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:
August 25, 2007

Pros:

Stops ovulation, regulates period.

Cons:

Extreme nausea, headache's small pimples, large whiteheads.

I had extreme nausea suring second month of ortho lo, would take with food and would feel like I had to throw up. Light spotting during first and second month, also had light migranes during first weeks of trying OTC Lo. Small bumps on chin would soon turn into large whiteheads that hurt!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 23, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

YEAST INFECTIONS.

never had a yeast infection in my life and i've had 3 since starting this pill last summer. if you've ever had a yeast infection before, then you know that it is such a horrible, painful, frustrating experience.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 21, 2007

Pros:

clearer skin, no side effects, lighter and shorter periods

Cons:

pricey

it just works. no weight gain, if anything, i lost weight. there are theories on why women gain weight on birth control, but i don't know if any of them are really true. i would recommend OTC-Lo, there are no side effects, you get clearer skin ( i don't have to use any concealor or powder after years of struggling with acne), and my periods last 4 days. it's a little pricey though, it used to be $10 with student insurance, but now it's going to be $28. so i'll have to find a generic brand.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 20, 2007

Pros:

prevents pregnancy increased my libido

Cons:

caused acne 2 weeks out the month

I started on OTC-lo after a year of breastfeeding. While breastfeeding I was on Ortho's generic progestine (sp?) only pill then switched pharmacies...which had a different generic which caused me to break out for 4-6 weeks and gave me moodswings and reduced my libido to ziltch. Went back on namebrand...broke out 4-6 weeks but was fine otherwise. Stopped breastfeading got back on "regular" bc...OTC-lo...HUGE mistake...it caused one of the worst breakouts of my life. I'm talking huge cysts! Stuck with that about 2.5 months and got on OTC. The first week almost cleared up completely. Then broke out again( I guess b/c of the increasing projestine)minus the cysts. I've been taking Orthocept for about 4 days now after being off OTC for 5 and have had NO new bumps. Libido is lower but feel so much better I want it more!I took Mircette as a teen which worked but I wanted a higher estrogen level initially to stop the oil and clear me up. I will try and switch back after my skin heals though.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 19, 2007

Pros:

You know when you're going to get your period, every-single-time.

Cons:

Makes you fat, bitchy, irritable, worse cramps in my life and did nothing for my face.

Too bad I wasted seven months of my life on this sh*t. I gained about 16 pounds while on it which gave me horrible stretch marks all over my body, and I was only 15 years old. Don't go on this for acne, go on it for preventing pregnancy. I didn't mind knowing when I was going to get my period except I bled quite a bit and I got incredibly terrible cramps which cause me to be home for school at least once a month due to period problems.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 18, 2007

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy, regulates monthly cycle, somewhat clears skin

Cons:

Can cause nausea, mood swings, and doesn't full clear skin

My skin was pretty horrific when I first started taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. I was told the Lo or the standard Ortho Tri-Cyclen wouldn't make a difference in terms of acene improvement. I had a face full of probably hundreds of tiny red pimples as well as normal sized whiteheads. Now, it DID clear up the tiny red pimples but I still have normal-sized blemishes. In the beginning it also makes you very moody/nauseous while your body is getting used to the hormones. I get nauseous the following morning if I don't take it the same time every day. I would say overall, it works well for what it is and is inexpensive.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 18, 2007

Pros:

NO PREGNANCY

Cons:

LOSS OF APPETITE(MIGHT BE A GOOD THING), MADE ME A LITTLE NAUSEOUS AFTER MY FIRST PILL. I FEEL MORE ANXIOUS.

I HAVE BEEN USING OTC FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND I TAKE IT AT NIGHT IT SEEMS TO HELP OUT THE NAUSEA. IT SEEMS TO MAKE ME SMOKE MORE THAN NORMAL. (I KNOW UR NOT SUPPOSED TO SMOKE). I STILL HAVE PIMPLES HERE AND THERE. BOTTOM LINE ITS PRETTY GOOD.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 13, 2007

Pros:

Prevents Pregnancy and cleared up my acne

Cons:

Severe Mood Swings, Constant Urinary track infections and Yeast Infections. Weight Gain

This pill screws with my body more then being pregnant...
This Was Helpful

Report
August 7, 2007

Pros:

kept me from getting pregnant and make a few pimples go away.

Cons:

didnt completely clear my skin, it make me completely moody, felt sick after taking it, makes your period really thick and goopy.

its nice for preventing pregnancy but it will give you terrible mood swings and you'll be a in a bad mood most of the time, i stopped taking it 3 days ago and i feel like my normal happy self again. recommend it for pregnancy prevention but not for acne
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 6, 2007

Pros:

regulates period, prevents getting pregnant

Cons:

everything else

I've never had acne before I started using this over 5 years ago. Obviously I'm not on it anymore but I didn't know why at age 22 I was breaking out with acne until after doing alot of research, 3 years after being on it, I figured out it was the birth control pills! I also gained weight and suffer headaches and mood swings from time to time!!! SUCKS
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 64 65 66 67 68 … 74
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