Combined pill vs Male condom
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Overview
Rated 2.8
2623 reviews
Daily
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
Increased
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 4.1
67 reviews
During or before sex
Frequency
82% - 98%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Combined pill ingredients
Main hormones in Combined pill
progestogen
oestrogen
Male condom ingredients
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
Acne or bad skin
Heavy periods
PMS and PMDD
PCOS symptoms
Period pain
Protects against STIs
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Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Combined pill reviews
2623 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
I decided to try Eloine due to negative experiences with other combined pills and the low-dose appealed to me. Unfortunately this turned out to be the worst decision I've ever made. In the first month I felt fine but soon after I began experiencing cramps, headaches and significant mood swings. After 4 months, I was suffering from daily severe headaches and migraines with aura. These migraines were consistent, occurring at the same time each week and lasting nearly two hours (something I had never dealt with before). I often had to take afternoons off work and isolated myself in a dark, quiet room until my vision returned and the dizziness subsided. The only times these migraines didn’t occur was the week I had off for my period. I also started experiencing regular spotting. Alongside the physical symptoms, my mood deteriorated. I became easily irritable, leading to frequent arguments with my partner… something that was rare for us before. This change in my behavior left me feeling down and my anxiety gradually worsened. My sex drive plummeted and eventually vanished altogether. The only positives from this pill was my heavy periods and awful period pain decreased and I lost weight. After discussing my symptoms with a doctor, I was advised to stop taking Eloine immediately. Since stopping, my headaches and migraines have ceased (I haven't had a migraine since) and I began feeling like my old self again within 6 months. The impact of this pill extended beyond my health; it affected my relationship as well. This experience has left me wary of contraceptive pills, making me hesitant to try another option.
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
I have tried about 4 different types of birth control. This one is the only one that has not made be spot for months at a time. This is the first time in my life I have a normal 5-7 day period once a month. My cystic acne has also improved a lot. My boobs did get bigger and it’s more difficult to maintain my weight but with more effort the weight gain is only minimal. Cramps were only bad the first couple months starting it. I also get a headache the entire time I am on my 7 days off the pill. I also get depressed close to my period. Overall the side effects are bad but better than any other I’ve tried and it actually regulates my cycle. I can’t wait until I’m old enough to get my tubes tied because I am over pumping my body with hormones
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4 days ago
Tricycled Femodene for about three years, cleared my skin up but mood swings were apparent. Started having an increased and unusual discharge (with no infection) GP advised to stop taking this pill and change contraception. Just a heads up in case this happens to anyone else as was a very alarming thing to go through with no advice!
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
I decided to try Eloine due to negative experiences with other combined pills and the low-dose appealed to me. Unfortunately this turned out to be the worst decision I've ever made. In the first month I felt fine but soon after I began experiencing cramps, headaches and significant mood swings. After 4 months, I was suffering from daily severe headaches and migraines with aura. These migraines were consistent, occurring at the same time each week and lasting nearly two hours (something I had never dealt with before). I often had to take afternoons off work and isolated myself in a dark, quiet room until my vision returned and the dizziness subsided. The only times these migraines didn’t occur was the week I had off for my period. I also started experiencing regular spotting. Alongside the physical symptoms, my mood deteriorated. I became easily irritable, leading to frequent arguments with my partner… something that was rare for us before. This change in my behavior left me feeling down and my anxiety gradually worsened. My sex drive plummeted and eventually vanished altogether. The only positives from this pill was my heavy periods and awful period pain decreased and I lost weight. After discussing my symptoms with a doctor, I was advised to stop taking Eloine immediately. Since stopping, my headaches and migraines have ceased (I haven't had a migraine since) and I began feeling like my old self again within 6 months. The impact of this pill extended beyond my health; it affected my relationship as well. This experience has left me wary of contraceptive pills, making me hesitant to try another option.
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
I have tried about 4 different types of birth control. This one is the only one that has not made be spot for months at a time. This is the first time in my life I have a normal 5-7 day period once a month. My cystic acne has also improved a lot. My boobs did get bigger and it’s more difficult to maintain my weight but with more effort the weight gain is only minimal. Cramps were only bad the first couple months starting it. I also get a headache the entire time I am on my 7 days off the pill. I also get depressed close to my period. Overall the side effects are bad but better than any other I’ve tried and it actually regulates my cycle. I can’t wait until I’m old enough to get my tubes tied because I am over pumping my body with hormones
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4 days ago
Tricycled Femodene for about three years, cleared my skin up but mood swings were apparent. Started having an increased and unusual discharge (with no infection) GP advised to stop taking this pill and change contraception. Just a heads up in case this happens to anyone else as was a very alarming thing to go through with no advice!
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Male condom reviews
67 reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 16th May 25
Somewhat positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th Nov 24
me and my partner have always had problems with using condoms from durex, but now trying skyns condoms, i will never go back. They don’t have that weird smell and me nor my partner could even feel as if it was there! 100% recommend
Very positive mood
2 more effects
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 16th May 25
Somewhat positive mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th Nov 24
me and my partner have always had problems with using condoms from durex, but now trying skyns condoms, i will never go back. They don’t have that weird smell and me nor my partner could even feel as if it was there! 100% recommend
Very positive mood
2 more effects
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Mar 24
You would need a lot of lube as it is not naturally liberated.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 23rd Feb 24
I have no problem apart from feeling friction more quicker then using without a condom.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 21st Feb 24
I am happy using the male condom as it does not effect my hormones nor cause massive physical issues.
Somewhat positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th Feb 24
I like to use them because they don’t affect you / if you have had bad experiences with hormonal birth control in the past
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 12th Feb 24
My partner uses a male condom which comes with no symptoms as it is not harmonal. However, I struggle with intense ovulation symptoms that ranges from lower abdominal cramps to spotting in mucus. This started 3 years ago (age 25) and first occurred periodically but for the past year it has been almost every month. The mucosal spotting is not heavy and does not require pads. However, it use to last only 1-2 days but now it extends 3-4 days.
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Feb 24
For me using condoms worked great and I had virtually no complaints during the years I used them.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments

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