Contraception Reviews

Birth control patch vs Combination birth control pill

Birth control patch

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Combination birth control pill

Want to switch birth control?

Overview

Rated 3.3

11 reviews

Weekly

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.3

149 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Birth control patch ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control patch

progestin


Combination pill ingredients

Main hormones in Combination pill

estrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

46% somewhat negative

Bleeds

46% spotting

Sex drive

64% no impact

Weight

46% no impact

Skin

27% improved skin

Cycle return

100% don’t know impact

Mood

28% no impact on mood

Bleeds

32% lighter periods

Sex drive

37% no impact

Weight

42% no impact

Skin

38% improved skin

Cycle return

35% in 1 month

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Birth control patch reviews

11 reviews

Birth control patch  
Used for 8+ yr
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

Xulane patch  

When I first learned about this birth control patch I was so excited to give it a try cuz the birth control pills were not doing it and I was definitely not taking the depo shot so far works for me it gives me a chance not have to deal with my period because I have such a heavy flow so if I can have a month or two without my period that's fine by me I hurt too much for you birth control patch help to alleviate the pain I started using the precious when I was in my 20s and now I'm in my early 40.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Feb 26

Xulane patch  

Very good Basically got me out of depression and made me feel more confident


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  11th Nov 25

Xulane patch  

I was on Depo and the pill before this and this is the best one so far. I'm still in the adjustment phase. The main issue is that this month (month 2) I've felt uncomfortable in my skin and I've been dizzy. Not extreme but noticeable. I appreciate the ease of only dealing with it once a week. The adhesive is slightly irritating only because of sweat, but after the first month it's stopped itching and I don't notice it anymore.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 8+ yr
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

Xulane patch  

When I first learned about this birth control patch I was so excited to give it a try cuz the birth control pills were not doing it and I was definitely not taking the depo shot so far works for me it gives me a chance not have to deal with my period because I have such a heavy flow so if I can have a month or two without my period that's fine by me I hurt too much for you birth control patch help to alleviate the pain I started using the precious when I was in my 20s and now I'm in my early 40.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Feb 26

Xulane patch  

Very good Basically got me out of depression and made me feel more confident


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  11th Nov 25

Xulane patch  

I was on Depo and the pill before this and this is the best one so far. I'm still in the adjustment phase. The main issue is that this month (month 2) I've felt uncomfortable in my skin and I've been dizzy. Not extreme but noticeable. I appreciate the ease of only dealing with it once a week. The adhesive is slightly irritating only because of sweat, but after the first month it's stopped itching and I don't notice it anymore.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments


Combination birth control pill reviews

149 reviews

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Junel Fe 1/20 birth control pill  

Feel miserable and made depression worse, consistently crying all the time over stupid things, waking up is evil


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Aviane birth control pill  

I've been taking Aviane for years, to help regulate my periods. Before Aviane, they were irregular (it could be a month and a half before The Dot.) and could last 5-7 days, and my mental health was terrible the week before. (PMDD) I have terrible memory at times, but I know for a fact that Aviane has regulated my periods and has shortened them! They're now only 3 days long, if that tells you anything! I can't remember much about my first few months taking the pills, but overall, it's been helpful!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Mili birth control pill  

I’ve been on birth control for over 10 yrs by far the worst pill ever. Created an account just to put this review. Please just don’t do it, HORRIBLE.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Junel Fe 1/20 birth control pill  

Feel miserable and made depression worse, consistently crying all the time over stupid things, waking up is evil


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Aviane birth control pill  

I've been taking Aviane for years, to help regulate my periods. Before Aviane, they were irregular (it could be a month and a half before The Dot.) and could last 5-7 days, and my mental health was terrible the week before. (PMDD) I have terrible memory at times, but I know for a fact that Aviane has regulated my periods and has shortened them! They're now only 3 days long, if that tells you anything! I can't remember much about my first few months taking the pills, but overall, it's been helpful!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Mili birth control pill  

I’ve been on birth control for over 10 yrs by far the worst pill ever. Created an account just to put this review. Please just don’t do it, HORRIBLE.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
39 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Nortrel 0.5/35 birth control pill  

I really liked this birth control for a year. But now I don’t know what happened. My periods used to be very light like nothing at all. But recently I started getting cramps before my 3 month placebo week and I took my placebo week and have been bleeding very heavily for over 7 days into my active pills


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  16th Jun 26

Nikki birth control pill  

Take in the morning, gets nauseous and loses appetite around dinner time everyday


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th May 26

Nikki birth control pill  

I'm on this pill post-hysterectomy to manage cysts/tumors recurring on my remaining ovary as an alternative to additional surgeries. The nausea has been brutal and I've recently started having major tooth sensitivity. My doctor, whom I trust, told me to give it 3 months for my body to adjust to Nikki. I would have stopped taking it already due to the nausea and dizziness but I'm really trying to avoid another surgery, so I'm sticking with it for now. Maybe I can update after the 3 month mark.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
14 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Apr 26

Tri Lo Mili birth control pill  

I started taking this pill for painful period cramps and it has worked wonders! My period is more regular as well and shorter and less painful. My skin cleared up really well the only problem i have is the migraines and my blood sugar. The migraines are very painful but only last a few minutes luckily and since started taking the pill my blood sugar sky rockets or falls rather quickly.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Apr 26

Mili birth control pill  

I really enjoy taking this brand. It still feels like I am me at the end of the day and I’m in control of my emotions and not hindered by excessive hormones.


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
48 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Apr 26

Vienva birth control pill  

Omg the lower back pain and the leg pain was unreal. I thought something was very very wrong with me but when I stopped taking this is went away.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combination birth control pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
49 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st Apr 26

Lo Loestrin Fe birth control pill  

I went on this pill for pre-menopause symptoms that were driving me crazy (hot flashes, really bad sleep disruptions). It worked really well, but there was one side effect that I couldn't handle. I couldn't wear my contacts anymore, and my eyes were always really dry and itchy. When I tried to wear my contacts, they would get a film on them after only and hour or two of wearing, which would make it seem like I was looking through a mist, and lights had halos around them, which made night driving totally unsafe. If it wasn't for that I'd still be taking them. I really liked how much lighter and shorter my period was while I was on it, because my normal period was really heavy and and crampy and lengthy.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

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