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]
3.4
1199
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
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
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
March 23, 2009

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, predictable periods, decreased menstrual cramp pain & made period very light and brief, helps with acne

Cons:

Decrease in sexual drive, nausea shortly after you take the pill each day, moodiness and irritability, more likely to get yeast infections, increases blood pressure, can cause eczema, can cause breast cancer, overall not good for your health AT ALL

I have been taking Ortho tri-cyclen LO for 5 years and I haven't got pregnant! And even though I haven't had severe side effects I've decided to come off of it for a while simply because it's obviously not healthy for my body. If you don't care about side effects or getting potentially horrible health problems (blood clot, stroke, anxiety, etc), this is a very effective method of BC if you take it at the same time each day. I have never heard of anyone who got pregnant on Ortho LO.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 15, 2009

Pros:

I didn't gain a crazy amount of weight.
It takes about 3 packs to see a difference in skin.
It stops PMS pimples.

I break out in hormonal pimples if I'm not on it. I skip my period on these pills and it's perfectly safe. I'm clear on these and no more huge chin zits. It does take time though. So don't get discouraged.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 10, 2008

Pros:

didnt get pregnant thats it.

Cons:

constantly bloated, tender breasts, constant break through bleeding, gained weight, moody, didnt really help my skin

i was on this for 2 years and constantly had side effects, i just went off of it for 6 months because i didnt know what to do! I gained about 10 lbs and always had the worst hunger pains even if i had eaten! This was my first pill i'd ever been on so i had nothing to compare it with, i didnt think the side effects were that bad until i went off of it. Im now on yasmin and am absolutely loving it!! so glad i made the switch
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 29, 2008

Pros:

Effective birth control, hasnt decreased sex drive or made me crazy like it has other people.

Cons:

I'm a petite girl and gained 5 lbs. in 10 days! That's 5% of my body weight! Everyday I go to the gym and everyday I have gained weight. I feel like a fat slob. I have a fast metabolism, but its not helping. Also, my joints are starting to ache.

Everyones body reacts differently. Try it and see how yours reacts. I will only allow myself to gain 3 more pounds maximum before trying something else. I guess its better than being pregnant. I've been there and done that.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 24, 2008

Pros:

it really works in not getting pregnant

Cons:

Big belly, mood swings,tired, lots of acne, lack of oxygen and heart pains

it really works when it comes to not getting pregnant, but it makes you gain weight especially in your belly, lots of acne on my cheeks and chin, mood swings, over sensitive and very tired.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 17, 2008

Pros:

Prevents pregnanacy, regulates periods

Cons:

Gave me the worst acne I have ever had in my life. I was unhappy all the time and on some days, I didn't even want to leave the house.

My OB/GYN switched my BC prescription to the Lo version for the health benefits of having less estrogen. I didn't experience any drastic changes at first, but I eventually developed the WORST cystic acne. I consulted a dermatologist, not thinking that it was the BC pills since I had been on the regular Ortho Tri Cyclen for several years. He tried a gammut of treatments on me and finally resorted to giving me to option to try Accutane. I refused this option due to the severe side effects and possible birth defects. As a 26 year old, I dealt with embarrasing acne for 3 years. I tried all available washes, peels, ect. both expensive and not-- nothing worked. I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier, but I decided to switch back to the regular Ortho Tri Cyclen as another means to try to fix this problem. I couldn't be more amazed. Two weeks after switching, my skin is like velvet and is totally clear.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 20, 2007

Pros:

NO MORE HUGE PAINFUL PMS BREAKOUTS!

Cons:

minor weight gain(i believe it slows down metabolism a bit), increases plaque :(

One recommendation for you all when taking birth control!! INCREASE YOUR ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES!! Due to the hormones in the pill, it gives you more plaque... more plaque= more cavities. I learned the hard way. I am 32 and NEVER had a cavity and I never had to floss every day. I had PERFECT teeth until I started the pill. Part of my wisdom tooth fell out and I have 2 other cavities!!! ugg!! BEWARE! Other than that, when first taking this pill, it will slightly increase your breakouts for the first few months. Don't worry, it will GET MUCH BETTER after 3 or 4 months! Be patient.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 15, 2016
Works well for acne - other long term side effects
I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 5 years now. I started it to control hormonal acne that appeared at age 21 - big cysts on my chin and jaw. There was definitely an "adjustment period" (about 3-4 months) where my skin flared up and felt like it was purging everything underneath, but since then, it's hard to remember what living with cystic acne was like. My skin has been mostly clear for the past 4.5 years, and I used to get big chin cysts that would last weeks. (It's also effective in that I've never had a pregnancy scare - I do always take it at the exact same time each day). However, there are other long-term side effects. Because bc affects your blood pressure, I developed a varicose vein in my leg after about 2 years, and even since having it removed another one has begun to crop up. It makes me worry about the increased risk of blood clots, esp. with such long-term use. However, I'm also scared of what my skin will do once I stop . . .
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 18 19 20 21 22 … 81
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