Hormonal IUD vs Cap or diaphragm
Hormonal IUD ingredients
Main hormones in Hormonal IUD
progestin
Cap or diaphragm ingredients
What Lowdown reviewers say
40% no impact on mood
45% stopped periods
42% no impact
50% no impact
42% no impact on skin
50% in 1 month
67% no impact on mood
100% no change
67% no impact
100% no impact
100% no impact on skin
Not enough data to say
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Hormonal IUD reviews
82 reviews
Used for 3 - 5 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 days ago
Wish doctors were honest about how Kyleena (and hormonal IUDs in general) cause acne breakouts in women. I asked doctors and they repeatedly assured me that since hormonal IUDs use a localized progestin, the hormone doesn't enter into the bloodstream and cause acne. But this is not true. I had never struggled with acne prior to my Kyleena insertion. I've now had my IUD for over 3 years, and ever since I have persistent hormonal acne on my chin. It's still a good birth control product, but please keep in mind that acne is a common side effect of the hormonal IUD, affecting between 14-30% of people who have one.
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 6 days ago
initial "spotting" turned out to be almost 10 days of light to medium bleeding but cramps and bleeding have become much lighter compared to my regular cycle
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
41 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
Increased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 days ago
Wish doctors were honest about how Kyleena (and hormonal IUDs in general) cause acne breakouts in women. I asked doctors and they repeatedly assured me that since hormonal IUDs use a localized progestin, the hormone doesn't enter into the bloodstream and cause acne. But this is not true. I had never struggled with acne prior to my Kyleena insertion. I've now had my IUD for over 3 years, and ever since I have persistent hormonal acne on my chin. It's still a good birth control product, but please keep in mind that acne is a common side effect of the hormonal IUD, affecting between 14-30% of people who have one.
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 6 days ago
initial "spotting" turned out to be almost 10 days of light to medium bleeding but cramps and bleeding have become much lighter compared to my regular cycle
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
41 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
Increased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Cap or diaphragm reviews
3 reviews
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Apr 25
I’ve been using the FemCap for years now and honestly, I’m so impressed. It’s non-hormonal, super discreet, and once you get the hang of insertion, it’s incredibly easy to use. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hormone-free option.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 7th Jan 25
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Sep 23
My very favorite thing about the Caya is that there really are no side effects. I am not putting anything into my body that is changing the way my body functions- I put it in, leave it in a while, and then I remove it. No hormones, nothing! I’ve been advised that while the Caya can be 80+% effective when used correctly, it’s best to use it with spermicide and condoms. It is tricky to insert the first few times but super easy to remove and I quickly got the hang of a quick and easy insertion! I did find it really difficult to find a pharmacy that sold the Caya (I guess they aren’t as popular now)- but all in all, it’s been fantastic so far! I love that my body gets to function as it normally would but that the Caya helps prevent pregnancy
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Apr 25
I’ve been using the FemCap for years now and honestly, I’m so impressed. It’s non-hormonal, super discreet, and once you get the hang of insertion, it’s incredibly easy to use. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hormone-free option.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 7th Jan 25
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Sep 23
My very favorite thing about the Caya is that there really are no side effects. I am not putting anything into my body that is changing the way my body functions- I put it in, leave it in a while, and then I remove it. No hormones, nothing! I’ve been advised that while the Caya can be 80+% effective when used correctly, it’s best to use it with spermicide and condoms. It is tricky to insert the first few times but super easy to remove and I quickly got the hang of a quick and easy insertion! I did find it really difficult to find a pharmacy that sold the Caya (I guess they aren’t as popular now)- but all in all, it’s been fantastic so far! I love that my body gets to function as it normally would but that the Caya helps prevent pregnancy
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
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