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
631 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
• 13th Dec 25
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
• 13th Dec 25
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
631 reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
I originally had the implant inserted in May 2025, but I had a difficult experience with heavy bleeding. I had it removed and switched back to the mini-pill, which has always worked well for me. I decided to try the implant again and had it re-inserted around August 18, 2025. Here is the updated timeline of my experience: Initial Recovery (August 2025) • Wound Care: I removed the bandage and plaster early to let the area breathe. I applied a new plaster on the second day, eventually removing it once I was sure the insertion site had finished bleeding. • Healing: There was some minor bruising around the site, but nothing too bad. • Early Symptoms: I noticed some clear, yellowish vaginal discharge shortly after insertion, but no spotting or bleeding during this initial stage. Follow-up Symptoms (A few months later) After I had the implant in for a few months, I began experiencing some changes: • Spotting: I had spotting/light bleeding for a few days. • Discharge: This was followed by a period of reddish and brown discharge that lasted for a few weeks. Current Status Aside from that specific window of spotting and colored discharge a few months in, I have had no other issues. It has been working well since then, and I’m hopeful it stays this way!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
(I had it inserted roughly around August 18th 205, and couldn’t remember how long ago it was when filling this out) , I 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/would stop. Noticed some bruising, but nothing too bad. A bit of clear, yellowish vaginal discharge No other issues besides having a bit of reddish and brown discharge for a few weeks after a few months of having it put in, I did try having it a while ago before August of 2025, say May 2025, had horrible bleeding and such, but then had it taken out and went on mini pill which has always worked ok for me, then decided to go back on the implant and have had it since then and no other problems, so let’s hope it stays this way.
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
3 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Nexplanon has changed my life by taking away my PMS/PMDD mental health symptoms. I have a lot of trust in the evidence that it works effectively to prevent pregnancy. I found both the original insertion and the replacement to be non painful procedures. The replacement took a bit longer because it was fiddly for them to get the rod out. This was not painful but slightly uncomfortable but the nurses were so friendly that it was okay. It completely randomises my periods. I still get a slight breast tenderness before my periods which helps me to know when it is coming. It feels like my PMS is quiet and slow where as before it was fast and brutal. Recently after my new insertion I’ve had a bit of dizziness here and there, but I am still working out why… it could be due to my diet. Generally I prefer my experience on Nexplanon to what my natural experience was like and would continue to use it even if I stopped being sexually active.
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
I originally had the implant inserted in May 2025, but I had a difficult experience with heavy bleeding. I had it removed and switched back to the mini-pill, which has always worked well for me. I decided to try the implant again and had it re-inserted around August 18, 2025. Here is the updated timeline of my experience: Initial Recovery (August 2025) • Wound Care: I removed the bandage and plaster early to let the area breathe. I applied a new plaster on the second day, eventually removing it once I was sure the insertion site had finished bleeding. • Healing: There was some minor bruising around the site, but nothing too bad. • Early Symptoms: I noticed some clear, yellowish vaginal discharge shortly after insertion, but no spotting or bleeding during this initial stage. Follow-up Symptoms (A few months later) After I had the implant in for a few months, I began experiencing some changes: • Spotting: I had spotting/light bleeding for a few days. • Discharge: This was followed by a period of reddish and brown discharge that lasted for a few weeks. Current Status Aside from that specific window of spotting and colored discharge a few months in, I have had no other issues. It has been working well since then, and I’m hopeful it stays this way!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
(I had it inserted roughly around August 18th 205, and couldn’t remember how long ago it was when filling this out) , I 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/would stop. Noticed some bruising, but nothing too bad. A bit of clear, yellowish vaginal discharge No other issues besides having a bit of reddish and brown discharge for a few weeks after a few months of having it put in, I did try having it a while ago before August of 2025, say May 2025, had horrible bleeding and such, but then had it taken out and went on mini pill which has always worked ok for me, then decided to go back on the implant and have had it since then and no other problems, so let’s hope it stays this way.
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
3 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Nexplanon has changed my life by taking away my PMS/PMDD mental health symptoms. I have a lot of trust in the evidence that it works effectively to prevent pregnancy. I found both the original insertion and the replacement to be non painful procedures. The replacement took a bit longer because it was fiddly for them to get the rod out. This was not painful but slightly uncomfortable but the nurses were so friendly that it was okay. It completely randomises my periods. I still get a slight breast tenderness before my periods which helps me to know when it is coming. It feels like my PMS is quiet and slow where as before it was fast and brutal. Recently after my new insertion I’ve had a bit of dizziness here and there, but I am still working out why… it could be due to my diet. Generally I prefer my experience on Nexplanon to what my natural experience was like and would continue to use it even if I stopped being sexually active.
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Stopped my periods for the first 4 years then they became heavier - lasting up to 3 weeks
Worse skin
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
14 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 18th Jan 26
It's my first time on birth control and I get way angrier then I used to but all I'm seeing from my body is positive things
Improved skin
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 10th Jan 26
Was previously on the progesterone only pill but did not want to have to remember it daily. Have had no issues with Nexplanon and had it changed recently after having the first for three years.
Very positive mood
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 27th Dec 25
I would recommend getting the implant. There has been little to no difference in my body while using it and it has been a positive experience. I did notice my periods have gone from Light and regular every month to continue being light but very irregular and can last anything from 4 days to 3 months at a time. I also had one other negative experience a few weeks into having the implant. (I do think it was just my body adjusting as I haven’t had anything the same since). Where I was continuously being sick for 2 days, There was no signs of me being ill or have eaten anything unusual. I do think the implant has made very little changes to my body. Obviously a 3 month period is annoying but it does end you just need to be patient. I’m coming up to 2 years on my implant so I do feel as though my input is helpful as some people aren’t patient enough to wait out the symptoms like a long period.
Very positive mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
1 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
15 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 18th Dec 25
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
• 18th Dec 25
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
• 7th Dec 25
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
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