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Contraceptive gel vs Male condom

Contraceptive gel

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Male condom

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Overview

Rated 3.5

6 reviews

Before sex

Frequency

79% - 86%

Effectiveness

None

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

Contraceptive gel ingredients

Birth control gels include spermicides and a new gel called Phexxi. These gels contain chemicals which prevent sperm from reaching an egg by affecting the sperm's motility and helping to block the cervix (opening into the womb).

Male condom ingredients

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

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

33% very positive

Bleeds

50% no change

Sex drive

50% increased sex drive

Weight

67% no impact

Skin

83% no impact on skin

Cycle return

100% don’t know impact

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

There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this birth control

Protects against STDs

Non-hormonal

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Contraceptive gel reviews

6 reviews

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago
Contraceptive gel  

Severe lower back pain at 7months using it coming to the front as well especially when laying down

Read more

Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Jun 25
Phexxi gel  

It’s okay still having pain with the Slynd which is awful

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24
Contraceptive gel  

Birth control implant I have had this birth control for 10 years (3 implants). It makes your period lighter and more regular, or takes it away completely; I had a birth control pill ( i'm not sure if the name) prescribed beforehand and i could not stand that one.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago
Contraceptive gel  

Severe lower back pain at 7months using it coming to the front as well especially when laying down

Read more

Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Jun 25
Phexxi gel  

It’s okay still having pain with the Slynd which is awful

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24
Contraceptive gel  

Birth control implant I have had this birth control for 10 years (3 implants). It makes your period lighter and more regular, or takes it away completely; I had a birth control pill ( i'm not sure if the name) prescribed beforehand and i could not stand that one.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

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

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Read more

Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

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

No changes

Read more

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

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

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

Read more

Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

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

No changes

Read more

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

Read more

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.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Contraceptive gel with other birth control

Compare the Male condom with other birth control

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