5 Things You Need to Know About Ortho Tri-Cyclen

1. Safeguard Your Eggs

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an oral contraceptive that contains two types of hormones, norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It works by preventing your body from ovulating, or from releasing eggs. If your body does release an egg, however, Ortho Tri-Cyclen thickens your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. What makes Ortho Tri-Cyclen different from other birth control pills is that it contains three different levels of low dose hormones throughout the month instead of just one level throughout the entire month.

2. Clear Up Your Skin With a Little Birth Control

Besides keeping you from getting pregnant, studies have shown that Ortho Tri-Cyclen is also an effective treatment for acne. It may actually lower the level of the hormone in your body that could cause acne. If you have problematic skin, make sure to talk to your doctor about Ortho Tri-Cyclen when exploring birth control options.

3. A Lighter Flow Makes for a Happier You

Ortho Tri-Cyclen, like many other birth control pills, has even more added benefits. One of the most exciting advantages is that you may have lighter periods with less cramping and more predictability. It may also reduce your risk of developing ovarian cysts and acute pelvic inflammatory disease or of having a tubal pregnancy.

4. Consider the Serious Risks

While taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen, you may experience side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, spotting, weight gain or loss and depression. If you experience any severe side effects, see your doctor immediately. If you're a smoker, especially over the age of 35, you shouldn't take Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Smoking while you're on the Pill puts you at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems. Also, if you have a history of cancer, blood clots, heart attack, stroke or if you're pregnant, you shouldn't take Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Remember that the Pill doesn't protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, so you should still use a condom to keep yourself safe.

5. Make Your Pill Work for You

If you take your Ortho Tri-Cyclen pill at the same time every day, it can be up to 99 percent effective. Place your pill next to your alarm clock so that you'll remember to take it each morning or put it on your nightstand to remember to take it before you go to bed at night. Make sure to use a backup method of birth control while you're taking other medications such as certain antibiotics as they may reduce the effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen.