Hi there. Well I was on Spiro for about a year in the past and it worked very well, especially for oiliness. About two years after finishing Accutane, I started getting mild - moderate acne again so I went on Spiro, and yes it does keep things "under control." I went off it because I had to start taking other medications (unrelated to acne) and I thought the whole "mix" of medications probably wasnt good for my body so I gave myself a break off spiro. Now I am back on it and oiliness/breakouts seem to be staying in check, although I don't know if it is the spiro that is helping or the microdermabrasion / AHA peels I have been getting

Probably a combination of all the above!
I have been on birth control consistently for about five years now. I am taking Trilvellin (sp?) which is a knock off of Ortho. I have tried Ortho Tri Cyclen, Ortho Low, and Desogen and now I am on Trilevllin and never noticed a difference in any of them. Some people really notice a difference in their skin with birth control, but I never have. It is recommended you are on birth control if taking spiro because it can have negative effects on a fetus if you happen to get pregnant.
Hope all this helps