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
February 24, 2010

Pros:

-no side effects AT ALL
-prevents pregnancy
-larger breasts

Cons:

-skin is neutral: neither worse or better (this isn't really a con, its so-so)

Before I went on the pill, I read the review just before mine. I was scared sh*tless because of the terrible reviews and then I read that review, made me feel better. So i went on it, surprising absolutely NO SIDE EFFECTS what so ever, which is a good thing. However there aren't any benefits that I wanted. Overall I'd say this is a SAFE PILL to go on if you don't want to experience side effects.
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February 3, 2010

Pros:

really didnt get any side effects at all. i was scared because of everyones bad reviews but i realized how rare they really are, i have a clear face as it is, this didnt make me break out, i didnt change my diet and i didnt gain weight (i eat a ton!) i didnt have mood swings really, yelled at my brother one time but im pretty sure that was all me. =)

Cons:

i did get nauseous. the first 7 white pills went by smoothly, once i hit the blue pill in the second week i started waking up feeling gross. it was a bad nausia... it was just like "well this kinda sucks" and usually it went away after a few minutes. it lasted a few weeks but went away. the first month is the worst but that wasnt even that bad.

do the five count. if you're reading reviews, most of them are complaints. remember those are rare, i was worried but turns out its more of a placebo effect (you expect bad to happen so it does). the five count is where you do you research, and if theres a complaint that bothers you... see if it occurs five time in other reviews, if so move on. the only complaint i got on this was breast enlargment.... to be frank, woman carry their boobs for mens attention... and im nearly positive no man will say "DAMMIT your boobs are bigger.... ugh" so overall this pill is good. also nausia, that will happen with any pill because your body is getting used to the change in estrogen. although, some pills dont deserve the 5 count, if you see a complaint that says "i got pregnant on this pill" either they messed up real bad or that really sucks. that would stop me in my tracks and move on to the next contender. bottom line is, this is an incredible pill aside from an occassional rare complaint, for the most part the reviews are in favor. i was scared at first but i wouldnt change now that i know my symptoms are extremely mild. i recomend it.
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January 29, 2010

Pros:

I think it cleared up my acne (can't be sure since I do other things to treat it) but it definitely did help if not eliminated my acne. Also it was free at Planned Parenthood.

Cons:

Broke me out really bad at first.

My skin has gone from moderately severe to light. I believe it's because of birth control. My acne is almost completely gone. Give it time and don't get discouraged if it breaks you out at first because in the end it did wonders for me.
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January 10, 2010

Pros:

No pregnancy, bigger breasts, no cramps during period, put me in a better mood (most of the time.)

Cons:

Sore breasts, spotting for a week, hasn't helped with acne

I've only been on this for a month. I love it, I reccommend it, but it hasn't helped with acne yet. Strongly effective against pregnancy. Very little side effects that I can handle.
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December 16, 2009

Pros:

clears up my skin, firmed up my breasts after pregnancy, controls my period to the t, easy to take

Cons:

slight nausea, higher dosage of hormones but controls not getting pregnant better than yasmin (which i became pregnant on)

great method, and best birth control out on the market that regulates and protects.
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December 4, 2009

Pros:

Chest increased at LEAST a full cup size within first 3 weeks & I have a very slender body type. Helped clear skin somewhat..have not experienced weight gain besides chest. Had HORRIBLE cramps-now non existent. (huge relief). Sex drive still great.

Cons:

Chest is usually a little bit tender-but very worth it. i would have liked it to clear my skin more than it has, but it hasn't gotten worse so I can't complain really.

Every pill works different for different women, I found this works much better than my previous choice of "Alesse" which failed to give ANY relief of my terrible cramps or 7-9 day long period. I also tried Yaz for a month, and it was HORRENDOUS... I was not myself, I am a very easy-going, happy individual but when on Yaz I was extremely moody, on edge, and frustrated.. believe me-It is not worth the risk of how badly it can alter your mood... it was actually frightening. I would definitely recommend you at least try Ortho-Tricyclen.
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November 13, 2009

Pros:

I know when my period will come within a 2 hour block. My breasts got bigger. I haven't gotten pregnant (we use condoms and the pill...my family is very fertile) Acne cleared up. no side effects

Cons:

My cramps got a bit worse-I didn't get cramps before. Possible weight gain-first time I've ever gained weight, may be from going to college but as a div 1 runner, I work out twice a day so weight gain was unexpected

Works great, no side effects, no bleeding between periods, you know exactly when your period will come and it helps acne
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November 11, 2009

Pros:

Haven't gotten pregnant, less acne, and less cramps

Cons:

For the first month or so I was a little irritable. Other than that, It's been great.

Great Product.
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November 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my face up, Less Cramps, Made my breasts grow a little more, Can Enjoy unprotected sex with my boyfriend now.

Cons:

Tenderness in my breasts, a little more emotional then usual, slight nausea in the first week.

This is the first bc I have ever used, so far, so good. It has not caused me any problems at all.
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November 3, 2009

Pros:

clear skin!!!!!!! that's the most important thing of all :)

Cons:

slight weight gain, boo :(

it works for me...it took about 2 months to notice a change and every month after that my skin got better and better. It's now been a year since I started taking it and I rarely get break outs. I suddenly got adult acne at the age of 25 and it got REALLY bad (moderately severe cystic, nodules, blackheads, and all over my face and neck)....a year later I'm back to normal and sooooo happy :)
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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.