Differene in birth control pills?

[justmyself]

Ok, to start out with, I'm completely dumb when it comes to birth control pills. I know nothing really about them except that they are supposed to prevent pregnancy lol. I was curious...my doctor recenently put me on Lutera to help manage my PCOS. He automatically put me on that because I told him that I was on it for about 3 years with no problems in the past (it was only after I stopped taking the pills that I was diagnosed w/ PCOS).

What is the difference in different birth control pills? Most girls I know online are on Yasmin, I actually don't know anyone on Lutera. Are certain pills better than others or something? I feel kinda stupid...but I guess you'll never know anything if you don't ask questions!

[Gen224]

There is NO dumb question when you're figuring out your health and your options. :) So don't sweat it. ;)

Some of us don't take bcps at all--if we're trying to prevent pgy, we use another form of contraception. Those of us who do this either have health concerns about bcps (estrogen can cause some of us to clot) or don't seem to need it (due to a tubal ligation, etc.).

Others of us have doctors that prescribe bcps in order to 'control the symptoms' of PCOS. Trouble is, it doesn't "control" the symptoms and in most cases, makes it worse. :(

And still others in our cysterhood take bcps for prevention of pgy, but treat their condition with insulin sensitizers, supplements, diet, exercise, or some combination thereof.

All of that said, there are some pills you should avoid completely: anything with "tri" in the name. Ortho Tricyclen, etc. Triphasic bcps are the worst for PCOS--if you're going to take a bcp, you should have a steady stream of hormones coming from the bcp, not a varying level due to the triphasic medications.

I would also recommend taking a low-dose bcp as opposed to a high-dose one. Anything with the name and 1/50 after it (Demulen, Orthocyclen, etc.) is a high-dose pill and even if you don't have prior history or risk factors for clotting, high dose bcps can cause clots in otherwise healthy individuals. Go for a lo-dose if you can--Orthocyclen Lo, LoEstrin, etc.

Yaz is the "newest" bcp--it has a compound in it that is similar to spironolactone (mild diuretic that is anti-androgenic), so it tends to be better for cysters who might have hirsuitism issues. It's largely considered to be safe and effective.

What you and your doctor choose should be based on your personal health profile, considering your age, smoking (or non-smoking) habits, and family history.

I hope this helps! :)

[justmyself]

Thanks a bunch! My doctor says the only thing he prescribes for PCOS is the pill. And sadly, he's the only doctor within 300 miles of me that seems to be able to work with me financially (poor with no insurance), so until I can find a better job WITH insurance, I have to just stick with the pill I guess. At least it does seem to control a few of my symptoms: my period has returned, my acne is getting better and I seem to be able to lose weight easier for some reason.

Thanks for clearing up the difference in pills lol. I've always kind of wondered about them.