Cap or diaphragm vs Implant
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Overview
Rated 3.9
15 reviews
During or before sex
Frequency
84% - 94%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.8
601 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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Try it now
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Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Cap or diaphragm reviews
15 reviews
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 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st Jan 24
I've used Caya several times over the past couple years (they last up to 2 years- due for a new one now). I use it on the edges of my fertile window (with fertility awareness) and/or combined with withdrawal or condoms to boost efficacy during the fertile window. Always use with Caya/Contragel- they come with an applicator to re-insert the gel into the vagina, as you need to reapply the gel each time you have sex. Watching the YouTube instructions on how to put it in (plus the instruction manual in the box!) helped me understand how to use it properly and to have an idea of how it was inserted properly.
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
2 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 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st Jan 24
I've used Caya several times over the past couple years (they last up to 2 years- due for a new one now). I use it on the edges of my fertile window (with fertility awareness) and/or combined with withdrawal or condoms to boost efficacy during the fertile window. Always use with Caya/Contragel- they come with an applicator to re-insert the gel into the vagina, as you need to reapply the gel each time you have sex. Watching the YouTube instructions on how to put it in (plus the instruction manual in the box!) helped me understand how to use it properly and to have an idea of how it was inserted properly.
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
2 comments
Implant reviews
601 reviews
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
I found the procedure fine. Changed from the pill so I didn’t have to take medication daily which was convenient. I did get acne on this contraception which did get severe so had to change.
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Loved that it was bullet proof and low maintenance + Long lasting. Didn't like the irregular bleeding in the last year so changed to the pill early for more flexibility and control
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Have been using the implant for years. Went to clinic to get replacement, would be my fourth, and practice didn't put implant in. Only discovered months later. Scary process all round, getting 10+ appointments to locate it! Only to be told it wasn't inserted in the first place.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
I found the procedure fine. Changed from the pill so I didn’t have to take medication daily which was convenient. I did get acne on this contraception which did get severe so had to change.
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Loved that it was bullet proof and low maintenance + Long lasting. Didn't like the irregular bleeding in the last year so changed to the pill early for more flexibility and control
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Have been using the implant for years. Went to clinic to get replacement, would be my fourth, and practice didn't put implant in. Only discovered months later. Scary process all round, getting 10+ appointments to locate it! Only to be told it wasn't inserted in the first place.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
my periods stopped but i noticed when i wanted to have sex i wasn’t able to get wet easily. i also developed acne for the first time after i stopped due to the sudden loss of hormones. overall it worked and i enjoyed no periods and no other symptoms outside of sex.
Improved skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 17th Mar 25
took the bandage and plaster off to let the area breathe. (Added new plaster on the second day then removed it once I was sure that the bleeding stopped/wopuld stop. Noticed some bruising, but nothing too bad. A bit of clear, yellowish vaginal discharge No other issues so far!
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th Mar 25
I feel really happy about my experience on the implant. The first 6 months while it settled in were hard, I had a month long period then no bleeding since then. Emotionally speaking I cried every day for the first 6 months, then it was like a light switch went off and I've been fine since! Towards the end of my 3 years I started to get some break through bleeding so had it changed and a new one put in about 3 months earlier than expected but this was no trouble. I have been on it now for 4.5 years and would recommend to everyone but I know I've been lucky having no bleeding at all. I am looking to get off hormonal contraception and want to regulate my cycle to hope to have children in the next few years and want to experience a normal hormonal cycle so this is the only reason I'm changing from the implant! Overall I've had a really great time on the implant and feel reassured while being on the most effective form of birth control against unwanted pregnancy- which is a nice plus for the implant!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6th Mar 25
Have chronic thrush. Trying to constantly battle doctors to get it treated but they say it’s nothing to do with the implant 😕
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 28th Feb 25
Normal for me I’m a U.S. bodybuilder nothing has change a lot of women gain weight because it can be an appetite enhancing affect. I’ve stayed the same tracking calories my spotting is normals as other off and on some missed periods and most lighter and little do not heavy. Experiencing hard sore nipples. And depression seems more there but not to bad. Do feel tired though out the day.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 12th Feb 25
Used this for 1,5 years and I love it. The implant completely stopped my period this whole time, except 1 small break-thru bleeding 1yr ago. Insertion was not painful. Started using due to painful periods. Now living pain-free!
Very positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6th Feb 25
Positives of the Nexplexon implant is it is a very effective contraceptive and the insertion was quick and painless. However, I have been constantly bleeding (spotting and heavier bleeding) since I had it inserted 6 months ago. I have had bad cramping and lower back pain along side the bleeding. My overall mood has been effected as I feel exhausted most of the time, although I do work some night shifts so this may be a contributing factor. My sex drive has been lower than normal. I have noticed my boobs ache and feel sore. I am considering having it removed, if the bleeding does not settle.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments

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