Contraception Reviews

Birth control shot vs Birth control patch

Birth control shot

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Birth control patch

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Overview

Rated 2.8

23 reviews

Every 2-3 months

Frequency

94% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Short term

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.0

6 reviews

Weekly

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Birth control shot ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control shot


Birth control patch ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control patch

progestin

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

39% somewhat negative

Bleeds

39% stopped periods

Sex drive

39% lost sex drive

Weight

52% gained weight

Skin

35% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 3-6 months

Mood

67% somewhat negative

Bleeds

50% regular periods

Sex drive

50% no impact

Weight

67% don’t know impact

Skin

33% improved skin

Cycle return

100% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

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 shot reviews

23 reviews

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  5 days ago

Depo-Provera shot  

The beginning i bled a lot, 40 plus day periods with few breaks in between. After about a year my periods went away and I only have spotting now. I recently found out I should only be using this form for no more than 2 years but this is my best option. It has been affecting my bones because I experience pain in my knees and hips that I haven't before this birth control. It does control my acne and is reliable which is a plus for me, i haven't experienced weight gain which is a common side effect. I have migraines more often after my shot and leading up to it as well. Overall I don't care for birth control in general and will be looking for other options.

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Feb 25

Depo-Provera shot  

i get non-stop acne


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Feb 25

Depo-Provera shot  

I became depressed and experienced pregnancy symptoms. I had it for a year. Half way through that year is when I realized it was the birth control that was making me feel out of wack. I had a horrible reaction receiving last shot and that was it. I continued using it because I thought my body was suppose to get use to it. I’ve changed a lot since then and not in a positive way.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  5 days ago

Depo-Provera shot  

The beginning i bled a lot, 40 plus day periods with few breaks in between. After about a year my periods went away and I only have spotting now. I recently found out I should only be using this form for no more than 2 years but this is my best option. It has been affecting my bones because I experience pain in my knees and hips that I haven't before this birth control. It does control my acne and is reliable which is a plus for me, i haven't experienced weight gain which is a common side effect. I have migraines more often after my shot and leading up to it as well. Overall I don't care for birth control in general and will be looking for other options.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Feb 25

Depo-Provera shot  

i get non-stop acne


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control shot  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Feb 25

Depo-Provera shot  

I became depressed and experienced pregnancy symptoms. I had it for a year. Half way through that year is when I realized it was the birth control that was making me feel out of wack. I had a horrible reaction receiving last shot and that was it. I continued using it because I thought my body was suppose to get use to it. I’ve changed a lot since then and not in a positive way.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments


Birth control patch reviews

6 reviews

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 day ago

Xulane patch  

Currently on my 3rd month of the patch and hoping to switch to an IUD soon, I'm using it to treat my PCOS, not relying on the patch alone for contraception due to my weight. Here's a list of all of the symptoms I've noticed: Pros - Regular periods: though I experienced about 3 weeks of straight bleeding during the first month on the patch (it appeared during my second patch of the box) since then I've only gotten my period during the week it's been off, compared to only getting my period 2-3 times a year pre-patch - Lighter bleeding: before the patch I would bleed for a week at minimum, and for the first 3 days I would consistently bleed through pads within just a couple hours. On the patch i only bleed a notable amount for about 4 days and have had far less blood flow - Stronger fingernails: really wasn't expecting this one, but I'd say its a good change - Darker body hair: probably a con for most, but I enjoy being hairy Cons: - Increase in facial acne: didn't get acne very much before the patch, now I consistently have a couple cysts on my face - Harder to reach orgasm: I've found it slightly harder to orgasm on the patch, but it's not a huge difference and the orgasms are about the same - Increased depression: my mood is completely fine during my weeks with the patch on, but during my off weeks I feel very depressed and irritable, and my anxiety skyrockets


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

Birth control patch  

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.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  7th Apr 24

Xulane patch  

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.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 day ago

Xulane patch  

Currently on my 3rd month of the patch and hoping to switch to an IUD soon, I'm using it to treat my PCOS, not relying on the patch alone for contraception due to my weight. Here's a list of all of the symptoms I've noticed: Pros - Regular periods: though I experienced about 3 weeks of straight bleeding during the first month on the patch (it appeared during my second patch of the box) since then I've only gotten my period during the week it's been off, compared to only getting my period 2-3 times a year pre-patch - Lighter bleeding: before the patch I would bleed for a week at minimum, and for the first 3 days I would consistently bleed through pads within just a couple hours. On the patch i only bleed a notable amount for about 4 days and have had far less blood flow - Stronger fingernails: really wasn't expecting this one, but I'd say its a good change - Darker body hair: probably a con for most, but I enjoy being hairy Cons: - Increase in facial acne: didn't get acne very much before the patch, now I consistently have a couple cysts on my face - Harder to reach orgasm: I've found it slightly harder to orgasm on the patch, but it's not a huge difference and the orgasms are about the same - Increased depression: my mood is completely fine during my weeks with the patch on, but during my off weeks I feel very depressed and irritable, and my anxiety skyrockets


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Apr 24

Birth control patch  

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.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  7th Apr 24

Xulane patch  

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.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Apr 24

Xulane patch  

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

Birth control patch  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  2nd Jan 24

Xulane patch  

I love how easy it is and how well it works


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control patch  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Oct 23

Xulane patch  

Patch would not stay on. Caused rashes and skin scarred for weeks.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

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