Contraception Reviews

Birth control patch vs Male condom

Birth control patch

Want to switch birth control?

Male condom

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 4.0

5 reviews

During or before sex

Frequency

87% - 98%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Birth control patch ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control patch

progestin

Male condom ingredients

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

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

40% no impact on mood

Bleeds

40% spotting

Sex drive

80% no impact

Weight

100% no impact

Skin

60% no impact on skin

Cycle return

Not enough data to say

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Protects against STDs

Non-hormonal

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Want to switch birth control?

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
  •  2 days ago

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
  •  2 days ago

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


Male condom reviews

5 reviews

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


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Apr 25

Male condom  


Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st Jan 25

Male condom  

No changes


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


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Apr 25

Male condom  


Improved skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1st Jan 25

Male condom  

No changes


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 8+ yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  29th Dec 24

Male condom  

Overall it's been great, but remembering a pill at a specific time is challenging for me


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Male condom  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  4th Sep 24

Male condom  

Condoms did not change any part of my period for me, no side effects of using this form of contraceptive and it has been effective in avoiding pregnancy as well as STDs.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Birth control patch with other birth control

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