This question is mainly for women who have trouble with birth control pills causing them to break out.

I have been on Ortho-tri-cyclen Low, Loestrin, and Demulen, and they all have the same side effect: Acne! I want to call my doctor to ask to switch again because my face is not improving at all. I know it takes time getting used to the pill that is why I am only on my 3rd different pilll in 12 months. I guess what I am asking for is if anyone has any suggestions, like a pill that worked for them when all the others caused them to break out... or a suggestion not to try a certain pill? I know everybody is different when it comes to the pill, but I'm hoping if anyone out there that has the same problem as me could give me some advice it might be useful. Please respond, I am about to give up on the pill all together just because of the acne and the tons of scars it has left behind. :(

I think I have the same problem as you...except that if a pill doesnt give me acne, it gives me other problems (increased cramping, bloating, constipation). Ive been on maybe 5 pills and all caused acne...especially recently.I had MAJOR problems with acne on the nuva ring (pretty much immediate and long-lasting). Now, Im recently having bad acne after being on Yasmin for over 7 months, which I find strange. It had never cleared UP my skin majorly, but lately it has seemingly, and very slowly, made it worse. So Im going off it, and I really liked it so Im frustrated. I dont know what to do. Luckily right now I dont need it for contraception, but I have the WORST cramps without the pill, and bad PMS. So Im going to try Spiro (dont know if it will work), and I just ordered a rack-load of fresh fruits and veggies to see if I can change my diet to help as well. Right now I have bad acne all around my mouth/jawline and chin, which 'they say' is hormonal...so who knows. I blame the pills,and Im scarred too which upsets me. Im at the end of my rope.

it's different for everyone.. probably because all of our "normal" hormone levels are different. For me, birth control is the only thing that keeps my acne somewhat under control. Unfortunately, birth control gives me other problems (yeast infections!). I wish there were better options!

When I was looking on the website for Ortho Tri-Cyclen, I saw that the Lo doesn't seem to help with acne like the Regular does. Right now I have the Mirena IUD and I have acne too. The only time I had clear skin was when I was on the Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I am having some issues with the IUD and am getting it taken out in June. Then I will be going back on the Ortho Tri-Cyclen, to clear up my face for one reason, but there are other reasons too. Like mood changes galore and stuff like that!

HTH!

:)

I have heard some good things about Ortho-Tri Cyclen compared to the Low version, the only thing is that the Ortho Tri Cyclen Low that I was on before really tore my stomach up pretty bad, to the point were I had trouble sleeping at night. The only time my stomach was ok on that is when I was compleatly full... which in turn caused me to gain weight, and I was on that for about 5 months.

I am just affraid I wont be able to stomach the higher dosage in Ortho Tri Cyclen, but my mind has come across giving it a try. I have also heard some good as well as bad things about Yasmin. Has anyone tried either one with good results... not causing acne?

Yasmin has an anti androgen, dosperidone, so should help with acne.

Dianette or Marvelon are also used. Don't know if you can get these in your country. They may go under a different name.

Dianette contains cyproterone acetate 2mg, ethynylestradiol 35mcg and is used for severe acne.
Marvelon contains desogesterol 150 mcg, ethinylestrdiol 30mcg.

All have the risks/ side effects of combined oral contraception and they are not lower in oestrogen.

Some people get acne whether they take hormonal contraception or not.
Good luck with your choice.