Hormonal Birth Control Side Effects: Acne, Weight Gain & Concerns

Question
About three weeks ago I switch from Ocella to Lo'Ovral. I've gotten acne and gained a few pounds. I'm wondering if this is normal. I also had sex within the first week, unprotected, and am concerned about possible pregnancy. I need advice.

Answer
Dear Brittany,

Thanks for your question. I don't usually recommend hormonal birth control methods so I wouldn't advise either of these pills. The side effects are what worries me. For example, the acne and gaining weight. The pill and other methods have hormones in them which, in my opinion, can be harmful to your body. Also, about the "unprotected" sex, there really is no such thing. Any time you have sex even if you think it's "protected" you still have a chance of pregnancy. So has anything happened since then, such as missing your period or any other kind of pregnancy symptoms? Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com so you can update me. Would it be a problem if you ARE pregnant? Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl