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
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
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
February 14, 2012

Pros:

Kept acne to a minimum
Prevents Pregnancy
Even out mood swings and cravings
Period always on time.

Cons:

Must be taken at the same time everyday

As a birth control it's great and I've had no issues whatsoever. As an acne treatment it keeps it under control but doesn't cure it or clear skin completely.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 9, 2012

Pros:

Contraception
Bigger breasts
Controls PCOS symptoms
Clears up acne/ reduces oil in face
No loss of sex drive
Doesn't make me gain weight

Cons:

Tender breasts in first month
Heavier period
Mood swings

As stated by my doctor, this birth control like any takes some time for the body to get used to. The worst symptom I had were the extremely tender breasts. It really did reduce the oil on my face.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 5, 2012

Pros:

Not pregnant
Shorter periods
less moody

Cons:

Weight gain
Acne showed up after taking it

As long as it does its main job, its good. Few added bonuses as listed in pros. I get it free from planned parenthood.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 18, 2012

Pros:

- Improved acne drastically
- Improved skin complexion
- Less moodiness
- Increased breast size
- Lighter periods
- Facial hair lightened

Cons:

- low energy and irritability for a few days off it
- Increased appetite
- Remembering to take pill

I was skeptical of this product at first because of the reviews but I really like it. Doctor said first few months might be difficult, but after finishing my first pack I like the results already. Barely any acne flareups since I started and my mood was improved as well! Cons of this product was that my appetite increased causing some weight gain but its barely noticeable. Also I realized when I came off it to have my period, I had some mood swings but it went away after a few days. I have tried almost everything to control my acne for years and I finally found something that works. I Highly recommend this product!
This Was Helpful

19 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 12, 2012

Pros:

no pregnancy
less acne
slight mood swings
no weight gain

Cons:

slight mood swings
headaches

I have been on this pill for a month and absolutely love it. I am on this pill for acne and have already noticed a difference! I have noticed less acne on my forehead and chin. I do have some on my jaw line and neck but it is slowly but surely going away with face washing regimen and benzyl peroxide use as well. I would definitely recommend this BC because I have not gained weight (but I do work out regularly) and not many mood swings. I have noticed that I am a little bit more sensitive to some things but overall its great!
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 19, 2011

Pros:

*birth control
*less acne
*no side affects really
*not worried about becoming pregnant

Cons:

*remembering to take it everyday at the same time

I've been taking these birth control pills for a week, and I noticed my facial breakouts to be at a minimum because i usually wake up with 1 or 2 pimples on my face every other morning which are noticeable and it sucks. These breakouts stopped pretty quickly throughout this whole week of taking the pill i have only one pimple on my face when i usually have 4 or 5 at a time. My acne is not terrible but i do not like it and i have felt very less pretty and confident because of it and i have even been on antibiotics which helped but are not good for your body and make your skin sensitive to light. Now that my face is starting to clear up i feel better and a little more happy and satisfied. I'm 15 and my face usually gets really oily or greasing and I noticed my face isnt as oily or greasy lately. I also do not have to worry about getting pregnant because you are protected after 7 days. I payed about $27 for ortho tri cyclen and i guess thats an okay price. So far i havent noticed any side affects i have no spotting or bleeding or nausea and im very surprised. Ive heard alot of bad reviews but I think if your suffering from any acne i think this is worth a shot but everyone's body is different. Ill put in another review in a month of so
This Was Helpful

16 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 4, 2011

Pros:

No side effects
Clearer skin in one month
Inexpensive

Cons:

Stuck on it (going off BC results in bad breakouts, irregular menstruation)

A very good birth control option if your insurance does not cover Yasmin (as in my case). Been around a long time because it has fewer side effects!
This Was Helpful

Report
December 1, 2011

Pros:

Lighter periods
Virtually no cramping
Clears acne
Decreases PMS symptoms
Regulates period

Cons:

Nausea
Initial cravings

If you get nausea with initial use and can tolerate it, this stuff works. I am trying to stick it out because my acne is clearing up so nicely, but the nausea and vomiting can be tough.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 15, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne, but it takes awhile for your body to adjust. I've been on this pill before, and then had to go off it, and now I'm back on it. I've been taking it for 6 weeks (the second time). In the past, I took it for 2 straight years. It works great until the second row of pills(0.215mg), which is when I break out like crazy. After 2-3 months of consistent use, it gets better and better but that row of pills always brings up at least one zit.
No pregnancy!
Shorter, VERY regular per

Cons:

Just the second row of pills for the first 2-3 months... Horrible breakouts (way worse than when I'm off the pill). But keep at it, it will pay off eventually.
Also, I get very moody for the first 2-3 months. But this also gets better once the body adjusts.

It's different for everyone, but if you're like me and break out at the beginning, stick with it. It will likely get better. If you're strong enough to handle some extra pimples (and hyperpigmentation for me) for a few weeks, you will see the results... clear skin and avoiding pregnancy!!
This Was Helpful

Report
October 3, 2011

Pros:

Less Acne
Crazy sex Drive
Slightly Bigger Breasts (naturally big so I can't really tell if they got bigger)

Cons:

Very Minor Headaches but I think that's because I'm just dehydrated.
Feel Nauseous sometimes but that is because I'm too much in a rush to eat food with the pill in the morning.
Possible slight weight gain but that's not a problem.

Remember to ALWAYS drink A LOT of water and eat food with the pill! Water is the answer for everything! If you are having really bad side effects, it's probably because the dosage is either too high therefore your body isn't used to it or because you are dehydrated. I'm almost 17 years old. I haven't really had any side effects. If i did gain weight its not much to worry about for me because it isn't much of a difference and i can maintain my weight pretty well. I love ortho-cyclen so far and been on it for half a month. I thought i would've had very bad side effects just because that is my usual luck with anything oral, especially oral acne medication like doxyclen and minocyclen with major headaches and minocyclen actually turned my gums gray! It looked like i had gum disease! I'm glad i researched it and found out that it's a pretty rare but possible side effect. Regardless any pill is usually an antibody and antibodies are meant to kill bad things but also kill essential good bacteria! Orthocyclen has made my boyfriend really happy and we couldn't have more of an amazing sex life! We are both glad we can know we can have sex anytime with me being safe. P.S. the only reason i rate this 4 out of 5 is because I just really hate taking pills and putting anything into my body. Anyways, it's really not that hard to remember taking it because if you love your pill, you love the idea of just being protected; so trust me - You'll remember every day!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 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