Birth control implant vs Male condom
Birth control implant ingredients
Main hormones in Birth control implant
Male condom ingredients
What Lowdown reviewers say
28% no impact on mood
52% spotting
35% lost sex drive
46% gained weight
32% worse skin
46% in 1 month
40% no impact on mood
40% spotting
80% no impact
100% no impact
60% no impact on skin
Not enough data to say
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Birth control implant reviews
82 reviews
Used for 3 - 5 yr
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
I always had heavy and irregular periods before starting Nexplanon (except for when I was on the pill). In my first three years, I had moderate flow irregular bleeding and took the pill to help regulate (did not work). I then got Nexplanon reinserted after 3 years, at which point I lost my period altogether for almost 2 years, and now only have light (but irregular) spotting. I believe my mood is more consistent without a regular cycle. It is possible that my sex drive went down, but I was not sexually active before starting, so it might not have decreased. I did not gain weight like I did on the pill, and I do not feel as puffy from water retention. I found the insertion to be very easy. Removal was more uncomfortable because of how they pry it out, but it was not bad. I like the piece of mind of having it always in and being able to touch it to check.
Somewhat positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 month ago
Overall very satisfied with it as a way of avoiding periods. In the beginning there was a lot of spotting, and then period right after, then spotting again, but once that was over it's all good. I have not had a period in 3 months, but when I do get one, they last for at least a week (my normal period is 4 days). But as a contraceptive it is kind of useless, as I have 0% sex drive. None existent. To the point where sex is a chore, which is not healthy for any relationship. Acne is also quite alot worse, despite using retinol and salsylic acid, I get a lot of blackheads and big yellow pimples. Probably going to get it removed soon, because of the two negatives.
Worse skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3rd May 26
Very positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
I always had heavy and irregular periods before starting Nexplanon (except for when I was on the pill). In my first three years, I had moderate flow irregular bleeding and took the pill to help regulate (did not work). I then got Nexplanon reinserted after 3 years, at which point I lost my period altogether for almost 2 years, and now only have light (but irregular) spotting. I believe my mood is more consistent without a regular cycle. It is possible that my sex drive went down, but I was not sexually active before starting, so it might not have decreased. I did not gain weight like I did on the pill, and I do not feel as puffy from water retention. I found the insertion to be very easy. Removal was more uncomfortable because of how they pry it out, but it was not bad. I like the piece of mind of having it always in and being able to touch it to check.
Somewhat positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 month ago
Overall very satisfied with it as a way of avoiding periods. In the beginning there was a lot of spotting, and then period right after, then spotting again, but once that was over it's all good. I have not had a period in 3 months, but when I do get one, they last for at least a week (my normal period is 4 days). But as a contraceptive it is kind of useless, as I have 0% sex drive. None existent. To the point where sex is a chore, which is not healthy for any relationship. Acne is also quite alot worse, despite using retinol and salsylic acid, I get a lot of blackheads and big yellow pimples. Probably going to get it removed soon, because of the two negatives.
Worse skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3rd May 26
Very positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Male condom reviews
5 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 14th Jul 25
I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had an insane allergic reaction due to these condoms :( very sad
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1st Jan 25
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 14th Jul 25
I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had an insane allergic reaction due to these condoms :( very sad
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1st Jan 25
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 29th Dec 24
Overall it's been great, but remembering a pill at a specific time is challenging for me
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 4th Sep 24
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.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
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