Hi all, my husband is away tonight so could really do with chatting this through with someone... all opinions welcome.

I got married in March last year and came off the pill soon afterwards, (I'd been taking it for 13 years). My skin started to get bad (spots etc) after a couple of months, but it wasn't until October that I got a sudden breakout of acne - mostly over my back and shoulders, but also spread to be chest, and a few spots on my face too (although I wouldn't call it acne on my face).

It was at the point it was really painful just to lean back in my chair, and I'm sure I don't even need to tell anyone how it's affected my self confidence - I've not been swimming since and I even don't get totally naked when DTD with my own husband which is ridiculous. I saw my doctor about it and she put me on antibiotics and referred me hospital. There was a mix up with my referal but basically I've just been to that hospital appointment today.

Even though I think my skin has got a lot better since the end of last year the doctor today said even as it is now she would call it severe acne and would say I would be a ideal candidate for taking something call Roaccutane which is highly effective at clearing the acne and even improving the scarring.. the big BUT is that it is very dangerous to unborn babies and so they insist you're on 2 forms of contraceptives. It will mean going back on the pill for 3 months, then about 4 months of treatment, then another 1 month of the pill, and that's not even taking into account how long it might take me to start ovulating again...

She really encouraged me to do this, but says I could just try going on a form of antibiotics if I did want to continue TTC, but even though they're "safe" for pregnancy, part of me thinks it would be wrong of me to be on any drug while creating another life.

Sorry, I know I've gone into a lot of detail but even if nobody replies it's still been good for me to talk about it.

Oh sweetie, have no idea how you feel but you must be gutted - and very confused over what to do.
I think you need to decide what is most important to you - having a baby or clear skin?? I understand that your self confidence is really low so the idea of the treatment is appealing.

Do you want to wait at least 6 months before trying again or can you live with the skin issue in order to have a baby?

Hope I haven't confused you more or made you feel worst - if I have I truly apologise.

Hope you find an answer soon.

Wow it sounds like you are really having a rough time
The only thing I wonder with this risky treatment is, what happens when you are finished it and then come off the pill again? Won't the acne just reappear?

I feel like a stuck record sometimes when it seems I am suggesting acupuncture/traditional chinese medicine for every ailment under the sun these days, but I have personally had astounding results from it from a physical and mental point of view. Perhaps you could consider that as another option along with the antibiotics so you can keep TTC.

Anyway, these are just my thoughts and I am not a doctor. I hope you find the answers you need soon.

Oh hun, I really feel for you.

I really sorry, I don't know what I would do in your position, just wanted to offer you a big hug and wish you lots of luck xx

hey hun i cant imagine what you are going through is there no other way around this? ive heard some fantastic reviews on acupuncture is this a possible route for you try for a month maybe? im sorry your going through this hun massive hugs xxxx

Hi, I have bad acne, it was worse before my pregnancy with my 3 year old though, I can honestly say the pregnancy improved my skin. I've considered roaccutane but ive always been scared of the side effects. Im currently using dermalogica ultra calming cleanser most days and dermalogica dermal clay cleanser on bad days, but this is all for my face not body. I came off my antibiotics last August when I started TTC. As said above you need to decide which you want first, what roaccutane can give you or a baby, cos when they say you cant conceive when on roaccutane they really really mean it!

Good luck, Im sure you will make the right decision for you.

Hi Tor,

Firstly, I am really sorry you're in such a difficult situation and to you.

The first thing I thought of when I read this was can they give you any idea about the likelihood of the acne returning once you're off the drugs and bc? If there is a good chance it will stay away then I think you have to think about a couple of things:

a) What is the worst that can happen if you don't go on the drugs (i.e. how would you feel if it stayed this way for the foreseeable future or maybe even gets worse - would you be ok?)

b) Is there anything else you can do instead - i.e. change in diet, supplements, chinese medicine etc?

c) Do you feel that this is more important to you right now than a baby?

I know these are hard questions, because I suspect you wouldn't be on this forum if you didn't really really want a baby now (amen to that!).

Only a suggestion, but how about setting a target of three month's time - in that time do everything possible (i.e. get food allergy tests done, try acupuncture, change your diet etc etc) to get rid of the acne yourself and try and build up some self-confidence. If, in that time you get your bfp or your skin starts to improve or maybe you just start feeling a bit better about yourself, then give yourself another 3 months to continue what you're doing. If in the 3 months nothing changes then maybe give the drugs some serious thought?

I am a bit anal and love making 'action plans' - lists of what I am going to do to try and sort something out. It sounds silly but it does help. Maybe make an action plan for your 3 months? It makes me feel better just knowing I am doing something!

Anyway, best of luck and you have my thoughts,

Sarah xxxx

Hi there, so sorry to hear about what you have been going through it must be really tough. I think this is a personal choice that you have to make depending on your situation, and what you and your husband really want.

I am in the medical field, and was TTC 2 years ago, but gave up after 6 months cos it was really doing my brain no good at the time, so I know hwat it is like to really want a child. The way that I see it is, you could go on this treatment and have the course, and it still may not clear it up- in which case you have just altered your hormones and maybe set yourself back quite some time TTC. If, as you say, your condition has improved since last year, cant you look into any other maybe topical forms of creams etc that mean you are not putting chemicals into your body?

It really is a personal choice for you to make, no one else can say for definite what is best. Another option which may happen is that if and when you fall pregnant, the condition may clear up anyway- but it may get worse, this is an unknown quantity. I am afraid you are going to have to weigh up the pros and cons of this situation. Good Luck, and if you want any more chat I will try and help.

Candice

Sounds like you're having it really rough chick. It must be so hard for you to decide what to do....I can only say what I'd be tempted to do in your position. I would probably want to ask how effective the tablets are. If they do expect a good effect, I would probably go for the treatment, the longer you leave the acne untreated the more likely it is to do permanent damage to your skin. If it's affecting your self esteem this much, I would say once you have the treatment you'll be in a better, happier place with less stress when you do ttc in 6 months time.
Also you'd have to consider the issue of how long it can take to conceive. I really do hope its quick for you but it can take some women a long time as you know. This would mean waiting longer to get the treatment. Also, if you do wait until you've had a baby and plan on breastfeeding, you may not be able to take the medications then either.
Lots to weigh up chick and you can only do what you feel is right for your situation, and how much the acne is affecting you right now. If you feel you can put up with it for a while, then continue with ttc hun. How does your hubby feel about it?
Good luck and all the best xxx

sorry your being put in a hard situation. Like the other ladies said you just have to choose which one is more important. My only worry would be after you went off the medication would the acne come back? In that case I would TTC first and just go on medication after I had the baby. Good luck with whatever you decide.