Contraception Reviews

Vaginal ring vs Male condom

Vaginal ring

Want to switch birth control?

Male condom

Want to switch birth control?

Overview

Rated 3.4

16 reviews

3 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

Vaginal ring ingredients

Main hormones in Vaginal ring

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

44% no impact on mood

Bleeds

44% lighter periods

Sex drive

56% lost sex drive

Weight

50% gained weight

Skin

38% no impact on skin

Cycle return

40% in 1 month

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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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Vaginal ring reviews

16 reviews

Vaginal ring  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 days ago

NuvaRing  

I was put on the pill at 18 for irregular periods, had no problems after the normal first months of weight gain and mood changes. Later on I started a shift job in which I was on alternating shifts, 7a-7p, 11a-11p, 3p-3a, 7p-7a it was impossible to continue taking the pill at the same time everyday. Also I was working in a different state than my OBGYN and traveled alot so planning a procedure was not feasible. I was started on the ring and it was so much easier! My mood swings, breast tenderness were less, I lost some weight. Only thing was having all the symptoms of a 5 day period shoved into 3 days-so more blood and worse cramps. Previously I never needed a heating pad or meds-now I do BUT its only for 3 days. Overall best decision ever to switch to NuvaRing.

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Jun 25

NuvaRing  

Easy to use. However started having severe night sweats and have to sleep with AC very low. Love having regular periods. Went from 7 days of medium heavy bleeding to 3-4 light days. I did have a significant drop in my sex drive and it's now almost nonexistent which I did not know was a side effect. Overall though excellent birth control option


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd May 25

NuvaRing  

I believe this birth control is very effective and better than others, though it's given me a lot to deal with mentally. My sex drive has decreased drastically and it makes me feel disconnected with my body so I'm considering trying a new route.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 days ago

NuvaRing  

I was put on the pill at 18 for irregular periods, had no problems after the normal first months of weight gain and mood changes. Later on I started a shift job in which I was on alternating shifts, 7a-7p, 11a-11p, 3p-3a, 7p-7a it was impossible to continue taking the pill at the same time everyday. Also I was working in a different state than my OBGYN and traveled alot so planning a procedure was not feasible. I was started on the ring and it was so much easier! My mood swings, breast tenderness were less, I lost some weight. Only thing was having all the symptoms of a 5 day period shoved into 3 days-so more blood and worse cramps. Previously I never needed a heating pad or meds-now I do BUT its only for 3 days. Overall best decision ever to switch to NuvaRing.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  30th Jun 25

NuvaRing  

Easy to use. However started having severe night sweats and have to sleep with AC very low. Love having regular periods. Went from 7 days of medium heavy bleeding to 3-4 light days. I did have a significant drop in my sex drive and it's now almost nonexistent which I did not know was a side effect. Overall though excellent birth control option


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  23rd May 25

NuvaRing  

I believe this birth control is very effective and better than others, though it's given me a lot to deal with mentally. My sex drive has decreased drastically and it makes me feel disconnected with my body so I'm considering trying a new route.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments


Male condom reviews

5 reviews

Male condom  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

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
  •  3 weeks ago

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

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