Could someone please explain what are the different 'types' of BC pills and the effect that they generally have on the body/organ system? I'm hearing words like progesterin only, mini-pill, triphasic, estrogen mostly... I'm just a little confused and would like to know what are the broad categories and the general effects on the body, as well as examples of BC pills that fit into these categories. If there is a web site with that info, it would be appreciated.

There are combined pills (containing estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (or mini-pills). Mini-pills are used for women who are breastfeeding or who can't take estrogen for medical reasons or due to side effects.
Of the combined pills there are monophasic and triphasic. Monophasic pills have the same hormone dose from pill to pill. Example: Yasmin. The hormone dose changes (usually on a weekly basis) in triphasic pills. Example: Ortho Tri-Cyclen.

Bordergirl outlined them really nicely. The Mini-Pills are progesterone-only birth control pills. They have a synthetic form of the progesterone hormone and no estrogen. The Mini-Pill affects the mucus around the cervix and makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. It also affects the transport of the egg through the fallopian tubes. This pills must be taken at the sametime everyday and you cannot miss one. The combined pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). They also thicken the cervical mucus, which would prevent sperm from joining with an egg.

triphasic are the pills that give you a different level of hormone each week while monophasic the level of hormone stays the same. If you want to be able to skip periods monophasics work best.

Each pill will give you side effects, but they often go away after 3 months of being on them. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor and find out what is the best pill for you. It may take a couple tries to see which pill works with your body. Hope this helps.

That really clears things up quite nicely. Thanks.

Also, because the mucus lining becomes thicker, would that in tern mean that I would experience more natural lubrication? When I was on Orthotricyclin, I stayed very dry all the time and had to resort to using lubricants.

No it won't make you more lubricated.