Contraception Reviews

Hormonal IUD vs Birth control implant

Hormonal IUD

Want to switch birth control?

Birth control implant

Want to switch birth control?

Overview

Rated 3.5

75 reviews

3 - 8 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.2

79 reviews

Every 3 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Hormonal IUD ingredients

Main hormones in Hormonal IUD

progestin


Birth control implant ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control implant

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

39% no impact on mood

Bleeds

45% stopped periods

Sex drive

41% no impact

Weight

48% no impact

Skin

43% no impact on skin

Cycle return

46% in 1 month

Mood

28% no impact on mood

Bleeds

53% spotting

Sex drive

35% lost sex drive

Weight

47% gained weight

Skin

32% worse skin

Cycle return

46% in 1 month

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Menopause

Period pain

Period pain

Try it now

Want to switch birth control?

Try it now

Want to switch birth control?

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Hormonal IUD reviews

75 reviews

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
41 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 days ago

Mirena IUD  

Absolutely loved my Mirena IUDs (I've had 3) compared to the other forms of birth control I've used. I did develop irritable bowel and didn't realize it was because of the IUD until I removed it and it went away (my doctor's also never suspected the IUD so I spent a lot of money and time with specialists only to find out it's a listed side effect in the insert). I've also had a steep decrease in migraines since removing my IUD, but besides the migraines and IBS, it was great!

Read more

Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Mirena IUD  

Side affects can change as time passes. I noticed more side effects the longer I was on it.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Mirena IUD  

I love mirena


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
41 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 days ago

Mirena IUD  

Absolutely loved my Mirena IUDs (I've had 3) compared to the other forms of birth control I've used. I did develop irritable bowel and didn't realize it was because of the IUD until I removed it and it went away (my doctor's also never suspected the IUD so I spent a lot of money and time with specialists only to find out it's a listed side effect in the insert). I've also had a steep decrease in migraines since removing my IUD, but besides the migraines and IBS, it was great!


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Mirena IUD  

Side affects can change as time passes. I noticed more side effects the longer I was on it.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Mirena IUD  

I love mirena


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments


Birth control implant reviews

79 reviews

Birth control implant  
Used for 8+ yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd Feb 26

Nexplanon implant  

Well I would like to speak to somebody what does it mean when I been on birth control when It ended my five years but keep forgetting about it I'm about 4 or 5 years over an still haven't taken it out please can y'all contact me an let me know if that really bad actually it might even be more than 5 years over mabe like 6 or 7 or 8 years over what isn't good or side affects or is it messing up my insides I need to know theses things please?


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 8+ yr
47 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  15th Feb 26

Nexplanon implant  

I have had the implant inserted 3 times. First 2 times barely had a period here and there. Always had one for a little longer right after it was placed. But the last time over a year ago it was fine until the last 4 months. I have had a period about every 2 weeks. Starts stops, starts stops. Not sure why but super annoying. Better than the pill and having a pregnancy. My kids are grown. My period has always been 28 days like clockwork. Wish I could not have the sporadic spotting but what do we do??🤪.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
41 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  27th Jan 26

Nexplanon implant  

Gain a ton on weight and lost all sex drive.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 8+ yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd Feb 26

Nexplanon implant  

Well I would like to speak to somebody what does it mean when I been on birth control when It ended my five years but keep forgetting about it I'm about 4 or 5 years over an still haven't taken it out please can y'all contact me an let me know if that really bad actually it might even be more than 5 years over mabe like 6 or 7 or 8 years over what isn't good or side affects or is it messing up my insides I need to know theses things please?


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 8+ yr
47 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  15th Feb 26

Nexplanon implant  

I have had the implant inserted 3 times. First 2 times barely had a period here and there. Always had one for a little longer right after it was placed. But the last time over a year ago it was fine until the last 4 months. I have had a period about every 2 weeks. Starts stops, starts stops. Not sure why but super annoying. Better than the pill and having a pregnancy. My kids are grown. My period has always been 28 days like clockwork. Wish I could not have the sporadic spotting but what do we do??🤪.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
41 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  27th Jan 26

Nexplanon implant  

Gain a ton on weight and lost all sex drive.


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd Jan 26

Nexplanon implant  

I’ve been on this for 2.5 years, my periods average 17-28 days, heavy flow, and cramps that leave me throwing up and laying on the ground. My vaginal dryness was horrible, I feel so bad for my partner because we have to stop for more lube.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
17 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4th Jan 26

Nexplanon implant  

I’ve lost my sex drive almost completely. I don’t enjoy sex anymore it feels like a chore. My weight has fluctuated 15lbs while on Nexplanon. Vaginal dryness has also been a problem due to my sex drive not being there.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  27th Dec 25

Nexplanon implant  

When I first started this birth control, I had a period for three months on and than it stopped for three months and that cycle continues into my second year where my periods got more regular like normal. Now in my 4-5 year of use and getting a fresh implant i do not get a period at all. I also noticed a significant amount of weight gain when i started on it about 35 lbs.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st Dec 25

Birth control implant  

Amorea AYA RENEE TURNER


Worse skin

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
47 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd Nov 25

Nexplanon implant  

Nexplanon was effective as far as preventing pregnancy. However it has caused sharp pains in my head and heart, increased pulse, high blood pressure. Anxiety, depression, hopelessness. Swelling in my legs up to my knees. Huge weight gain and difficulty loosing weight. It has slipped and hasn’t been found. Sleepless nights, due to increased heart beat at night. An adrenaline attack only at night.


Worse skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3rd Nov 25

Nexplanon implant  

I got on the birth control on the same day I had a surgical abortion due to abnormal ultrasound 14 weeks into pregnancy in 2019. My body was going through a lot of hormonal changes as expected. Severe bleeding for several weeks occurred yet once my body adjusted to the birth control, I have not had any issues. Lighter regular periods with no side effects or unexpected pregnancies. I kept the first implant 5 years to the date of insertion and had a new one inserted in 2024. No heavy bleeding, side effects, or changes occurred. Highly recommended for those who wish to avoid pregnancy until the time is right and do not want the responsibility of taking the pill daily. Give patience to the implant as it may be slightly overwhelming at first but rest assured I have had absolutely no problems, pains, or poor side effects!


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 8+ yr
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  22nd Oct 25

Nexplanon implant  

Horrible side effects and depression/anxiety


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Hormonal IUD with other birth control

Don’t keep it on the DL.Put it on the LD.

Slide into our DMs

hello@thelowdown.com

Sitemap

©The Lowdown 2026