Contraception Reviews

Mini pill vs Withdrawal or pull out method

Mini pill

Want to switch birth control?

Withdrawal or pull out method

Want to switch birth control?

Overview

Rated 3.4

36 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.6

9 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

80% - 96%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Mini pill ingredients

Main hormones in Mini pill

progestin

Withdrawal or pull out method ingredients

The withdrawal method (also known as the pull out method) relies on the penis being all the way out of the vagina before ejaculation and ejaculation occurring away from the vagina or vulva.

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

36% no impact on mood

Bleeds

42% stopped periods

Sex drive

36% no impact

Weight

44% no impact

Skin

36% no impact on skin

Cycle return

57% don’t know impact

Mood

44% no impact on mood

Bleeds

44% no change

Sex drive

44% no impact

Weight

56% no impact

Skin

78% no impact on skin

Cycle return

Not enough data to say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Period pain

Heavy menstrual bleeding

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

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Want to switch birth control?

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Mini pill reviews

36 reviews

Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Slynd birth control pill  

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.

Read more

Improved skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Slynd birth control pill  

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

Mini pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
35 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  18th Jan 26

Norethindrone 0.35 birth control pill  

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

Mini pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Slynd birth control pill  

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

Mini pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Slynd birth control pill  

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

Mini pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
35 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  18th Jan 26

Norethindrone 0.35 birth control pill  

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

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  15th Jan 26

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I was on a iud for 9 years for endo


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Aug 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

Made me gain weight


Gained weight

3 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Jun 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I have my tubes tied.


Top side effects not reported

2 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  15th Jan 26

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I was on a iud for 9 years for endo


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Aug 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

Made me gain weight


Gained weight

3 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Jun 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I have my tubes tied.


Top side effects not reported

2 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  10th Apr 25

Withdrawal or pull out method  

I don't recommend going multiple rounds. Otherwise, seemed pretty effective.


Increased sex drive

3 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  28th Sep 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

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

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Jun 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

Still can get pregnant with pull out method or anal


Very negative mood

3 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th May 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

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

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  27th Mar 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

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

Withdrawal or pull out method  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  26th Feb 24

Withdrawal or pull out method  

No side effects


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Mini pill with other birth control

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