after a few months. but i guess ill have to wait and see.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 24, 2009

Pros:

Improves skin, good contraceptive, regulates periods,

Cons:

Less PMS control over time. All other results last though.

I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen over 10 years ago for acne, irregular/heavy periods, and PMS. It helped my skin become much more clear, regulated my period, and kept the babies away. About three years ago, I tried to switch to a different pill because my insurance would only pay for the generic version of regular OTC. Tried OTC-Lo and saw none of the benefits beyond the birth control aspect. Then Yaz. For the first three months that was not bad. Very short, light periods and decent skin. But over the next two years, it all went downhill. Acne came back with a vengeance, periods became ridiculously irregular to the point that I was almost constantly bleeding and slightly anemic, and moods became very irregular with lots of irritability. Switched back to OTC. And starting my second month back on it. My skin is improving drastically again, moods improved within the first week or two, and things are regulating again. Paying out of pocket for it now but it's worth it.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 23, 2009

Pros:

already breast have grown, gained about 1-2 pounds so far,

Cons:

hasnt helped acne, some break threw bleeding

this is a good birth control, have to take it everyday around the same time, you may gain some weight , from what ive read most girls have had breast growth which is nice, but you may have some bleeding within the first couple months of using this pill.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 14, 2009

Pros:

cleared up most of my facial acne and acne on my back

Cons:

must take the pill everyday at the same time with my hectic schedule

it might be difficult at time to remember to take the pill everyday at the same time, but it's worth it. i have been taking ortho-tri-cyclen for about three years now and it has truly helped clear up most of my acne. i have had moderate acne since junior high and now i am in college so i understand how everyone who suffer from acne feels. i think ortho-tri-cyclen is a great option and it's worth giving it a try. word of advice: go to a planned parenthood nearest to you and receive the pill for free. :)
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 9, 2009

Pros:

regulate period, shorter/lighter period, breast growth

Cons:

first month breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea for first couple of days.

Everyone's body reacts differently. During the first pack ( I took my first pill on the first day of my period), I had bleeding the entire month until my next period! After that my period came during the placeabo pills, ended in about 5 days and i haven't had breakthrough bleeding since! I think after the first pack my body just needed to adjust to the new hormones hence the bleeding (which was very light, but admittedly annoying). Breast tenderness not overwhelming. I threw up for the first 3 pills but haven't experienced nausea since. Basically any problems I had went away after the first pack!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 8, 2009

Pros:

Helps keep acne under control and manageable, prevents pregnancy, regular monthly cycle

Cons:

Doesn't clear acne completely. Having to remember to take the pill at similar time everyday, doesn't work if you get sickess/use antibiotics for other conditions, have to stop using under some circumstances, not suitable for people with migraine

I used BC pills to keep my acne under control following Roaccutane, though whilst on them I was never clear or acne free. I used them for 10 years then stopped to have my daughter and started them again when I had finished breast feeding. I have been on them again for the past 4 years but have now had to be taken off them due to severe migraine.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 5, 2009

Pros:

prevent pregnancy, clear skin, regulate periods

Cons:

some skin issues

I just started the pill about a week ago, and so far I haven't seen a huge change in my mood or skin like others have stated. However, I have been getting a few more pimples here and there, which might just be from stress. I've been a tad emotional, but not to the point of uncontrollable, which also might be from stress. I've only had sex while using a back-up method, therefore have a very low risk of pregnancy. Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone trying to prevent pregnancy or regulate their periods.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 11 12 13 14 15 … 27
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website