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Explore reviews for every method and birth control brand.

Explore reviews for every method and birth control brand. Read more reviews

Vaginal ring

Used for 1 - 3 mo

21 years old

🇺🇸 US

• today

NuvaRing

Easy, lacks significant side effects (for me), has worked thus far, BUT I think my period is heavier and the body cramps are worse than normal

Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD

Used for 3 - 6 mo

20 years old

🇺🇸 US

• 2 days ago

Mirena IUD

It actually stabilized my mood. I genuinely have no complaints.

Very positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill

Used for 1 - 3 mo

44 years old

🇺🇸 US

• 3 days ago

Nikki birth control pill

Headaches when using placebo pills. Improved when taken continuously but then had weeks of spotting. Thighs noticeably bigger. Weight increase 2-3 pounds over 3 months. Previously on Yaz in my late 20s and early 30s - loved it. This one did not work for me in my mid 40s

Somewhat positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Mini pill

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr

Lowdown user

🇺🇸 US

• 3 days ago

Mini pill

Best bc pill experience I've had

Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD

Used for 5 - 8 yr

Lowdown user

🇺🇸 US

• 4 days ago

Mirena IUD

Irregular cycles. Mood swings, fatigue, brain fog and headaches seem to correlate to menstrual cycle. Effective birth control but still unsure if symptoms are related to Mirena or independent migraine, thyroid or other issues.

Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr

Lowdown user

🇺🇸 US

• 4 days ago

Male condom

Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD

Used for 6 - 12 mo

38 years old

🇺🇸 US

• 4 days ago

Kyleena IUD

I’m pretty pleased for the most part. It’s my 2nd IUD, first hormonal one. My periods are pretty much gone and I love that. They were pretty bad before. The downside is that my scalp sweats PROFUSELY with very little physical exertion and my face is super oily. So much so that I have several pimples along and into my hairline. I’m very upset about that. I’m on month 7 and the pimples just started, but the sweating and oil started almost right away.

Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr

24 years old

🇺🇸 US

• 1 week ago

FemCap

I’ve been using the FemCap for years now and honestly, I’m so impressed. It’s non-hormonal, super discreet, and once you get the hang of insertion, it’s incredibly easy to use. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hormone-free option.

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Mini pill

Used for 1 - 3 mo

Lowdown user

🇺🇸 US

• 2 weeks ago

Slynd birth control pill

Really love it! I can skip my periods, don't experience migraines and my acne cleared up!

Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot

Used for 3 - 6 mo

21 years old

🇺🇸 US

• 2 weeks ago

Birth control shot

.ljkebherg

Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Compare the side effects

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We recommend your perfect match

We’ve built a unique algorithm to match you with a form of contraceptive that suits your lifestyle and medical history

Made by women, for women

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

Trusted by women like you

Join the thousands of women who trust in our community

Louise

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.

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

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

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

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

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

via Trustpilot

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

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

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.