Contraception Reviews

Your birth control.
Your choice.

The site to rate, review and compare birth control. Use our tools to find the right one for you.
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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
Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
35 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

Nexplanon implant  

The efficacy of the implant is the only positive thing I can say about this. When I had this put in, I was young and very naive. I did not know hormonal birth control caused weight gain or mood changes or acne or anything. I was only told the positive things about it by my doctor like, no more periods and it may help your acne. This was also when nexplanon was new on the market. When I finally learned that it could cause weight gain was after I put on all the weight and wondered why? I don't remember how I finally realized the connection between the weight gain and implant but I decided to lookup reviews on it and almost every single woman said it caused significant weight gain for them. That was when I decided to have the second implant removed. I also must note that I had always been on the very thin side up to this point. The weight snuck up on me slowly over time. Mind you I had already had a child by the time I got this put in and had no weight issues before, during or after my pregnancy. This was 6 or 7 years after I had given birth. Just please be aware of the side effects.

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Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 day ago

Depo-Provera shot  

My skin is brighter, my hair is healthier. I’m losing weight, I went from 127 to 116 in the 3 months I’ve had it. I went from having no sex drive to being turned on all of the time. My only complaint is that even though I’m always turned on, it’s still a little difficult to get wet, and I experience alot of weird discharges


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 days ago

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
  •  4 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
  •  4 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
  •  5 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
  •  5 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
  •  5 days ago

Male condom  


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5 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
  •  2 weeks 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

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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

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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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