Contraception Reviews

Combination birth control pill vs Male condom

Combination birth control pill

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Male condom

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Overview

Rated 3.3

149 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 4.0

5 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

87% - 98%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Combination pill ingredients

Main hormones in Combination pill

estrogen

Male condom ingredients

Male condoms are thin latex or polyurethane sheaths that are worn on the penis during sex.

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

28% no impact on mood

Bleeds

32% lighter periods

Sex drive

37% no impact

Weight

42% no impact

Skin

38% improved skin

Cycle return

35% in 1 month

Mood

40% no impact on mood

Bleeds

40% spotting

Sex drive

80% no impact

Weight

100% no impact

Skin

60% no impact on skin

Cycle return

Not enough data to say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Protects against STDs

Non-hormonal

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Real life reviews from people like you

Combination birth control pill reviews

149 reviews

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4 days ago

Junel Fe 1/20 birth control pill  

Feel miserable and made depression worse, consistently crying all the time over stupid things, waking up is evil

Read more

Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4 days ago

Aviane birth control pill  

I've been taking Aviane for years, to help regulate my periods. Before Aviane, they were irregular (it could be a month and a half before The Dot.) and could last 5-7 days, and my mental health was terrible the week before. (PMDD) I have terrible memory at times, but I know for a fact that Aviane has regulated my periods and has shortened them! They're now only 3 days long, if that tells you anything! I can't remember much about my first few months taking the pills, but overall, it's been helpful!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Mili birth control pill  

I’ve been on birth control for over 10 yrs by far the worst pill ever. Created an account just to put this review. Please just don’t do it, HORRIBLE.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4 days ago

Junel Fe 1/20 birth control pill  

Feel miserable and made depression worse, consistently crying all the time over stupid things, waking up is evil


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4 days ago

Aviane birth control pill  

I've been taking Aviane for years, to help regulate my periods. Before Aviane, they were irregular (it could be a month and a half before The Dot.) and could last 5-7 days, and my mental health was terrible the week before. (PMDD) I have terrible memory at times, but I know for a fact that Aviane has regulated my periods and has shortened them! They're now only 3 days long, if that tells you anything! I can't remember much about my first few months taking the pills, but overall, it's been helpful!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Mili birth control pill  

I’ve been on birth control for over 10 yrs by far the worst pill ever. Created an account just to put this review. Please just don’t do it, HORRIBLE.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments


Male condom reviews

5 reviews

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Jul 25

Male condom  

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had an insane allergic reaction due to these condoms :( very sad


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Apr 25

Male condom  


Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st Jan 25

Male condom  

No changes


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Jul 25

Male condom  

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had an insane allergic reaction due to these condoms :( very sad


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Apr 25

Male condom  


Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st Jan 25

Male condom  

No changes


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 8+ yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  29th Dec 24

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

Male condom  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  4th Sep 24

Male condom  

Condoms did not change any part of my period for me, no side effects of using this form of contraceptive and it has been effective in avoiding pregnancy as well as STDs.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Combination birth control pill with other birth control

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