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Male condom vs Spermicide

Male condom

Want to switch birth control?

Spermicide

Want to switch birth control?

Overview

Rated 4.0

6 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

87% - 98%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 0.0

0 reviews

Before sex

Frequency

79% - 86%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Male condom ingredients

Male condoms are thin latex or polyurethane sheaths that are worn on the penis during sex.

Spermicide ingredients

Nonoxynol-9 is the main active ingredient in spermicide. It works by helping to block the cervix and slow down sperm so they can't and fertilize an egg.

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

33% no impact on mood

Bleeds

33% irregular periods

Sex drive

83% no impact

Weight

83% no impact

Skin

67% no impact on skin

Cycle return

Not enough data to say

Mood

Not enough data to say

Bleeds

Not enough data to say

Sex drive

Not enough data to say

Weight

Not enough data to say

Skin

Not enough data to say

Cycle return

Not enough data to say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Protects against STDs

Non-hormonal

There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this birth control

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

Male condom reviews

6 reviews

Male condom  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago
Male condom  

I have been on the pill for over a year; I don’t really have periods, but other than that I don’t have side effects.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Jul 25
Male condom  

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had an insane allergic reaction due to these condoms :( very sad

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Apr 25
Male condom  

Read more

Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago
Male condom  

I have been on the pill for over a year; I don’t really have periods, but other than that I don’t have side effects.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Jul 25
Male condom  

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had an insane allergic reaction due to these condoms :( very sad

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Apr 25
Male condom  

Read more

Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Spermicide reviews

0 reviews

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Male condom with other birth control

Compare the Spermicide with other birth control

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