The Lowdown, a Vira Health company

Birth control patch vs Sterilization

Birth control patch

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Sterilization

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 2.7

3 reviews

Permanent

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Permanent

Effect on fertility

Birth control patch ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control patch

progestin

Sterilization ingredients

Plastic or titanium clamps or silicone ring may be used to block the fallopian tubes.

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

33% very positive

Bleeds

67% stopped periods

Sex drive

67% don’t know impact

Weight

33% lost weight

Skin

67% don’t know impact

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

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

Try it now

Want to switch birth control?

Try it now

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
  •  3 weeks 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

1 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
  •  3 weeks 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

1 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


Sterilization reviews

3 reviews

Sterilization  
Used for 8+ yr
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  13th Apr 25

Sterilization  

It’s just that my periods are all over and I hate having them anyway so I really hate how they are so irregular


Somewhat negative mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Sterilization  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
48 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3rd Apr 25

Sterilization  

Every one that I spoke with told me that they haven't been able to conceive after taking the Depro Vera shot! Even women that are half my age! Said that it made them sterile as well. I've been seeing commercials for law offices mentioning a certain kind of Cancer. But I've never heard of any pertaining to it making them sterile.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Sterilization  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Aug 24

Sterilization  

I am not deliberately using birth control. The survey needs to have a choice for “I am not using birth control.” I had a hysterectomy after developing dangerous cysts.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Sterilization  
Used for 8+ yr
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  13th Apr 25

Sterilization  

It’s just that my periods are all over and I hate having them anyway so I really hate how they are so irregular


Somewhat negative mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Sterilization  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
48 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3rd Apr 25

Sterilization  

Every one that I spoke with told me that they haven't been able to conceive after taking the Depro Vera shot! Even women that are half my age! Said that it made them sterile as well. I've been seeing commercials for law offices mentioning a certain kind of Cancer. But I've never heard of any pertaining to it making them sterile.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Sterilization  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Aug 24

Sterilization  

I am not deliberately using birth control. The survey needs to have a choice for “I am not using birth control.” I had a hysterectomy after developing dangerous cysts.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Birth control patch with other birth control

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