Contraception Reviews

Birth control patch vs Contraceptive gel

Birth control patch

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Contraceptive gel

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Overview

Rated 2.8

5 reviews

Weekly

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 4.3

4 reviews

Before sex

Frequency

79% - 86%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Birth control patch ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control patch

progestin

Contraceptive gel ingredients

Birth control gels include spermicides and a new gel called Phexxi. These gels contain chemicals which prevent sperm from reaching an egg by affecting the sperm's motility and helping to block the cervix (opening into the womb).

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

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

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Birth control patch reviews

5 reviews

Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

  •  Still using

I have had this birth control for 10 years (3 implants). It makes your period lighter and more regular, or takes it away completely; I had a birth control pill ( i'm not sure if the name) prescribed beforehand and i could not stand that one.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  7th Apr 24

  •  Stopped using

It’s fine.. maybe. if you’re susceptible to anxiety at all then i don’t recommend. Random crying fits. Had to admit myself to the ER because of my second sudden panic attack since starting. I’ve never dealt with that before. I have only been on the patch for 3 weeks, perhaps the side effects would have subsided if i waited it out but im not willing to risk it.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Apr 24

  •  Stopped using

The only problem I had using the birth parches was that it gave me an allergy and would turn my skin red and dry. I had to stop using it and switched to the birth control implant which is a way better method.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

  •  Still using

I have had this birth control for 10 years (3 implants). It makes your period lighter and more regular, or takes it away completely; I had a birth control pill ( i'm not sure if the name) prescribed beforehand and i could not stand that one.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  7th Apr 24

  •  Stopped using

It’s fine.. maybe. if you’re susceptible to anxiety at all then i don’t recommend. Random crying fits. Had to admit myself to the ER because of my second sudden panic attack since starting. I’ve never dealt with that before. I have only been on the patch for 3 weeks, perhaps the side effects would have subsided if i waited it out but im not willing to risk it.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Apr 24

  •  Stopped using

The only problem I had using the birth parches was that it gave me an allergy and would turn my skin red and dry. I had to stop using it and switched to the birth control implant which is a way better method.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments


Contraceptive gel reviews

4 reviews

Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

  •  Still using

Birth control implant I have had this birth control for 10 years (3 implants). It makes your period lighter and more regular, or takes it away completely; I had a birth control pill ( i'm not sure if the name) prescribed beforehand and i could not stand that one.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
42 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

  •  Still using

I feel like I've tried every birth control out there. Pills, patches rings, IUDs - with the exception of depo, you name it, I've tried it. But Phexxi has been a game changer for me! I never felt "whole" on hormonal methods or the IUDs, but with Phexxi I don't have to deal with hormonal side effects and I only use it when I need it. Super easy to use, not messy, and I feel like myself again!


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
56 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

  •  Still using

Love that I can use Phexxi only when I need it. I do not like adding hormones to my body. I really love the lubricating effect, makes for even better sex!


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

  •  Still using

Birth control implant I have had this birth control for 10 years (3 implants). It makes your period lighter and more regular, or takes it away completely; I had a birth control pill ( i'm not sure if the name) prescribed beforehand and i could not stand that one.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
42 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

  •  Still using

I feel like I've tried every birth control out there. Pills, patches rings, IUDs - with the exception of depo, you name it, I've tried it. But Phexxi has been a game changer for me! I never felt "whole" on hormonal methods or the IUDs, but with Phexxi I don't have to deal with hormonal side effects and I only use it when I need it. Super easy to use, not messy, and I feel like myself again!


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
56 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  12th Jan 24

  •  Still using

Love that I can use Phexxi only when I need it. I do not like adding hormones to my body. I really love the lubricating effect, makes for even better sex!


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  11th Dec 23

  •  Stopped using

Phexxi works great — if you actually use it. Oops! My kid sister used Phexxi for about a year either by itself or along with condoms when she was ovulating. Then one time when she and her boyfriend were staying in my apartment for a family wedding, they picked me as the designated driver and the two of them had way too much to drink. They were all over each other in the car on the way home. Which was kind of cute but then when we got back to my place she wanted me to help her insert her birth control. I took her back to their bedroom and started getting her out of her clothes and I was like why don’t you just skip using it if you’re not in the middle of your cycle, and then she showed me her period tracker on her phone. Yep, not a good time to skip using protection, but still … She passed out while I was reading the instructions on the applicator, so I just was like whatever, I’m not doing this. I got off the rest of her clothes and woke her up and said I would tell her boyfriend she was ready. She didn’t even ask if I had inserted her Phexxi. The walls in my apartment are thin, so I heard the entire “discussion” when he couldn’t find their box of condoms. She was too drunk and horny to say no. She had no idea she was about to try to conceive. And yes, she became a mommy that night.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Birth control patch with other birth control

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