Oral Contraceptives
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
March 21, 2009

Pros:

predictable light periods, does its job. Clear skin, but never had a prob w/ acne b4.

Cons:

WEIGHT GAIN, i think I put on almost 10 lbs. And dont even bother dieting and exercising to lose it, it wont budge. Made me very irritable and caused a little anxiety. Always bloated. Just switched so we'll see.

If wanna pack on some lbs and become a irritable bitch then go 4 it.
March 13, 2009

Pros:

Regulated Period

Cons:

Wait Gain, Increased hunger, worse acne, depression/mood swings, fatigue

I went on the pill to regulate my periods because I have PCOS and to clear up my acne. When I went on the pill I had mild acne, and since then it has changed to moderate-moderate severe with cystic ance, which I have not had for a few years. I also noticed an increased appetite, and IMMEDIATE weight gain, (before the hunger kicked in). As well, I have been fighting bouts of depressive moods, and mood swings of anger, frustration, and sadness. Also, every once in awhile I will become fatigued and completely run-down. I don't know if it is related or not, but within the last 3 months I have been taking the pill I have become sick 3 times. Has only regulated my period, best thing (but maybe worst?) thing I can say.
February 27, 2009

Pros:

You dont get pregnant

Cons:

LONG PERIODS....

I started taking this borth control this month. I have had my period now for two weeks and that is not normal at all. I have gained about 2-3 pounds, but am watching my eating habits now.
January 26, 2009

Pros:

You don't get pregnant, period is regular.

Cons:

You turn into a psycho bitch, bleed the entire first month, cry, get violent and angry, sleep all day, and nothing is fun.

I started taking this after having a baby. The first month i had a heavy period the whole month. I had severe mood swings and was a total bitch. I started slapping my boyfriend and starting fights about nothing. I would cry at the littlest thing. I would lay in bed all day when I had nothing to do trying to sleep. it got less severe over the months but it's been 5 months and those things are still there minus the bleeding. and to top it off I was paying 50 dollars a month with insurance. I used to be a nice person now no one can stand to be around me. I'm stopping it this month and going to my doctor.
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

protects against pregnancy, no vaginal dryness, $ covered by clinic.

Cons:

face rash, breakthrough bleeding after first week, moodiness (i was crying to happy songs!), fainting spells.

i am getting off of this prescription today. judging by the face rash and the breakthrough bleeding as well as my tendency to cry without reason, my body is highly resistant to this formula.
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December 3, 2008

Pros:

no babies, lighter periods

Cons:

huge mood swings, cramps, fatigue

Until I started taking birth control I was a very emotionally stable person. My largest problem is this. I experience emotional breakdowns once or twice a month, when I cry normally I can't seem to stop. I also seem to get upset over nothing. My passion for everything that used to be important to me has vanished. I'm very tired, all the time, and experience nausea because of it.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

LIGHTER PERIODS ...No pregnancy .....helps with acne

Cons:

lots of break through bleeding between periods which i have never experienced before ...... getting off of this pill ....im having like a week of my actual period and then two weeks of light bleeding! cannot stand it

depends on the person ...my best friend is on the same pill and loves it .......
November 7, 2008

Pros:

Prevents Pregnancy, Regular Periods, Reduces Cramps

Cons:

My acne has gotten worse since I have used this product and at the beginning of taking the pill I got sick and threw up

This pill will not regulate your hormones to the point where it can get rid and regulate your acne. I have had no acne problem until I started to use this pill and I have acne all around my face.
November 6, 2008

Pros:

i haven't got pregnant

Cons:

Been throwing up for days, period started about 3 days after i started the pill and has not stopped yet (very low flow but there).

I don't think its worth the low price to feel horrible all the time, headaches, non stop bleeding, nausiated for days, still waiting for overall outcome, but its not looking good.
November 3, 2008

Pros:

Prevention of pregnancy... duh! Also acne has cleared up.

Cons:

Very minimal nausea.

So far so good. I haven't been on it that long but I would recommend it. I really have noticed a decrease in my acne.

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.