Contraception Reviews

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Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

I generally like my Nuvaring, when I'm responsible about using it correctly. I feel confident that it works and I can forget about it most of the time, until I forget to take it out or put it in on the right day. I have used it to skip a period every once in a while. When used inconsistently like that, in combo with not taking out or putting in on the right days, I developed terrible migraines and strange neurological symptoms, like lightheadedness and scalp numbness/tingling. But when I used it regularly again, the symptoms disappeared. I do think I gained weight on it.

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Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

I absolutely loved my Mirena for the first 2.5 years... up until my body rejected it and I began to pass the IUD through my cervix. I believe this happened because of rough sex, which Mirena and doctors say can't happen. Well, it happened, and it caused the worst cramping I've experienced, truly debilitating me until I got it removed. I then tried a new IUD and the cramps, although not as bad, returned, accompanied by terrible mood swings and emotional vulnerability. I was told my body wasn't right for an IUD, which is odd because it worked for 2.5 years! I think everyone should still try the IUD, as it was the best birth control I still have ever used... before I couldn't use it anymore.


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Used for 1 - 3 mo
42 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 day ago

This pill has helped me so much with heavy periods. The first month I spotted, then had a quick, light period. The second month was the lightest period I've had in years. The issue I'm having is I have more cramps on it than off, and the biggest issue is that it's making me moody and tense. I love what it's done for my period physically, but I'm snapping at my family much more than I used to. I see the doctor next week. I'm not sure what I'll do yet.


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Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4 days ago

So far, it’s been a lot of change and it’s not necessarily worth it


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Used for 3 - 5 yr
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5 days ago

This isn’t the best birth control I’ve been on but I’ve been on worse pills. I mainly switched because my previous pill was negatively affecting my mood. This pill doesn’t! I do have the occasional spotting but for the most part my periods are regular and light!


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Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

I experienced a lot of common side effects of the IUD, it may have been caused by the fact that it was misplaced, and I didn't find out until I went in to get it removed. While I used it, it was an effective contraceptive, even with it being misplaced. I used it for almost six months, and the negative symptoms didn't alleviate at all throughout that time. I would recommend a provider who has a lot of knowledge about IUDs and who doesn't downplay pain before considering it, but it can be a great choice


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Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

This birth control has been effective with stopping pregnancy while giving me light periods with little to no side effects.


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Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Literally the god send pill that I started using on my study abroad year in America but can no longer access because I’m British and its only available in the US😭 Literally had no negative side effects apart from some nausea at the beginning that went away swiftly. PLS AUBRA, COME TO THE UK, I WILL PAY FOR YOU!!


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Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

it’s fine, I got back in it after being on a higher hormonal dosage then going off — and it’s definitely helped my acne. But I do feel really bloated and eh


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Used for 8+ yr
55 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Easy to use especially for women that are in perimenopause because it can be part of Menopausal hormone therapy. I have had several through my life and recommend- very effective, easy and periods favorable!


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I started taking the Pill when I was 16, and the side effects really impacted my life. I set up The Lowdown to help women like me take control of their reproductive health

Alice, The Lowdown Founder

Meet our doctors

We have a team of NHS-registered GPs who are reproductive and sexual health experts

NHS registered
Dr Fran Yarlett

Dr Fran Yarlett

Dr Fran is a northern based new mum and birth control fanatic. She's a GP in Sheffield, interested in complex medical patients cases and women's health overall.

NHS registered
Dr Mel Davis-Hall

Dr Mel Davis-Hall

Dr Mel is a GP from London experienced in women's health. Mel has worked in a sexual health clinic and has seen pretty much everything going! She also loves evidence.

NHS registered
Dr Zaakira Mahomed

Dr Zaakira Mahomed

Dr Zaakira is a GP and mum of 2 in Lancashire. She is obsessed with birth control and fits copper and hormonal coils. She is also a trainer and loves to teach others.

NHS registered
Dr Becky Mawson

Dr Becky Mawson

Dr Becky works as a GP in Sheffield where she fits and removes coils and implants, and has previously worked in fertility services and sexual health clinics.

NHS registered
Dr Danielle Robinson

Dr Danielle Robinson

Dr Danielle is a northern based GP and Sexual Health Specialty Doctor who loves talking about all things women's health, birth control and sexual health.

Dr Fran Yarlett

Dr Fran Yarlett

NHS registered

Dr Fran is a northern based new mum and birth control fanatic. She's a GP in Sheffield, interested in complex medical patients cases and women's health overall.

Dr Mel Davis-Hall

Dr Mel Davis-Hall

NHS registered

Dr Mel is a GP from London experienced in women's health. Mel has worked in a sexual health clinic and has seen pretty much everything going! She also loves evidence.

Dr Zaakira Mahomed

Dr Zaakira Mahomed

NHS registered

Dr Zaakira is a GP and mum of 2 in Lancashire. She is obsessed with birth control and fits copper and hormonal coils. She is also a trainer and loves to teach others.

Dr Becky Mawson

Dr Becky Mawson

NHS registered

Dr Becky works as a GP in Sheffield where she fits and removes coils and implants, and has previously worked in fertility services and sexual health clinics.

Dr Danielle Robinson

Dr Danielle Robinson

NHS registered

Dr Danielle is a northern based GP and Sexual Health Specialty Doctor who loves talking about all things women's health, birth control and sexual health.

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Join the thousands of women who trust in our community

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Louise

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

An amazing organization. The lowdown is focused just on womens health and this makes for focused expertise. I had a fantastic consultation where I got focused, excellent advice. In a 30 minute appointment 20 years of poor service from every other Dr I've ever spoken to was undone and rectified. I wish I had this in my 20s! If you are considering this please book an appointment. You will not regret it.

EG

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

Brilliant, non judgmental and informative, changing the conversation about contraception. The website is also brilliant, a really good source of informative and interesting information. I’m so pleased I know about this website, it is changing contraceptive knowledge for the better! Keep it up girls!!

Yasemin Ali

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

Like most I can’t get in front of my nurse or GP so have resulted in buying my contraception online. It feels like a womens clinic, just online. Couldn’t fault them.

Louise

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

Completely lost faith in my local contraceptive clinic. Started searching online with the intent to purchase the contraceptive of my choice instead. This is when I stumbled across the Lowdown, and they have been fantastic ever since. An abundance of info on the site, which I felt was important to enable me to make an informed decision.

Kerry C

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

Website was very easy to use, and is the only resource I have found of this kind, which compares different types of pills and gives detailed information about potential side effects and pros/cons. I had not registered with my local GP after moving, and was running out of my pill. My order arrived the next day - would definitely use again!

Anna Leitner

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

Making contraception easier to access… It should be this easy, stress free, not time consuming…Best customer service. Best way to receive contraception. Will recommend this place - especially to those who get anxious or frustrated about going to their local clinic//GP

Lou

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

They are always available at the other end of the phone (WhatsApp), and reply promptly to messages. Reasonable pricing and prompt delivery.

VB

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

I had a consultation with Fran who was super friendly and personable. The consultation was amazing to the point I cried with the relief. Fran explained what methods were open to me based on my preferences, answered all of my many questions and I am now trialling out the things she has suggested. Cannot express how grateful I am for this service is available and am looking to see what else the website can offer.

Ana-Sofica

Trustpilot

via Trustpilot

Great service. The process is straightforward and even if you don't know what you want/need there's a handy questionnaire available and if further support is needed there is the option to book an appointment with a clinician. Prices are fair and depend on the brand and length of subscription. Also the process of cancelling the subscription is very straightforward and transparent. Thanks.

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