Contraception Reviews

Birth control shot vs Vaginal ring

Birth control shot

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Vaginal ring

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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

10 reviews

3 weekly

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Birth control shot ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control shot


Vaginal ring ingredients

Main hormones in Vaginal ring

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

40% somewhat negative

Bleeds

40% lighter periods

Sex drive

60% lost sex drive

Weight

60% gained weight

Skin

30% improved skin

Cycle return

25% in 1 month

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
  •  4 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
  •  4 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


Vaginal ring reviews

10 reviews

Vaginal ring  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Vaginal ring  

Although I didn't get any physical symptoms, I did find notable mental side effects. History: I did have anxiety before starting the medication. Beginning (first month): I was an absolute raging b*tch. I could not control my anger. I was angry and crying all the time. I couldn't focus on anything. It was horrible. I felt like a monster. After the first month symptoms definitely leveled out. Like I said, no physical symptoms, but I noticed that the brain fog/inability to focus continued and although I did not experience clinical depression, I did feel like I just lost my overall happiness.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  6th Jun 24

NuvaRing  

I like the ring, I have gained a bit of weight though. I am also very nervous about blood clot risk so I might switch to minipill, but the ring has made my periods very bearable and I can choose to only have them every two months! I also had a decrease in body acne on the ring, particularly on my back. I would recommend this method if you are not overweight, smoke, or are over 35 as the risk of blood clots goes does a lot and it’s easy to use! I also have experienced headaches for the first time in my life since being on this, they’re mild but not fun.


Improved skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Mar 24

Annovera ring  

This birth control caused me to have 2 strokes and I almost died. I do not recommend it at all. My doctor insisted I use it and within the first year I had more frequent and more severe headaches. I gained a ton of weight and my cholesterol shot up despite my being a very active vegetarian and working with a dietician. After 18 months on it I had my first stroke and it went undiagnosed, I had a severe headache and I went blind. The hospital sent me home and told me it was "just a migraine." 10 months later I had a massive bilateral stroke that has ruined my life. I am only in my 30s. Run far away from this medication.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Vaginal ring  

Although I didn't get any physical symptoms, I did find notable mental side effects. History: I did have anxiety before starting the medication. Beginning (first month): I was an absolute raging b*tch. I could not control my anger. I was angry and crying all the time. I couldn't focus on anything. It was horrible. I felt like a monster. After the first month symptoms definitely leveled out. Like I said, no physical symptoms, but I noticed that the brain fog/inability to focus continued and although I did not experience clinical depression, I did feel like I just lost my overall happiness.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  6th Jun 24

NuvaRing  

I like the ring, I have gained a bit of weight though. I am also very nervous about blood clot risk so I might switch to minipill, but the ring has made my periods very bearable and I can choose to only have them every two months! I also had a decrease in body acne on the ring, particularly on my back. I would recommend this method if you are not overweight, smoke, or are over 35 as the risk of blood clots goes does a lot and it’s easy to use! I also have experienced headaches for the first time in my life since being on this, they’re mild but not fun.


Improved skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Mar 24

Annovera ring  

This birth control caused me to have 2 strokes and I almost died. I do not recommend it at all. My doctor insisted I use it and within the first year I had more frequent and more severe headaches. I gained a ton of weight and my cholesterol shot up despite my being a very active vegetarian and working with a dietician. After 18 months on it I had my first stroke and it went undiagnosed, I had a severe headache and I went blind. The hospital sent me home and told me it was "just a migraine." 10 months later I had a massive bilateral stroke that has ruined my life. I am only in my 30s. Run far away from this medication.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  2nd Feb 24

NuvaRing  

I was on this birth control for 10 years until I got a blood clot and had to be on blood thinners for a month. Not fun.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Jan 24

Annovera ring  

I’m not a birth control novice and wanted to try Annovera due to its novel progestin and ease of use. It’s worth noting that I’m extremely sensitive to progestin related side effects. I have never felt worse in my life than the week I used this ring. I endured episodes of uncontrollable vomiting, horrendous body aches, and a constant feeling of internal rage!! Plus, the level of discharge it caused was frankly disturbing and unlike anything I’ve experienced in the past. Felt better almost immediately upon removal. Obviously every person’s experience will be unique but I definitely wouldn’t recommend Annovera to anyone.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  14th Jan 24

NuvaRing  

First three months were great. No period no break through bleeding no side effects. On month 4 I started having extreme cramps and breakthrough bleeding often. I would remove ring (1 hour) and re insert it due to the cramps. I even tried having regular cycles. Nothing helped with bleeding or cramps. I like not having to take a pill everyday, but I don’t think it’s worth the cramps and break through bleeding.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  24th Oct 23

NuvaRing  

Very easy to use. Periods were heavy at first but very light on last days. Main problem was discharge. Caused a increase in my migraines


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Oct 23

NuvaRing  

I’ve used NuvaRing for over 20years and highly recommend it. It’s super easy to put in and take out. And I really like that I don’t have to worried about it for 3 weeks!


Very positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  4th Oct 23

NuvaRing  

I generally like my Nuvaring, when I'm responsible about using it correctly. I feel confident that it works and I can forget about it most of the time, until I forget to take it out or put it in on the right day. I have used it to skip a period every once in a while. When used inconsistently like that, in combo with not taking out or putting in on the right days, I developed terrible migraines and strange neurological symptoms, like lightheadedness and scalp numbness/tingling. But when I used it regularly again, the symptoms disappeared. I do think I gained weight on it.


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 8+ yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  3rd Aug 23

NuvaRing  

Overall, the birth control is reliable. I like not having to worry about it on a daily basis and it does not interfere with sex.


Improved skin

2 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Birth control shot with other birth control

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