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 5 - 8 yr
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

I am a man (this site needs to get with the times and stop calling uterus and vagina care "womens health") on testosterone so im not sure if the acne and weight changes are due to the testosterone or the implant. same with periods - the implant stopped my periods but im sure T helped. I get cramps somewhat randomly, especially around the time I'm meant to remove and replace the implant (5 years). I like that it keeps me from getting pregnant and does not contain estrogen since again I am a man.

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Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 8+ yr
45 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

Vestura birth control pill  

I love my birth control


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

The first few months after insertion I did not get my period, which was great. However it started to come back, infrequently and light at first. However within 18 months, my period was regular and heavy again. I have a lot of breakthrough bleeding and spotting with nexplanon as well. After 3 and a half years, I got a new implant inserted. This did not change my period at all. As time goes on, I think I have more spotting than I did before placing my first nexplanon. I still really like how easy it is to insert/be removed and how I can just forget about it for years at a time. I just wish it had lightened or stopped my period long term (as it had for many of my friends).


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

FemCap  

I had to come off hormonal contraception due to health reasons so needed a barrier method. It was quite awkward to insert and always had to keep checking it in case it dislodged itself, was sometimes painful or uncomfortable, my partner could feel it. I was also using an approved spermicide with it but still became pregnant within a month of use.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
23 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

No major negative side effects (yet) the most annoying being the acne increase. The spotting doesn’t bother me, but having a period every 2-3 weeks is bothersome.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Mirena IUD  

I took this for endometriosis and it dialed my pain and symptoms down from a 9 to a 2-3, for a whole year. Unfortunately after a year I felt the pain begin to creep back in, a little more intense every month after that year mark, so I decided to pursue excision surgery as a more permanent solution. If you’re not ready for surgery but want endo relief, definitely encourage you to give Mirena a try!


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
46 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Kyleena IUD  

I just had it inserted yesterday.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Male condom  

No changes


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Mini pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Slynd birth control pill  

N/A


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 8+ yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Male condom  

Overall it's been great, but remembering a pill at a specific time is challenging for me


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Compare the side effects

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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

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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

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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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