Cap or diaphragm vs Implant

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Cap or diaphragm

Add your cap or diaphragm review

Implant

Add your Implant review

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

646 reviews

Every 5 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Cap or diaphragm ingredients

A contraceptive diaphragm or cap is a circular dome made of thin soft silicone although they come in different shapes sizes and materials. You need to use it with a gel that kills sperm called spermicide. The most common active ingredient of spermicides is nonoxynol-9.

Implant ingredients

Main hormones in Implant

progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

88% no impact on mood

88% no change

94% no impact

100% no impact

83% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 1 month

36% somewhat negative

49% irregular periods

48% lost sex drive

40% gained weight

54% no impact on skin

Cycle return

31% in 1 month

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

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Dec 25

Cap or diaphragm  

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 :)

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Apr 25

Cap or diaphragm  

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

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 24

Cap or diaphragm  

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

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th Dec 25

Cap or diaphragm  

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

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Apr 25

Cap or diaphragm  

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

Cap or diaphragm  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 24

Cap or diaphragm  

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

646 reviews

Implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

I have attempted trying the implant twice. Once when I was 18 and recently at 25 after having a baby. Whilst insertion is quick, easy and pain free with local anaesthetic, the effects of the implant on my mood have been detrimental. The hormone caused me on both occasions to develop severe anxiety and depression almost immediately after insertion, as someone who doesn't usually suffer with mental health issues. It's like having PMS but on an extreme scale. The implant on both occasions made my life miserable. I had to have both removed early and funnily enough a week or so after I did, I felt like 'me' again. The implant has a massive amount of hormone in that runs through your body daily. A hormonal coil works much better for me as it has almost 1/6th the hormone amount of an implant which is mostly contained within the uterus.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

First year and a bit on the implant absolutely perfect. Minimal periods and literally zero side effects. However coming up to year 2 I started bleeding a lot on it. Almost every other week I was getting my period. My GP recommended I get a new one fitted and sadly from the beginning I’m still having frequent periods and ache. It’s a real shame as I really enjoyed having it at the start but I will be switching now.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

The fitting was not as scary as I anticipated (helped by an amazing nurse!), and have had similar side effects to the progesterone-only pill, but without the stress of remembering to take it at the same time which is a nice break after years! 'Periods' come every few months generally for me, and are about twice the length of usual but less painful and none of the usual emotional disregulation leading up to it.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

I have attempted trying the implant twice. Once when I was 18 and recently at 25 after having a baby. Whilst insertion is quick, easy and pain free with local anaesthetic, the effects of the implant on my mood have been detrimental. The hormone caused me on both occasions to develop severe anxiety and depression almost immediately after insertion, as someone who doesn't usually suffer with mental health issues. It's like having PMS but on an extreme scale. The implant on both occasions made my life miserable. I had to have both removed early and funnily enough a week or so after I did, I felt like 'me' again. The implant has a massive amount of hormone in that runs through your body daily. A hormonal coil works much better for me as it has almost 1/6th the hormone amount of an implant which is mostly contained within the uterus.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

First year and a bit on the implant absolutely perfect. Minimal periods and literally zero side effects. However coming up to year 2 I started bleeding a lot on it. Almost every other week I was getting my period. My GP recommended I get a new one fitted and sadly from the beginning I’m still having frequent periods and ache. It’s a real shame as I really enjoyed having it at the start but I will be switching now.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

The fitting was not as scary as I anticipated (helped by an amazing nurse!), and have had similar side effects to the progesterone-only pill, but without the stress of remembering to take it at the same time which is a nice break after years! 'Periods' come every few months generally for me, and are about twice the length of usual but less painful and none of the usual emotional disregulation leading up to it.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  24th Aug 26

Nexplanon implant  

overall a good experience, used to have very bad acne that was significantly improved. only bad thing I can point out is that my period went to very regular to irregular with ocasional spotting


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 8+ yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  16th Aug 26

Nexplanon implant  

I liked the implant however it caused a lot of irregular bleeding and bloating. Once I came off it after 8 years I developed PMDD


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  21st Jul 26

Nexplanon implant  

I’ve had this implant twice now both times had side effects I couldn’t deal with first time I gained nearly 3 stone and this time I’m on the weight loss injection and it seems to be countering the weight gain but honestly I’m so emotional and insecure my partner is struggling to deal with my emotions and so am I


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  15th Jul 26

Nexplanon implant  

At first, my experience with the implant wasn't too bad as I was still 'wet' and moist, but over time my natural moisture has completely dwindled down to nearly nothing. This severe dryness is driving me absolutely insane because it honestly makes me feel like I have a post-menopausal vagina. Because of this, I am now changing back to the generic Desogestrel mini-pill, as I know from previous use that I at least had a normal, healthy white and milky discharge on that method. I am just stating my own personal experience here, and I still think that other people should definitely try the implant if they fancy a different form of birth control, because everyone's body reacts differently to the hormones. so yeah, thank u, next with the implant.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  14th Jul 26

Nexplanon implant  

Been on the implant for 6 years now, initially I was spotting for 6 months before it finally settled. Now much more lighter periods so I can cope better as previously really heavy and needed tranexamic acid to manage, mood is more level now also, very rarely get cramps which is a bonus, have gained a little weight and body hair, overall happy with it


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  8th Jul 26

Nexplanon implant  

I gain weight and got chronic fatigue. It was awful.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
42 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  24th Jun 26

Nexplanon implant  

This i my first time, I discovered skin heat rash at the initial stage, presently loosing weight and loosing hair.


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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