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
October 30, 2009

Pros:

Not pregnant, seriously cleared up my acne (no more cysts or painful whiteheads), bigger breasts

Cons:

i believe i am a bit more moodier towards the end of the pack but nothing too drastic!

try it. won't hurt!
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October 8, 2009

Pros:

I started using ORTHO TRI CYCLEN my sophmore year of high school, to help with acne. I never had any problems with the pill whatsoever, no cramps, acne got better, no nausea, etc.

Cons:

A little bit of bleeding between periods, very light, and eventually went away after longer use.

I would recommend, the pill doesn't increase psychological problems, if you already have thoughts of particular troubling things in life, it's not the pill that increases these thoughts.
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September 29, 2009

Pros:

I have been on Ortho Tri Cyclen for 5 years, and opposite from many of the reviews above, there has been nothing but positives for me. Clear skin, no cramps or back aches, super light periods...and as for birth control...100% effective.

Cons:

I've only ever felt slightly nauseous when I had to take two pills at once....never have I been sick. I have slight mood swings a few days prior to my period, which I contribute to the sudden drop in hormones from not taking the pill for 7 days

Tri Cyclen has offered nothing but benefits...two thumbs up all the way. I Truly have 100 % faith in this birth control (given you are responsible and take if on a consistent basis). My boyfriend and I never use condoms, and I have never had any issues.
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August 31, 2009

Pros:

skin is clearing up, made me feel happier in general

Cons:

increased appetite

I've been taking the pills for about 3 weeks now. I have had no new breakouts and my skin is noticeably clearing up. I didn't have any PMS symptoms at all, but my appetite has increased. I was nervous about taking this specific BC after reading reviews on here, but I would recommend them!
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

No babies, bigger boobs, controls my acne quite well even when I'm not using acne products, no side effects =]

I love it
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July 28, 2009

Pros:

slight breast growth

Cons:

mood swings

when i first started taking ortho tri cyclen, i had pretty bad mood swings. id get a bump on my face and burst into tears because i thought i was gona develop acne from the hormones in the pill. those subsided after a month or so of just getting used to the pill and everythings been completely fine. i dont really react all that much to anything as far as side effects, so it hasnt really given me any. id say its effective in not having babies thus far but usually im quite careful about that anyways, so i suppose we'll see :P
July 17, 2009

Pros:

Cleared Up Acne quickly!!!!!

Cons:

none so far

This has worked extremely well for my skin, i dont wear any makeup now and i used to never leave home without it. I feel great and would really recommend this product!
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

I've had no side affects from using OTC. I've been using is for a few years and it has worked the whole time like magic!

Cons:

I have nothing bad to say about this product.

If you are looking to start taking Birth control, OTC is the way to go.
July 13, 2009

Pros:

No Acne, no mood changes, bigger boobs, lighter periods

Cons:

....

I was lookin 4 a birth control pill 2 stop acne an keep me from gettin pregnant an this worked... i like it it did make me sleepy but i didnt have a problem with it because i liked 2 sleep.
July 13, 2009

Pros:

Lost weight, Absolutely no side affect(unlike the YAZ), light period 3-4 days, No acne! and No babies

Cons:

Bigger boobs :( yes that is depressing for me I never wanted big boobs!

Works better than the YAZ that one made me depressed. I have no problems with th.is one at all
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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.