Fact #1:

Not all birth control pills cause weight gain.

Though more

than 61 percent of women surveyed believe that the Pill causes weight

gain, an equal number of women tend to gain weight as lose weight while

taking a birth control pill. In clinical studies of Ortho Tri-Cyclen,

women reported no more weight gain than women who were taking inactive

pills. Women concerned about weight gain should talk with their healthcare

professional.

Fact #2:

Women don't need a break from the Pill.

Almost half

of survey respondents believe that women need to take a break from using

the Pill. Today, more women are using the Pill and staying on it longer.

And, research shows that women do not need to take a break from the Pill.

Healthcare professionals can prescribe birth control pills to healthy,

nonsmoking women over 40.

Fact #3:

Not all birth control pills are clinically proven to treat acne.

Forty-three

percent of survey respondents believe that the birth control pill can

be an effective acne treatment.

However, there

is only one pill that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration

and clinically proven to help reduce moderate acne and maintain clearer

skin. In clinical studies, nearly nine out of 10 women who took Ortho

Tri-Cyclen showed significant improvements in their skin.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy and for the treatment of

moderate acne in females 15 years of age or older, who have no known contraindications

to oral contraceptive therapy, desire contraception, have achieved menstruation

and are unresponsive to topical anti-acne medications.

Fact #4:

There is no clinical evidence that the Pill affects fertility.

The good news

is that almost 80 percent of women surveyed do not believe the Pill can

cause infertility. When a woman is ready to become pregnant, she should

consult her healthcare professional and stop taking her birth control

pills. Most women experience a rapid return to fertility.

Fact #5:

The Pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

According to

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the consistent and correct

use of latex condoms can greatly reduce a person's risk of transmitting

or acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.

Oral contraceptives

are not for everybody. Most side effects of the Pill are not serious.

And those that are occur infrequently.

Serious risks,

which can be life-threatening, include blood clots, stroke, and heart

attacks, and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking

increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially

if you're over 35. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised

not to smoke.

Some studies

have reported an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer among

women who use oral contraceptives. However, the majority of studies have

found no overall increase in this risk. You should talk to your doctor

or healthcare professional about how this risk relates to your use of

the Pill.

Some women

should not use the Pill, including women who have blood clots, certain

cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are

or may be pregnant. The Pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually

transmitted diseases.

For more information

about birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and vaginal and urinary

tract infections, visit Women In The Know at www.womeninthe know.com .

Information about Ortho Tri-Cyclen and other Ortho-McNeil products can

be found on the Internet at www.orthotri-cyclen.com and www.ortho-mcneil.com .

Please see full U.S. prescribing information.

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