Combination birth control pill vs Withdrawal or pull out method
Combination pill ingredients
Main hormones in Combination pill
estrogen
Withdrawal or pull out method ingredients
What Lowdown reviewers say
28% no impact on mood
32% lighter periods
37% no impact
43% no impact
39% improved skin
35% in 1 month
46% no impact on mood
46% no change
46% no impact
55% no impact
82% no impact on skin
Not enough data to say
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Combination birth control pill reviews
145 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 day ago
Take in the morning, gets nauseous and loses appetite around dinner time everyday
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
I'm on this pill post-hysterectomy to manage cysts/tumors recurring on my remaining ovary as an alternative to additional surgeries. The nausea has been brutal and I've recently started having major tooth sensitivity. My doctor, whom I trust, told me to give it 3 months for my body to adjust to Nikki. I would have stopped taking it already due to the nausea and dizziness but I'm really trying to avoid another surgery, so I'm sticking with it for now. Maybe I can update after the 3 month mark.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
14 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 30th Apr 26
I started taking this pill for painful period cramps and it has worked wonders! My period is more regular as well and shorter and less painful. My skin cleared up really well the only problem i have is the migraines and my blood sugar. The migraines are very painful but only last a few minutes luckily and since started taking the pill my blood sugar sky rockets or falls rather quickly.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 day ago
Take in the morning, gets nauseous and loses appetite around dinner time everyday
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
I'm on this pill post-hysterectomy to manage cysts/tumors recurring on my remaining ovary as an alternative to additional surgeries. The nausea has been brutal and I've recently started having major tooth sensitivity. My doctor, whom I trust, told me to give it 3 months for my body to adjust to Nikki. I would have stopped taking it already due to the nausea and dizziness but I'm really trying to avoid another surgery, so I'm sticking with it for now. Maybe I can update after the 3 month mark.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
14 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 30th Apr 26
I started taking this pill for painful period cramps and it has worked wonders! My period is more regular as well and shorter and less painful. My skin cleared up really well the only problem i have is the migraines and my blood sugar. The migraines are very painful but only last a few minutes luckily and since started taking the pill my blood sugar sky rockets or falls rather quickly.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Withdrawal or pull out method reviews
11 reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
Increased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 23rd Apr 26
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 15th Jan 26
Very positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
Increased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 23rd Apr 26
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 15th Jan 26
Very positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 24th Aug 25
Gained weight
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 30th Jun 25
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 10th Apr 25
I don't recommend going multiple rounds. Otherwise, seemed pretty effective.
Increased sex drive
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 28th Sep 24
Annoying to have to fuss with putting the condom on, and I don’t enjoy the change in sensation while using a condom. But I feel protected against pregnancy. I occasionally rely on pull out method, and the anxiety over my partner accidentally not timing this correctly (ie not pulling out soon enough) negatively affects my sexual experience.
Very positive mood
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 20th Jun 24
Still can get pregnant with pull out method or anal
Very negative mood
3 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 20th May 24
I get pretty sick on the pill and with same partner 3.5 yrs no issues but recognize not most effective practice.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 27th Mar 24
It worked but I was terrified I was pregnant until I got my period. I had no sex drive because of this and was incredibly stressed. It worsened my mood as well.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
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