Birth control implant vs Birth control patch
Birth control implant ingredients
Main hormones in Birth control implant
Birth control patch ingredients
Main hormones in Birth control patch
progestin
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
46% somewhat negative
46% spotting
64% no impact
46% no impact
27% improved skin
100% don’t know impact
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
• 15th Jul 26
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
• 30th Jun 26
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
• 15th Jul 26
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
• 30th Jun 26
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
Birth control patch reviews
11 reviews
Used for 8+ yr
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
When I first learned about this birth control patch I was so excited to give it a try cuz the birth control pills were not doing it and I was definitely not taking the depo shot so far works for me it gives me a chance not have to deal with my period because I have such a heavy flow so if I can have a month or two without my period that's fine by me I hurt too much for you birth control patch help to alleviate the pain I started using the precious when I was in my 20s and now I'm in my early 40.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Feb 26
Very good Basically got me out of depression and made me feel more confident
Very positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 11th Nov 25
I was on Depo and the pill before this and this is the best one so far. I'm still in the adjustment phase. The main issue is that this month (month 2) I've felt uncomfortable in my skin and I've been dizzy. Not extreme but noticeable. I appreciate the ease of only dealing with it once a week. The adhesive is slightly irritating only because of sweat, but after the first month it's stopped itching and I don't notice it anymore.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
When I first learned about this birth control patch I was so excited to give it a try cuz the birth control pills were not doing it and I was definitely not taking the depo shot so far works for me it gives me a chance not have to deal with my period because I have such a heavy flow so if I can have a month or two without my period that's fine by me I hurt too much for you birth control patch help to alleviate the pain I started using the precious when I was in my 20s and now I'm in my early 40.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Feb 26
Very good Basically got me out of depression and made me feel more confident
Very positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 11th Nov 25
I was on Depo and the pill before this and this is the best one so far. I'm still in the adjustment phase. The main issue is that this month (month 2) I've felt uncomfortable in my skin and I've been dizzy. Not extreme but noticeable. I appreciate the ease of only dealing with it once a week. The adhesive is slightly irritating only because of sweat, but after the first month it's stopped itching and I don't notice it anymore.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
32 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 30th Oct 25
I have been on these patches consistently for over a year. I am still dealing with breakthrough bleeding with the same excruciating and heavy periods. My periods also come every two weeks, then I end up bleeding for two weeks. It comes every month on my third patch week, so I feel as though I am wasting a fresh patch. I tried skipping periods, and it still does not work; I still bleed. Also, they suck at sticking to the skin. It's a horror trying to shower with the patch on because it will come off. After a shower, I'm more focused on trying to get it to stick back onto my skin. And it does move across the skin, and leaves square prints on my skin, due to the adhesive. I would not recommend these patches to anybody who wants to shower regularly, or do water activities while trying to manage periods and prevent pregnancy. I have made an appointment with my doctor, to change my birth control method.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
33 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 5th Apr 25
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1st Apr 25
Currently on my 3rd month of the patch and hoping to switch to an IUD soon, I'm using it to treat my PCOS, not relying on the patch alone for contraception due to my weight. Here's a list of all of the symptoms I've noticed: Pros - Regular periods: though I experienced about 3 weeks of straight bleeding during the first month on the patch (it appeared during my second patch of the box) since then I've only gotten my period during the week it's been off, compared to only getting my period 2-3 times a year pre-patch - Lighter bleeding: before the patch I would bleed for a week at minimum, and for the first 3 days I would consistently bleed through pads within just a couple hours. On the patch i only bleed a notable amount for about 4 days and have had far less blood flow - Stronger fingernails: really wasn't expecting this one, but I'd say its a good change - Darker body hair: probably a con for most, but I enjoy being hairy Cons: - Increase in facial acne: didn't get acne very much before the patch, now I consistently have a couple cysts on my face - Harder to reach orgasm: I've found it slightly harder to orgasm on the patch, but it's not a huge difference and the orgasms are about the same - Increased depression: my mood is completely fine during my weeks with the patch on, but during my off weeks I feel very depressed and irritable, and my anxiety skyrockets
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Apr 24
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
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 7th Apr 24
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
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 5th Apr 24
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
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 2nd Jan 24
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Popular birth control
Combination pillImplantShotThe legal stuff
Terms of usePrivacy & cookieContent policy©The Lowdown 2026
