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Homepage > Contraceptives > Compare > Male condom vs Vasectomy

Male condom vs Vasectomy

Male condom

Want to switch birth control?

Vasectomy

Want to switch birth control?

Overview

Rated 4.1

7 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

87% - 98%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 5.0

1 reviews

Permanent

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Permanent

Effect on fertility

Male condom ingredients

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

Vasectomy ingredients

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man’s sperm. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm getting into a man’s semen which is then ejaculated during sexual intercourse.

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

29% no impact on mood

Bleeds

29% irregular periods

Sex drive

71% no impact

Weight

86% no impact

Skin

71% no impact on skin

Cycle return

Not enough data to say

Mood

100% no impact on mood

Bleeds

100% can't tell

Sex drive

100% no impact

Weight

100% no impact

Skin

100% no impact on skin

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

7 reviews

Male condom  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today
Male condom  

None

Read more

Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  9th Sep 26
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 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today
Male condom  

None

Read more

Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  9th Sep 26
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

Vasectomy reviews

1 reviews

Vasectomy  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  16th Oct 24
Vasectomy  

Essentially painless procedure. Had a few aches here and there. Haven't gotten anyone pregnant.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Vasectomy  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  16th Oct 24
Vasectomy  

Essentially painless procedure. Had a few aches here and there. Haven't gotten anyone pregnant.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Male condom with other birth control

Compare the Vasectomy with other birth control

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