Oral Contraceptives
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
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
January 10, 2010

Pros:

No pregnancy, bigger breasts, no cramps during period, put me in a better mood (most of the time.)

Cons:

Sore breasts, spotting for a week, hasn't helped with acne

I've only been on this for a month. I love it, I reccommend it, but it hasn't helped with acne yet. Strongly effective against pregnancy. Very little side effects that I can handle.
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December 16, 2009

Pros:

No Babies. No when my period is going to start

Cons:

First month I was sleepy, and had headaches
Did not clear up my acne at all :(

I'm still taking it for the original purpose of blocking babies, but as far as it clearing up my acne nope not happening. I've been taking it for 7 months
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December 16, 2009

Pros:

clears up my skin, firmed up my breasts after pregnancy, controls my period to the t, easy to take

Cons:

slight nausea, higher dosage of hormones but controls not getting pregnant better than yasmin (which i became pregnant on)

great method, and best birth control out on the market that regulates and protects.
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December 6, 2009

Pros:

can enjoy sex without a condom with my bf. the best thing im not pregnant.

Cons:

thow up couple time n really moodyy sometimes

its worth it goin threw all the wick stomach and dizziness cause u dont get pregnantt and thats the best thing and thats what everybody looks for on a birthcontrol pill.
December 5, 2009

Pros:

Not pregnant

Cons:

Irritable, sleepy, breast tenderness, breakouts along jawline and chin - hoping this will clear up as i've only been on Ortho Tri Cyclen for a month

I recently switched from Yasmine to Ortho Tri Cyclen. My Gyno told me that Ortho is the only birth control pill that is FDA approved to clear up acne. Yasmine was good but it made me break out like CRAZY! Im hoping that with time Ortho will help my skin. They say it takes up to 3 months for your body to get used to the pill. Fingers crossed...
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December 5, 2009

Pros:

Not pregnant! That speaks for something. My boobs got a bit firmer, which I did like. Less hair growth on legs. Free from Planned Parenthood in CA

Cons:

My period just didn't stop! I got EXTREMELY crazy, and depressed and exhausted, and I am normally an extremely happy, rational, hyper person! Acne got a bit worse, if that can be credited to the medication, but it didn't get any better at all.

I've stopped taking it and my mood is already better after only two days! Wow! I'm definitely switching!
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December 4, 2009

Pros:

Chest increased at LEAST a full cup size within first 3 weeks & I have a very slender body type. Helped clear skin somewhat..have not experienced weight gain besides chest. Had HORRIBLE cramps-now non existent. (huge relief). Sex drive still great.

Cons:

Chest is usually a little bit tender-but very worth it. i would have liked it to clear my skin more than it has, but it hasn't gotten worse so I can't complain really.

Every pill works different for different women, I found this works much better than my previous choice of "Alesse" which failed to give ANY relief of my terrible cramps or 7-9 day long period. I also tried Yaz for a month, and it was HORRENDOUS... I was not myself, I am a very easy-going, happy individual but when on Yaz I was extremely moody, on edge, and frustrated.. believe me-It is not worth the risk of how badly it can alter your mood... it was actually frightening. I would definitely recommend you at least try Ortho-Tricyclen.
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November 20, 2009

Pros:

it works very well in regulating periods and clearing up acne no side effects

Cons:

makes breasts a little sore but it also makes them bigger too soo thats not really a con

this is my favorite birth control i have ever bin on because it has no side affects and works very well in regulating periods if they are irregular.
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November 19, 2009

Pros:

did not get pregnant. no acne at all!

Cons:

i used to weigh 105 pounds then i go on this pill and i gained at LEAST 15 lbs.. absolutely no interest in sex, tired as hell, vaginal dryness, and towards 4 months on this dumb pill, i started to get really violently sick

sucks.. id rather see my dermatologist more often for my acne then deal with 15 lbs of weight gain.
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November 16, 2009

Pros:

Effective contraception

Cons:

More acne, Nauseous, Cramps, Longer period

Doesn't make you pregnant
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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.

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.