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]
3.4
1199
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
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
February 27, 2012

Pros:

Can't really say. Breast size is a little bigger.

Cons:

Been bleeding for 15 days for now. Seem to be irritable because of the break through bleeding no one explained to me. Notice slight acne

Honestly I wish I've never started birth control. This is our bodies that doctors refuse to tell and or explain the details or side effects because they don't care.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 28, 2009

Pros:

I have been taking Ortho-tri cyclen For one month now. Im not pregnant I suppose thats always a good thing.

Cons:

My skin has freaked out but not just on my face its on my arms and back now. Im going to give it a while to see if it improves any.

Birth control and acne are nowhere related issues. If your not pregnant it is doing its number one job.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 5, 2011

Pros:

Reduced Acne
Less Cramps
Period Regularity

Cons:

Weight Gain (maybe from it)
Head aches for the first few weeks

While this helped to reduce my acne, it did not clear it. I would say that its helped with my severe cramps though. Recently, i gained a lot of weight in a short span of time with no change of lifestyle. My doctor suggested i see an endocrinologist but also added it could be from the birth control (ACK!)
This Was Helpful

Report
October 3, 2009

Pros:

I had a boy, I love him so much. Im loving my life. Husband and I were shocked at first.

Cons:

Didn't work for me got pregnant.

Gonna try again
This Was Helpful

Report
September 1, 2009

Pros:

can have sex without getting prego

Cons:

im bitchy, and horney all the time, wight gain is horrible

i like to have sex, a lot of sex with everyone. being on the pill has prevented me from having any babies, thank god!
This Was Helpful

Report
May 28, 2011

Cons:

Nauseated everyday
Very emotional

I've been on this for a week and have felt sick everyday, I hope this goes away soon. I also have had very bad mood swings, emotional. I really hope this works for me.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 79 80 81
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