"as far as birth control, it is an extremely effective contraceptive pill! never got any severe side effects; some nausea the first week, but that&#039;s about it. also, my periods are about the same flow wise, but very little cramping, about 4 days long instead of 5. i used to have awful skin, and now it is clear! the only thing that happened when i went on this medication that may be displeasing to others is that i gained about 30 pounds. my varying weight before was 106-110, and now i am between 130-136lbs."