Hello. i am 25 years old on diane 35 for 7 months. i initially started taking it for acne and hirsutism. as i am a heavy smoker and diane 35 is quite expensive in my country, i want to know which is the best alternative. thank you ?

Please stop smoking: Taking oral contraceptives while smoking can lead to heart attacks and stroke. This is especially true while on combination oral contraceptives containing progestins (androgenic). Newer oral contraceptives which have much lower androgen content can decrease that risk. (Desogen, Ortho-cept, Ortho-cyclen) The best way to eliminate the risk completely is to stop smoking. Talk to your Dr for help.

Risky: I agree with Dr. Kratzberg. I wouldn't recommend any type of oral contraceptive if you are a heavy smoker. This combination can cause constriction of blood vessels (think clot) and decreased blood flow to the heart.