Cap or diaphragm vs Implant
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Overview
Rated 3.8
16 reviews
During or before sex
Frequency
84% - 94%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.8
624 reviews
Every 3 years
Frequency
Over 99%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Cap or diaphragm ingredients
Implant ingredients
Main hormones in Implant
progestogen
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
There are no benefits that are recognised in scientific research or guidelines for this contraceptive
Heavy periods
Ovulation pain
Period pain
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Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Cap or diaphragm reviews
16 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
I decided to invest in the Caya diaphragm since I was determined to find a non-hormonal method I could use that wouldn’t impact sex too much (I get irritation with condoms and the copper coil moved out of place pretty much immediately). I really wanted it to work but unfortunately it was way too uncomfortable during sex. It feels like there’s just way too much ‘stuff’ inside me. And I think it obstructs my natural wetness (I suspect that’s why some people mention a lot of discharge upon removal). My partner also said while he could definitely feel it, it wasn’t uncomfortable. I’d choose condoms over the diaphragm unfortunately. Hope this helps :)
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6th Apr 25
I’ve enjoyed using the cap around my fertile window but struggle to feel 100% confident I have inserted it correctly. When removing the cap I notice a lot of discharge but not after use, only when removing. Way better than the pill or condoms for me.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th May 24
Apart from the issue I'm currently dealing with (it getting stuck inside of me), I LOVE the diaphragm. I found out I wasn't never fitted (which is why it kept getting stuck upon removal), so my new, awesome doctor actually sized me. It's easier than popping in a tampon once you learn how to do it and then ya pop it out the morning after sex. No side effects, no hormones, no emotional hangover. It's very hard to find though. Pharmaceutical companies don't want women to buy one silicone object that lasts for the rest of your life, so finding the right size and actually getting it has been a challenge. My mom used it and only got pregnant to have me (her only child) and I've been using it for 5+ years with no issues.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
I decided to invest in the Caya diaphragm since I was determined to find a non-hormonal method I could use that wouldn’t impact sex too much (I get irritation with condoms and the copper coil moved out of place pretty much immediately). I really wanted it to work but unfortunately it was way too uncomfortable during sex. It feels like there’s just way too much ‘stuff’ inside me. And I think it obstructs my natural wetness (I suspect that’s why some people mention a lot of discharge upon removal). My partner also said while he could definitely feel it, it wasn’t uncomfortable. I’d choose condoms over the diaphragm unfortunately. Hope this helps :)
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6th Apr 25
I’ve enjoyed using the cap around my fertile window but struggle to feel 100% confident I have inserted it correctly. When removing the cap I notice a lot of discharge but not after use, only when removing. Way better than the pill or condoms for me.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th May 24
Apart from the issue I'm currently dealing with (it getting stuck inside of me), I LOVE the diaphragm. I found out I wasn't never fitted (which is why it kept getting stuck upon removal), so my new, awesome doctor actually sized me. It's easier than popping in a tampon once you learn how to do it and then ya pop it out the morning after sex. No side effects, no hormones, no emotional hangover. It's very hard to find though. Pharmaceutical companies don't want women to buy one silicone object that lasts for the rest of your life, so finding the right size and actually getting it has been a challenge. My mom used it and only got pregnant to have me (her only child) and I've been using it for 5+ years with no issues.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Implant reviews
624 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
15 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
I got this because I have very bad periods. I’ve had worse cramps then before and they go on for longer however the bleeding is lighter
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
15 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
I got this because I have very bad periods. I’ve had worse cramps then before and they go on for longer however the bleeding is lighter
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
16 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
wish i knew got it honestly periods stopped completely so much weight loss rlly bad increase in my mh and mood makes me feel so not me
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
15 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
I got this because I have very bad periods. I’ve had worse cramps then before and they go on for longer however the bleeding is lighter
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
15 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
I got this because I have very bad periods. I’ve had worse cramps then before and they go on for longer however the bleeding is lighter
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
16 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
wish i knew got it honestly periods stopped completely so much weight loss rlly bad increase in my mh and mood makes me feel so not me
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Apart for heavy long periods, I Became mean and short fused. My sex drive is zero. I am less excited and feeling empty. Had the implant for 8 months, the behaviour changes are not settling.I am generally miserable and its damaging my relationship.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 15th Nov 25
Safest and easiest contraception in my opinion. However does come with lots of side effects as any medication does, it is manageable but irritating at times (headaches, irregular bleeding every month and lower back pain). I also get rashes at the implant site quite frequently and heard this is very common- gets itchy but normal apparently
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 14th Nov 25
Of all the contraceptives I tried I was most satisfied with the implant. I had mostly no side effects and it stopped my period completely after 1 year (had some spotting irregularly in the first year). It was a very effective method, with painless insertion and changes (had 3 implants in 7 years). I removed it because I wanted to give my body a break before potentially trying for a baby. The main side effect and reason I took off one star is the loss of libido and vaginal dryness. My libido was very low and when I did get into sex, the dryness made things painful. Overall the sensation and pleasure of sex took a hit, but it was manageable. Now that I am off the implant I notice a resurgence in libido and feel more connected to my body and sexual self.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 11th Nov 25
I had the implant for 19 months and got it taken out today after being a little fed up of the side effects. For the first couple of months, I had my period as normal and pretty much no other symptoms except being a bit more emotional. Then over the next year or so i had completely stopped bleeding and had no issues. Then I started to get migraines maybe 2 a week for a couple weeks (I had 5 in the space of a month?) and they were so unbearable. And then I started bleeding again but it was so irregular. I could have a period twice in 2 weeks but not have one for like 6-8 weeks and then get spotting for a few days. It was so frustrating. That and having incredibly sore nipples and tender breasts that I couldn’t wear anything without it hurting. Ever since getting it inserted I have gained around 30kg which is very noticeable on someone who is barely 5ft tall. So because of that my self confidence has completely dropped. It felt like I was buying a bigger bra every 2 months. And none of my clothes that I had a year and a half ago fit me anymore. Overall the beginning was pretty great but about a year in I didn’t like it anymore.
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th Oct 25
Really easy insertion process, nothing to be worried about as a local anesthetic is used. Luckily so far I haven't had a single bleed on this (touch wood) although I had this fitted 2 months postpartum and my periods hadn't properly come back yet. I kept forgetting to take my pill and so I love the implant so far as it's automated contraception that requires no effort for 3 years! Perfect for a busy mama!!!
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
1 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th Oct 25
can be such hell sometimes my mood is literally allover the place all the time (i do also have PMDD) i also have baby fever all the time i just want a baby so bad have wanted to come off it a few times just so i could be a mother but the weight it’s on and off sometimes ill gain it sometimes ill lose it i’ve also gained stretch marks but its effective does the job and doesn’t interfere with my day to day life all the time
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Oct 25
At first stopped my periods for 1 year but after periods came back much lighter but at random times. Now periods are more regular and still light rather than random spotting. Recently the doctor found a cyst in my ovary they think was caused by the implant.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
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