Contraception Reviews

Contraceptive gel vs Birth control patch

Contraceptive gel

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Birth control patch

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Overview

Rated 4.3

4 reviews

Before sex

Frequency

79% - 86%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.8

5 reviews

Weekly

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

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).

Birth control patch ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control patch

progestin

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

50% very positive

Bleeds

75% no change

Sex drive

75% increased sex drive

Weight

50% no impact

Skin

100% no impact on skin

Cycle return

100% don’t know impact

Mood

60% somewhat negative

Bleeds

40% regular periods

Sex drive

40% no impact

Weight

60% don’t know impact

Skin

40% improved skin

Cycle return

100% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

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

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

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Want to switch birth control?

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Contraceptive gel reviews

4 reviews

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 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 12 - 18 mo
42 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

Phexxi gel  

I feel like I've tried every birth control out there. Pills, patches rings, IUDs - with the exception of depo, you name it, I've tried it. But Phexxi has been a game changer for me! I never felt "whole" on hormonal methods or the IUDs, but with Phexxi I don't have to deal with hormonal side effects and I only use it when I need it. Super easy to use, not messy, and I feel like myself again!


Very positive mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
56 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

Phexxi gel  

Love that I can use Phexxi only when I need it. I do not like adding hormones to my body. I really love the lubricating effect, makes for even better sex!


Very positive mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 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.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
42 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

Phexxi gel  

I feel like I've tried every birth control out there. Pills, patches rings, IUDs - with the exception of depo, you name it, I've tried it. But Phexxi has been a game changer for me! I never felt "whole" on hormonal methods or the IUDs, but with Phexxi I don't have to deal with hormonal side effects and I only use it when I need it. Super easy to use, not messy, and I feel like myself again!


Very positive mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive gel  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
56 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

Phexxi gel  

Love that I can use Phexxi only when I need it. I do not like adding hormones to my body. I really love the lubricating effect, makes for even better sex!


Very positive mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments


Birth control patch reviews

5 reviews

Birth control patch  
Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

Birth control patch  

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.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  7th Apr 24

Xulane patch  

It’s fine.. maybe. if you’re susceptible to anxiety at all then i don’t recommend. Random crying fits. Had to admit myself to the ER because of my second sudden panic attack since starting. I’ve never dealt with that before. I have only been on the patch for 3 weeks, perhaps the side effects would have subsided if i waited it out but im not willing to risk it.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Apr 24

Xulane patch  

The only problem I had using the birth parches was that it gave me an allergy and would turn my skin red and dry. I had to stop using it and switched to the birth control implant which is a way better method.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

Birth control patch  

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.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  7th Apr 24

Xulane patch  

It’s fine.. maybe. if you’re susceptible to anxiety at all then i don’t recommend. Random crying fits. Had to admit myself to the ER because of my second sudden panic attack since starting. I’ve never dealt with that before. I have only been on the patch for 3 weeks, perhaps the side effects would have subsided if i waited it out but im not willing to risk it.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Apr 24

Xulane patch  

The only problem I had using the birth parches was that it gave me an allergy and would turn my skin red and dry. I had to stop using it and switched to the birth control implant which is a way better method.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2nd Jan 24

Xulane patch  

I love how easy it is and how well it works


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Oct 23

Xulane patch  

Patch would not stay on. Caused rashes and skin scarred for weeks.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Contraceptive gel with other birth control

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