Yaz vs. Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Birth control pills are often prescribed for reasons other than contraception. Some birth control pills can be used to treat acne or moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms, while others are intended to be used for contraceptive purposes only.
Two common brands of birth control pills are Yaz and Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Both products make different claims, yet both have similarities.
Differences
Yaz birth control pills contain Drospirenone, also known as drsp; Ortho Tri-Cyclen contains Norgestimate, as its version of the progesterone hormone. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg by signaling it to thicken and become more blood-rich.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen contains seven white pills, seven light blue pills, seven dark blue pills and seven green pills. The white, light blue and dark blue pills all contain a different level of hormones; the green pills have no hormones. Yaz contains 24 pink pills that contain hormones, and four white pills that do not.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is marketed as being intended for use as a contraceptive, while Yaz is marketed as a contraceptive as well as treatment for PMDD and moderate acne.
Similarities
The Yaz and Ortho Tri-Cyclen brands prevent pregnancy, when use correctly and in the right order, active pills first, then inactive ones. Both can regulate periods. In addition, the two medications are considered combination pills, which have two or more hormones within them.
While Ortho Tri-Cyclen is marketed as being intended for use as a contraceptive, Yaz is marketed as a contraceptive as well as treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne. However, both can be used for the treatment of acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Neither Ortho Tri-Cyclen nor Yaz can prevent the possibility that you may contract HIV or a sexually-transmitted disease.
Breakthrough Bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding is defined as bleeding which occurs at any other time other than when you are actually having your period. It can be a side effect of the birth control pill.
The website for Yaz states that you may have breakthrough bleeding, which may happen with all birth control pills. It goes on to say that breakthrough bleeding should stop after a few cycles. The website for Ortho Tri-Cyclen states that you may have a chance of experiencing less breakthrough bleeding.
Considerations
As of August 2008, the average price for Ortho Tri-Cyclen was between $65 and $90 and $75 and $90 for Yaz. These birth control methods are prescription only. Therefore, you must consult your doctor.
Warnings
Both of these are oral contraceptives, and as such, list the possibility of blood clots as a serious side effect especially to women over 35 who smoke. Symptoms that a blood clot is forming or has formed includes pain, swelling, redness or warmth in the affected leg or chest pain. These are all serious medical conditions, and medical help should be sought immediately.