Contraception Reviews

Birth control shot vs Birth control implant

Birth control shot

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Birth control implant

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Overview

Rated 3.0

20 reviews

Every 2-3 months

Frequency

94% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Short term

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.2

42 reviews

Every 3 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Birth control shot ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control shot


Birth control implant ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control implant

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

35% somewhat negative

Bleeds

35% stopped periods

Sex drive

40% lost sex drive

Weight

55% gained weight

Skin

40% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 3-6 months

Mood

29% no impact on mood

Bleeds

50% spotting

Sex drive

38% lost sex drive

Weight

43% gained weight

Skin

33% no impact on skin

Cycle return

60% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Period pain

Period pain

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Birth control shot reviews

20 reviews

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Depo-Provera shot  

It's very good but I feel the vagina dryness is a lot

Read more

Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Jul 24

Depo-Provera shot  

Have been nonstop throwing up and being nauseous and dizzy, lost a lot of weight from that alone. Have a bad fever and a lot of hot flashes, very uncomfortable and won’t ever do this again. Ever. Ever. Ever again.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  19th Jul 24

Depo-Provera shot  

I first started receiving the shot as a teenager (for 2 years) and the only side effect I experienced was no periods, which is what I wanted. I started back on it 5 years ago after trying 2 other types of BC that I did not like. Once again, my periods stopped, but this time I also gained about 30 lbs, my breasts grew, and I suffered from excessive sweating/ hot flashes. The weight gain was no issue to me since I have always been very tall and skinny. Putting on some extra weight was a plus. It was the constant sweating and hot flashes that made me stop taking the shot. I would even sweat from my head and *down there*, which I never used to before. It was very embarrassing and difficult for me to control. I was showering 3-4 times a day in between trying to work and go to school. Not to mention all of the different types of deodorant I had to try to remedy this issue. If I can find a viable solution, I would most definitely restart this BC.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Depo-Provera shot  

It's very good but I feel the vagina dryness is a lot


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Jul 24

Depo-Provera shot  

Have been nonstop throwing up and being nauseous and dizzy, lost a lot of weight from that alone. Have a bad fever and a lot of hot flashes, very uncomfortable and won’t ever do this again. Ever. Ever. Ever again.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  19th Jul 24

Depo-Provera shot  

I first started receiving the shot as a teenager (for 2 years) and the only side effect I experienced was no periods, which is what I wanted. I started back on it 5 years ago after trying 2 other types of BC that I did not like. Once again, my periods stopped, but this time I also gained about 30 lbs, my breasts grew, and I suffered from excessive sweating/ hot flashes. The weight gain was no issue to me since I have always been very tall and skinny. Putting on some extra weight was a plus. It was the constant sweating and hot flashes that made me stop taking the shot. I would even sweat from my head and *down there*, which I never used to before. It was very embarrassing and difficult for me to control. I was showering 3-4 times a day in between trying to work and go to school. Not to mention all of the different types of deodorant I had to try to remedy this issue. If I can find a viable solution, I would most definitely restart this BC.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments


Birth control implant reviews

42 reviews

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

I loved having Nexplanon. Light periods for 6 months then stopped having periods entirely. My periods didn't return for a year after I had it removed, though. No side effects other than acne & weight gain. I lost all that acne & weight as soon as it was removed.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

I don't even know we're to start. Not having a period has been amazing. However, the side effects are horrible. The first month I had tingling in my hands and feet, that went away though. The first month I also experienced sever virtago/ dizziness. This issue has been on going for the past year. Its more annoying then a actually issue. I've had several acne that won't go away, mood swings are horrible, and my eye sight is bad. I've never been sick or had any health issue until getting nexplanon. Although not having a period is great, I will be getting mine removed next week after only 1 year do to issue..


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 week ago

Nexplanon implant  

I am 27, and I have been on some form of hormonal birth control since I turned 15. I have used Nexplanon for the last 5 years. Overall, it was a good pick for me because of my irregular schedule and my inability to remember to take something at the same time every day. An IUD was not an option for me because of some family medical history, and at the time that I was looking, I was told that I was not a candidate for Nuvaring. Nexplanon did make my periods significantly lighter, and for a while I didn’t have a period at all. Now my cycles are very irregular (anywhere from 29-44 days in between period start dates) it lasts 2-3 days, and I can survive with light and regular tampons. Before the implant, I had heavy periods that would last at least a week, and I would go through boxes of the super and super plus tampons. I usually had minimal cramping with Nexplanon, although, as I am nearing the end of this second implant, I do think my cramps are starting to become stronger. I have gained quite a bit of weight while I’ve been on it. I'm 5’6” tall, and I started out at 195 lbs in August of 2018. I was at 225 lbs By December of 2019 (16 months/30 lbs), and 250lbs by January 2022 (41 months/55 lbs). My heaviest was in November of 2023 at 271lbs (51 months/76lbs). I’m currently weighing in at 265 lbs (61 months/70lbs). I do not think that all of my weight is attributed to the implant. I think I have some other factors that have contributed to my specific scenario, but I am curious to see how my weight changes once I have this one removed. I think my plan is to go hormone-free after this implant to give my body some time to regulate itself, and see how hormone-free feels.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

I loved having Nexplanon. Light periods for 6 months then stopped having periods entirely. My periods didn't return for a year after I had it removed, though. No side effects other than acne & weight gain. I lost all that acne & weight as soon as it was removed.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

Nexplanon implant  

I don't even know we're to start. Not having a period has been amazing. However, the side effects are horrible. The first month I had tingling in my hands and feet, that went away though. The first month I also experienced sever virtago/ dizziness. This issue has been on going for the past year. Its more annoying then a actually issue. I've had several acne that won't go away, mood swings are horrible, and my eye sight is bad. I've never been sick or had any health issue until getting nexplanon. Although not having a period is great, I will be getting mine removed next week after only 1 year do to issue..


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 week ago

Nexplanon implant  

I am 27, and I have been on some form of hormonal birth control since I turned 15. I have used Nexplanon for the last 5 years. Overall, it was a good pick for me because of my irregular schedule and my inability to remember to take something at the same time every day. An IUD was not an option for me because of some family medical history, and at the time that I was looking, I was told that I was not a candidate for Nuvaring. Nexplanon did make my periods significantly lighter, and for a while I didn’t have a period at all. Now my cycles are very irregular (anywhere from 29-44 days in between period start dates) it lasts 2-3 days, and I can survive with light and regular tampons. Before the implant, I had heavy periods that would last at least a week, and I would go through boxes of the super and super plus tampons. I usually had minimal cramping with Nexplanon, although, as I am nearing the end of this second implant, I do think my cramps are starting to become stronger. I have gained quite a bit of weight while I’ve been on it. I'm 5’6” tall, and I started out at 195 lbs in August of 2018. I was at 225 lbs By December of 2019 (16 months/30 lbs), and 250lbs by January 2022 (41 months/55 lbs). My heaviest was in November of 2023 at 271lbs (51 months/76lbs). I’m currently weighing in at 265 lbs (61 months/70lbs). I do not think that all of my weight is attributed to the implant. I think I have some other factors that have contributed to my specific scenario, but I am curious to see how my weight changes once I have this one removed. I think my plan is to go hormone-free after this implant to give my body some time to regulate itself, and see how hormone-free feels.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 week ago

Nexplanon implant  

Had headaches, Lower Back pain, Spotting Brown. Had period like cramps while on Nexplanon.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

Birth control implant  

Quite helpful, but the discharge is my concern because i smells alot


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Oct 24

Nexplanon implant  

Gained a lot of weight at the beginning 110 -> 120 and now losing a lot -> 100 would have period every day for a month long, none for months, or 5 days of blood every 2 weeks i love and hate it


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  9th Oct 24

Birth control implant  

I didn't even want the IUD but my doctor kept pushing it so I just gave in and then after my surgery to get rid of my fibroids, I got constant night sweats EVERY NIGHT. I reported the side effects but they only suggested that I have diabetes or a thyroid problem. I did the tests, negative. Then they said they would give me a lower dose. I told them to take it out. Had to have another doctor to remove it.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  22nd Jun 24

Nexplanon implant  

To start, I gained about 20 pounds. My periods were sometimes non existent and then I would have a two week period, then two days of no bleeding, followed by another two week period. After a while the implant migrated in my arm and started to cause aches whenever I exercised. I could handle most side effects but the real issue was low libido. The implant made me actively avoid sex and even be a little repulsed by it. It definitely hurt my relationship. I did love the security of it and how little I had to worry about getting pregnant.


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Jun 24

Nexplanon implant  

I am approaching the removal date for my 3rd nexplanon. I’m researching alternative non hormonal options but may just go with another nexplanon as it has been nothing but positive for me for nearly a decade. I decided to leave this review to remind anyone reading that while reviews and the experiences of others are important, everyone is different and will react to birth control methods differently. The nexplanon has been extremely reliable for me with little to no noticeable negative reactions and it could be for you too.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  13th Jun 24

Nexplanon implant  

Mostly experienced irregular periods


Somewhat positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

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