Birth control implant vs Vaginal ring
Birth control implant ingredients
Main hormones in Birth control implant
Vaginal ring ingredients
Main hormones in Vaginal ring
progestin
What Lowdown reviewers say
31% no impact on mood
56% spotting
42% lost sex drive
42% gained weight
39% no impact on skin
75% don’t know impact
33% no impact on mood
44% lighter periods
56% lost sex drive
67% gained weight
33% improved skin
33% in 1 month
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Birth control implant reviews
36 reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 4 days ago
I didn't even want the IUD but my doctor kept pushing it so I just gave in and then after my surgery to get rid of my fibroids, I got constant night sweats EVERY NIGHT. I reported the side effects but they only suggested that I have diabetes or a thyroid problem. I did the tests, negative. Then they said they would give me a lower dose. I told them to take it out. Had to have another doctor to remove it.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 22nd Jun 24
To start, I gained about 20 pounds. My periods were sometimes non existent and then I would have a two week period, then two days of no bleeding, followed by another two week period. After a while the implant migrated in my arm and started to cause aches whenever I exercised. I could handle most side effects but the real issue was low libido. The implant made me actively avoid sex and even be a little repulsed by it. It definitely hurt my relationship. I did love the security of it and how little I had to worry about getting pregnant.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Jun 24
I am approaching the removal date for my 3rd nexplanon. I’m researching alternative non hormonal options but may just go with another nexplanon as it has been nothing but positive for me for nearly a decade. I decided to leave this review to remind anyone reading that while reviews and the experiences of others are important, everyone is different and will react to birth control methods differently. The nexplanon has been extremely reliable for me with little to no noticeable negative reactions and it could be for you too.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 4 days ago
I didn't even want the IUD but my doctor kept pushing it so I just gave in and then after my surgery to get rid of my fibroids, I got constant night sweats EVERY NIGHT. I reported the side effects but they only suggested that I have diabetes or a thyroid problem. I did the tests, negative. Then they said they would give me a lower dose. I told them to take it out. Had to have another doctor to remove it.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 22nd Jun 24
To start, I gained about 20 pounds. My periods were sometimes non existent and then I would have a two week period, then two days of no bleeding, followed by another two week period. After a while the implant migrated in my arm and started to cause aches whenever I exercised. I could handle most side effects but the real issue was low libido. The implant made me actively avoid sex and even be a little repulsed by it. It definitely hurt my relationship. I did love the security of it and how little I had to worry about getting pregnant.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Jun 24
I am approaching the removal date for my 3rd nexplanon. I’m researching alternative non hormonal options but may just go with another nexplanon as it has been nothing but positive for me for nearly a decade. I decided to leave this review to remind anyone reading that while reviews and the experiences of others are important, everyone is different and will react to birth control methods differently. The nexplanon has been extremely reliable for me with little to no noticeable negative reactions and it could be for you too.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Vaginal ring reviews
9 reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 6th Jun 24
I like the ring, I have gained a bit of weight though. I am also very nervous about blood clot risk so I might switch to minipill, but the ring has made my periods very bearable and I can choose to only have them every two months! I also had a decrease in body acne on the ring, particularly on my back. I would recommend this method if you are not overweight, smoke, or are over 35 as the risk of blood clots goes does a lot and it’s easy to use! I also have experienced headaches for the first time in my life since being on this, they’re mild but not fun.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Mar 24
This birth control caused me to have 2 strokes and I almost died. I do not recommend it at all. My doctor insisted I use it and within the first year I had more frequent and more severe headaches. I gained a ton of weight and my cholesterol shot up despite my being a very active vegetarian and working with a dietician. After 18 months on it I had my first stroke and it went undiagnosed, I had a severe headache and I went blind. The hospital sent me home and told me it was "just a migraine." 10 months later I had a massive bilateral stroke that has ruined my life. I am only in my 30s. Run far away from this medication.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2nd Feb 24
I was on this birth control for 10 years until I got a blood clot and had to be on blood thinners for a month. Not fun.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 6th Jun 24
I like the ring, I have gained a bit of weight though. I am also very nervous about blood clot risk so I might switch to minipill, but the ring has made my periods very bearable and I can choose to only have them every two months! I also had a decrease in body acne on the ring, particularly on my back. I would recommend this method if you are not overweight, smoke, or are over 35 as the risk of blood clots goes does a lot and it’s easy to use! I also have experienced headaches for the first time in my life since being on this, they’re mild but not fun.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Mar 24
This birth control caused me to have 2 strokes and I almost died. I do not recommend it at all. My doctor insisted I use it and within the first year I had more frequent and more severe headaches. I gained a ton of weight and my cholesterol shot up despite my being a very active vegetarian and working with a dietician. After 18 months on it I had my first stroke and it went undiagnosed, I had a severe headache and I went blind. The hospital sent me home and told me it was "just a migraine." 10 months later I had a massive bilateral stroke that has ruined my life. I am only in my 30s. Run far away from this medication.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2nd Feb 24
I was on this birth control for 10 years until I got a blood clot and had to be on blood thinners for a month. Not fun.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Jan 24
I’m not a birth control novice and wanted to try Annovera due to its novel progestin and ease of use. It’s worth noting that I’m extremely sensitive to progestin related side effects. I have never felt worse in my life than the week I used this ring. I endured episodes of uncontrollable vomiting, horrendous body aches, and a constant feeling of internal rage!! Plus, the level of discharge it caused was frankly disturbing and unlike anything I’ve experienced in the past. Felt better almost immediately upon removal. Obviously every person’s experience will be unique but I definitely wouldn’t recommend Annovera to anyone.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 14th Jan 24
First three months were great. No period no break through bleeding no side effects. On month 4 I started having extreme cramps and breakthrough bleeding often. I would remove ring (1 hour) and re insert it due to the cramps. I even tried having regular cycles. Nothing helped with bleeding or cramps. I like not having to take a pill everyday, but I don’t think it’s worth the cramps and break through bleeding.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 24th Oct 23
Very easy to use. Periods were heavy at first but very light on last days. Main problem was discharge. Caused a increase in my migraines
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
42 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 5th Oct 23
I’ve used NuvaRing for over 20years and highly recommend it. It’s super easy to put in and take out. And I really like that I don’t have to worried about it for 3 weeks!
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 4th Oct 23
I generally like my Nuvaring, when I'm responsible about using it correctly. I feel confident that it works and I can forget about it most of the time, until I forget to take it out or put it in on the right day. I have used it to skip a period every once in a while. When used inconsistently like that, in combo with not taking out or putting in on the right days, I developed terrible migraines and strange neurological symptoms, like lightheadedness and scalp numbness/tingling. But when I used it regularly again, the symptoms disappeared. I do think I gained weight on it.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
32 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3rd Aug 23
Overall, the birth control is reliable. I like not having to worry about it on a daily basis and it does not interfere with sex.
Improved skin
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Don’t keep it on the DL.Put it on the LD.
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