PCOS & Birth Control Pills: Effectiveness & Pregnancy Concerns

Question
I have pcos and am currently on a low dose (1 mg norithindrone acetate and 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol) birth control pill. I've read some information which states that low dose birth control pills sometimes don't prevent ovarian cysts for people with pcos, and I'm worried that could happen with me. I also want to make sure that I don't get pregnant in any way. I am overweight 205 lbs, can I be certain that the pill that I am taking will protect me and keep me from getting pregnant and also control my ovarian cysts? Do i have to worry about pregnancy if i am taking the pill everyday at the same time(with no more than 1 hr gap)? Also, how long after a missed period is a pregnancy test reliable?

Answer
Dear Anna

PCOS refers to polycystic ovary syndrome which is a totally different entity than ovarian cysts. The birth control pill may help cure ovarian cysts less than 5 cm in diameter but in the case of PCOS, it is used to organize your menstrual cycle.
There is almost no possibility of pregnancy in your case. Usually PCOS with overweight inhibits ovulation and with you taking the pill, you have a second mechanism to prevent pregnancy.

Good Luck