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
April 23, 2008

Pros:

Light periods, no cramps, little weight gain

Cons:

Acne way worse

I want to look for something else that doesn't cause my face to break out.
April 23, 2008

Pros:

i'm not pregnant

Cons:

emotional, mood swings, and developed acne

I have never had acne in my life, in the past month i have developed postules, cysts, bumps. I am very emotional from one extreme to another, i feel like a completly different person and not in a good way
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April 22, 2008

Pros:

regular period

Cons:

BAD acne

I have only taken it for a month, but i am going to make a change because i have never had acne this bad in my life. I dont think it would be worth it for me to stay on it for a few monthes (to see if my body regulates) because i dont want scaring.
April 21, 2008

Pros:

I guess not getting pregnant...

Cons:

ACNE!!!! Nausia

I chose this pill to help my skin. It has been 2.5 months and my skin is the biggest nightmare I've ever seen. Postules, cysts, bumbs, redness EVERYWHERE! I thought it was bad before but this is torture. I know they say wait 3-4 months but come on!
April 21, 2008

Cons:

sore breast, mood swings, depression, acne, upset stomach, reduced sex drive, body pains, weight gain!!!

this pill completely changed me and i wouldnt recommend taking it.
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April 21, 2008

Cons:

bad acne,no change in period,mood swings

I've been on it for 3 months and have worse acne than I did before I started this. I get zits on my legs, which I have never experienced before. My periods are still heavy and last just as long.I get emotional (cry, yell) very easily since I've started this.
April 17, 2008

Pros:

none so far

Cons:

Acne, hunger, and ramdon abdominal pain.

Just started the pill and I broke out on my face, back, and chest. I get random abdominal pain and I'm hungry all the time. Gained 4lbs within 3 weeks. This never happened before.
April 14, 2008

Pros:

Bigger boobs, starting to clear skin, lighter periods, no cramps, and not pregnant!

Cons:

a little weight gain, very hungry some days, some mood swings, emotional at times

I been on this pill for about 3 months. The first couple of months i had sore boobs..but then i noticed they were growing! i guess thats why they were sore. I had mood swings but thats tooo much... i would get emotional at times over little things. I have acne, but haven't seen much change in that yet..i think it starting to clear up a little now.
April 14, 2008

Pros:

Well, Im not pregnant...

Cons:

ACNE!

I have NEVER had acne in my life until I took this medication. And it makes me nautious.
April 10, 2008

Pros:

helped acne, no weight gain, bigger boobs

Cons:

little nausea, mood swings, my boobs are a little sore sometimes(but it's worth it!)

This BC has really helped my acne. I love it! On top of that, my boobs are a little bigger(1/2cup to 1cup size bigger depending on the time of the month). I haven't gained a pound, but I work out, though. It definitely prevents pregnancy! The nausea I can deal with, and the mood swings, well what woman doesn't have mood swings? Let's not blame it on the birth control, ladies! j/k :) I definitely recommend this product.
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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.