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:
May 26, 2007

Pros:

protection from pregnancy, lighter periods

Cons:

mild skin problems, more emotional, still have cramps.

I've been on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 8 months. After the first couple of months of having some of the expected side effects which went away, i found this drug to cause extreme emotions, almost in a bi -polar way. I still have cramps, get tired and my period sort of has regulated...my flawless skin became somewhat irrated from the BC. More importantly, i feel that my hormones increased in a negative way that has cause problems in my relationship. I am about to try Yasmin with better hopes. If that affects me negativly, I am discontinuing the pill all together.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 24, 2007

Pros:

No sexual or other side effects.

Cons:

WORST ACNE OF MY WHOLE LIFE! Very expensive, insurance doesn't cover.

I am on Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo. I started taking it to help with acne that developed after stopping birth control. I went from having some problems with breakouts to HORRIBLE cystic acne along my jawline that is now spreading to my cheeks. Now I have tons of tiny bumps all over my chin, and cysts, and red inflamed bumps that won't go away. And I will have scars from this. I have done a lot of research and attribute it to this pill. I just finished my 2nd pack and am stopping it and going back to a different kind of BC pill. I am now trying to get my acne under control with Benzamycin and a retinoid. I am done with this pill. Worst thing I ever did for my complexion. Too bad because it was great otherwise.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 24, 2007

Pros:

didn't get pregnant

Cons:

water retention (bloating), weight gain, HORRIBLE ACNE

horrible for your skin...!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it took forever for my skin to clear up from proactiv solution after using it for like 4 years... and now all of a suddent ortho tricyclen has made me break out ALL OVER my face a few cysts and mostly small bumps .. i cannot stress more over my entire face which hasn't happened in like 4 years.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 22, 2007

Pros:

NO CRAMPS!!!!

Cons:

Weight gain and bloating

I've been taking OTC lo for about a year and a half. I've had acne the entire time without fail. I have times when it's worse than others but it's always there. I've also gained 40 pounds and am bloated consistently. On the plus side: I'm now able to move without pain during that time of the month.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 16, 2007
I never had acne until my freshman year of college. It was horrible...large cysts, painful, couldn't really cover them with make-up without it looking cakey. I've been on birth control for about 6 years, so I thought it was the new environment, stress from classes, etc. Anyways, I used to take Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and it cleared up the acne somewhat but I still got break outs, especially one week before my period. I recently switched to regular OTC because I read it's been clinically proven to clear up mild to moderate acne. I've only been taking it for about 7 days, and I've noticed more, smaller breakouts on my cheeks and hairline. I would usually just break out on my chin. I also have broken out on my back and chest...which never happened before! I read this site and am now verrrrrry scared. Should I stop taking this pill??? Please give me some advice!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 9, 2007

Pros:

clearer skin
no side effects

Cons:

N/A

OK- here's my story. I never had acne until my senior year of high school and sporactically throughout college (18yrs old and up- I'm now 23). I went to a dermatologist and tried alot of different cures. Not until I started OrthoTriCyclen-Lo and combined it with Praxion-the generic brand of a sulfur based face wash called Plexion- (only problem with the facewash is you can't get it close to your eyes bc it really, really irritates them-otherwise, mention it to your dermo and see if he'll presecribe it-its awesome!) did my face clear up. I loved the regularity of my periods and my clear skin. i could finally leave the house w/o makeup. anyway...recently (2 months ago) my face started breaking out again--i don't know if it is due to the BC just not working like it had for the past year, or because I had stopped buying that face wash and switched to over the counter stuff. Well, I called my Gyno and got them to switch me to regular OTC- I got Trinessa-and refilled my Praxion-hope it works
This Was Helpful

Report
May 6, 2007

Pros:

Not pregnant, regular (and lighter) period.

Cons:

Worst acne I've ever had- big tender cysts and all. Cramps not much better.

I started out on a different pill and my doctor switched me to this one saying it wouldn't make me break out; I've now been on it for 2.25 months, and I don't think I think if I haven't improved in another couple weeks I'll just stop taking it. This isn't worth it.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 5, 2007

Pros:

cheap, no cramping. Haven't gotten pregnant

Cons:

Have been experiencing breakouts on nose, chin, and forehead...been to dermatologist, tried every acne product known to man...can only connect the breakouts to tri-Nessa.

I am getting off this pill, my skin hasn't been this bad since junior high.
This Was Helpful

Report
April 29, 2007

Pros:

No pros yet! I dont't think Ive been on it long enough.

Cons:

Weight gain, but it went away after the first month. Really depressed and bad break outs in the first week/row of the pills.

Ive been taking OTC lo for one month and a week now. I'm on it for moderate acne but it made my acne worse. I break out in the first week of the pack but supposedly it can take about 3 months before it starts working...gets worse before it gets better i guess!? I'm going to stick with it and after 3 months if my acne is still worse then I am going on accutane!
This Was Helpful

Report
April 22, 2007

Pros:

Provided birth control with only moderate weight gain

Cons:

made my acne spread like wildfire. WORST ACNE OF MY WHOLE LIFE!!

I first tried regular OTC in hopes that it would work for my moderate acne like the commercials proclaimed. Before I realized it, I had zits in places that I didn't know you could get them!!! and we aren't talking just whiteheads. I am talking serious, pussy cysts. So of course after those 3 months of hell, I switched, and this time gave OTC low a try. Now I don't have cysts, but I have horrible acne on my back that I never used to have!!! No matter what medicine I try to get rid of the zits, nothing worked. So I decided to go off of OTC low and what do you know? NO ZITS. Now I am looking for a brand of birth control that doesn't cause this kind of side effect.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 67 68 69 70 71 … 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