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
July 18, 2008

Pros:

Prevented pregnacy!

Cons:

My skin was completly clear before I started it but now I am starting to get bumps.

Everyone reacts differently to the medicine and I just reacted badly.
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July 16, 2008

Pros:

Didn't get pregnant, cleared up my skin after several months, regulated my period

Cons:

My hair fell out a lot when I first started taking it.

After several months, my face was flawless from this stuff. It works and I didn't really have any side-effects. I only went off of it because I was tired of taking a pill everyday.
July 15, 2008

Pros:

didn't get pregnant and my boobs look fabulous

Cons:

if you take it really early in the morning before you eat, you'll feel nauseated

It's great and has worked very well for me considering the fact that before I started Ortho, my period came maybe once or twice a year. My skin never looked better and my Boobs are great
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July 12, 2008

Pros:

Avoiding pregnancy, no break through bleeding and no weight gain.

Cons:

My acne has gotten HORRIBLE!! Before I got on the pill, my face was fine, maybe a pimple here or there. Now, I have tons!!

Don't use it!! Worsens skin!!! Horribly!!!
July 11, 2008

Pros:

period lasted 2-3 days. no moodiness!

Cons:

felt bloated all the time, gained weight. skin didn't clear up.

Didn't clear skin and i gained weight.
July 10, 2008

Pros:

Shorter regular predictable periods (2 to 3 days!), clear skin, pain free periods

Cons:

VERY MOODY - every week of pills I either was sad, irritable or an emotional train wreck, couldn't concentrate, gained 40 lbs almost immediately upon starting.

Stopped taking Tri Cyclen almost a month and a half ago, skin broke out which is now finally clearing up. I can think clearly, feel more like myself. Mood swings are almost all gone other than the usual ones. Still no period. Feeling like I am to be expecting it soon or expecting something in 9 ish months. Oh.. and lost almost 15lbs already and have changed nothing else in my routine yet. Everyone is different, so my experience may not be the norm.... I certainly hope not. I have been on it for three years now, missed maybe a pill or two a year
July 7, 2008

Pros:

acne is clearing up lots and not prego
and no more ovarian cysts

Cons:

sometimes it's hard to remember it
i get scared to drink now, lol

love it
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

did not get pregnant, lighter periods

Cons:

if not taken with acidophilous pills monthly yeast infections

works just had to make sure i took extra pills daily with it
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July 2, 2008

Pros:

didn't get pregnant!!! clear skin, shorter, lighter periods

Cons:

EXTREME mood swings... spotting, constantly bloated, tender breasts

besides all the cons everything else with the pill is good...i just wish my boobs grow from the pill.. :) where did some you get the pill sooooo cheap??? i'm getting mine from a local pharmacy for $80.00 :(
July 2, 2008

Pros:

starting to clear my skin , bigger bobs

ive been using for a month and havent gotten my period. Im freaking out! i also feel very uncomfortable in my skin the dark blue week, which isnt really like me.
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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.