Mini pill vs Withdrawal or pull out method
Mini pill ingredients
Main hormones in Mini pill
progestin
Withdrawal or pull out method ingredients
What Lowdown reviewers say
36% no impact on mood
42% stopped periods
36% no impact
44% no impact
36% no impact on skin
57% don’t know impact
44% no impact on mood
44% no change
44% no impact
56% no impact
78% no impact on skin
Not enough data to say
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Mini pill reviews
36 reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
I had break through bleeding for about the first 4 months. After my period stopped completely. I'm a bit more tired, but no depression or mood swings.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
I do have a heart problem hence as to why my obgyn has switched me to a progestin only bc. I do like that i dont get my period anymore but i HATE the vaginal dryness. Im considering moving on to something else because i cant take it anymore honestly.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
35 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 18th Jan 26
Worked fine for many years and helped with having much lighter, shorter periods with less cramps, but after briefly switching to the shot and then switching back to the pill I have been having breakthrough bleeding every other week for months now and my periods are no longer lighter or shorter so I'm trialing a different type now.
Top side effects not reported
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
I had break through bleeding for about the first 4 months. After my period stopped completely. I'm a bit more tired, but no depression or mood swings.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
I do have a heart problem hence as to why my obgyn has switched me to a progestin only bc. I do like that i dont get my period anymore but i HATE the vaginal dryness. Im considering moving on to something else because i cant take it anymore honestly.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
35 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 18th Jan 26
Worked fine for many years and helped with having much lighter, shorter periods with less cramps, but after briefly switching to the shot and then switching back to the pill I have been having breakthrough bleeding every other week for months now and my periods are no longer lighter or shorter so I'm trialing a different type now.
Top side effects not reported
3 helpful
0 comments
Withdrawal or pull out method reviews
9 reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 15th Jan 26
Very positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 24th Aug 25
Gained weight
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 30th Jun 25
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 15th Jan 26
Very positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 24th Aug 25
Gained weight
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 30th Jun 25
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 10th Apr 25
I don't recommend going multiple rounds. Otherwise, seemed pretty effective.
Increased sex drive
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 28th Sep 24
Annoying to have to fuss with putting the condom on, and I don’t enjoy the change in sensation while using a condom. But I feel protected against pregnancy. I occasionally rely on pull out method, and the anxiety over my partner accidentally not timing this correctly (ie not pulling out soon enough) negatively affects my sexual experience.
Very positive mood
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 20th Jun 24
Still can get pregnant with pull out method or anal
Very negative mood
3 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 20th May 24
I get pretty sick on the pill and with same partner 3.5 yrs no issues but recognize not most effective practice.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 27th Mar 24
It worked but I was terrified I was pregnant until I got my period. I had no sex drive because of this and was incredibly stressed. It worsened my mood as well.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 26th Feb 24
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
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