Dianette pill vs Rigevidon

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Dianette pill

Add your Dianette pill review

Rigevidon

£From £0.19/day

Overview

Rated 3.1

41 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.5

555 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Dianette pill ingredients

Main hormones in Dianette pill

Anti-Androgenic progestogen


Rigevidon ingredients

Main hormones in Rigevidon

Androgenic progestogen

Medium oestrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

32% no impact on mood

42% lighter periods

49% no impact

49% no impact

82% improved skin

Cycle return

50% don’t know impact

41% very negative

48% lighter periods

45% lost sex drive

45% no impact

37% improved skin

Cycle return

43% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Acne or bad skin

Excessive hair growth

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

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£From £0.19/day

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Real life reviews from people like you

Dianette pill reviews

41 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  26th Aug 24

Dianette pill  

I've given Dianette three stars, because there were a few positives while I used it, but ultimately it did more harm than good to my physical and mental well-being. I was first prescribed Dianette by my GP during my A Levels, because I needed regular contraception, and was told that this particular pill would help my hormonal acne. Happily, within the first three months, my skin was the clearest it had ever been since before puberty! And I hadn't got pregnant, so it certainly fulfilled its promises on that front. However, there were some undesirable side effects which eventually led me to come off the pill, and have made me quite wary of hormonal contraception altogether. I found that my appetite increased, to quite an alarming degree. I might have had a three course meal in a restaurant (for example), and then felt ravenous when I'd got home later that evening. Accompanied by this increased hunger was a sudden dip in my energy levels, and feeling "hangry". Coupled with this was some water weight, which made my body feel much bigger than it actually was, and I became very obsessed with exercise, diet, and body image, which meant I lost out on a lot of university-related fun and friendships. (N.B.: this might say more about my own issues around body image and self-esteem, but I feel it's something any women with E.D.s might want to be aware of.) I had some good life experiences while on this pill, but my persistent mood swings and depression ruined them. I had frequent irritability and angry outbursts, which affected ALL my relationships, and, I believe, contributed to my eventual dropping out of university. In spite of the negative effect on my mental health, I didn't find my libido to be adversely affected, but I did seem to be more prone than usual to Thrush. Which, as you can imagine, was something of a passion killer. It took me a long time to admit that maybe this pill wasn't great for me, because of the benefits to my skin and sex life (I was only 18, and having clear skin and being sexually active was still a novelty!). But on top of some existing issues I had, it ruined my life in a lot of ways.

Read more

Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  19th Aug 24

Dianette pill  

I started taking Dianette a year ago when I had the copper coil removed. I had tried other pills in the past and suffered with acne because of them, so I was recommended this pill because of its skin-clearing properties. My skin has been amazing on this pill, I don’t get any spots at all. My mood for the majority of the year has been okay, maybe a bit more flat than normal but no wild mood swings. However last month I didn’t take a break between two packets of the pill because I was going on holiday and didn’t want my period. Since then, my mood swings have been really bad, I’ve been emotional and angry. I wouldn’t recommend doing that if you don’t have to, always take the week’s break! My boobs are definitely more tender, and have grown a bit, and I’ve put on a little bit of weight in general. I definitely have an increased appetite and lower sex drive.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Aug 24

Dianette pill  

I was on Dianette for 3 months. During that time, my face completely stopped getting oily, which meant the acne on my face decreased by a lot (however it gave me dehydrated skin as a result so I had to start using hydrating products). The biggest effect was with the spots on my back and on my buttocks - I didn’t even take the pill for the spots there but they went away completely. I did get headaches more frequently, a few times a week, my breasts also got a bit larger and much more tender but they went back to normal once I stopped taking the pill. My general mood got a bit more “flat”, in the sense that I felt a bit more irritable and less enthusiastic about things. All symptoms went away when I stopped taking the pill though.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
38 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  26th Aug 24

Dianette pill  

I've given Dianette three stars, because there were a few positives while I used it, but ultimately it did more harm than good to my physical and mental well-being. I was first prescribed Dianette by my GP during my A Levels, because I needed regular contraception, and was told that this particular pill would help my hormonal acne. Happily, within the first three months, my skin was the clearest it had ever been since before puberty! And I hadn't got pregnant, so it certainly fulfilled its promises on that front. However, there were some undesirable side effects which eventually led me to come off the pill, and have made me quite wary of hormonal contraception altogether. I found that my appetite increased, to quite an alarming degree. I might have had a three course meal in a restaurant (for example), and then felt ravenous when I'd got home later that evening. Accompanied by this increased hunger was a sudden dip in my energy levels, and feeling "hangry". Coupled with this was some water weight, which made my body feel much bigger than it actually was, and I became very obsessed with exercise, diet, and body image, which meant I lost out on a lot of university-related fun and friendships. (N.B.: this might say more about my own issues around body image and self-esteem, but I feel it's something any women with E.D.s might want to be aware of.) I had some good life experiences while on this pill, but my persistent mood swings and depression ruined them. I had frequent irritability and angry outbursts, which affected ALL my relationships, and, I believe, contributed to my eventual dropping out of university. In spite of the negative effect on my mental health, I didn't find my libido to be adversely affected, but I did seem to be more prone than usual to Thrush. Which, as you can imagine, was something of a passion killer. It took me a long time to admit that maybe this pill wasn't great for me, because of the benefits to my skin and sex life (I was only 18, and having clear skin and being sexually active was still a novelty!). But on top of some existing issues I had, it ruined my life in a lot of ways.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  19th Aug 24

Dianette pill  

I started taking Dianette a year ago when I had the copper coil removed. I had tried other pills in the past and suffered with acne because of them, so I was recommended this pill because of its skin-clearing properties. My skin has been amazing on this pill, I don’t get any spots at all. My mood for the majority of the year has been okay, maybe a bit more flat than normal but no wild mood swings. However last month I didn’t take a break between two packets of the pill because I was going on holiday and didn’t want my period. Since then, my mood swings have been really bad, I’ve been emotional and angry. I wouldn’t recommend doing that if you don’t have to, always take the week’s break! My boobs are definitely more tender, and have grown a bit, and I’ve put on a little bit of weight in general. I definitely have an increased appetite and lower sex drive.


Very negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Aug 24

Dianette pill  

I was on Dianette for 3 months. During that time, my face completely stopped getting oily, which meant the acne on my face decreased by a lot (however it gave me dehydrated skin as a result so I had to start using hydrating products). The biggest effect was with the spots on my back and on my buttocks - I didn’t even take the pill for the spots there but they went away completely. I did get headaches more frequently, a few times a week, my breasts also got a bit larger and much more tender but they went back to normal once I stopped taking the pill. My general mood got a bit more “flat”, in the sense that I felt a bit more irritable and less enthusiastic about things. All symptoms went away when I stopped taking the pill though.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

1 comments


Rigevidon reviews

555 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Rigevidon  

I have been on the combined pill for over 5 years now. I went on it at 16 and I am now 21 years old, whilst I have been on it it’s served me well no horrific side effects. However, over the years my sex drive has got worse and worse and I feel unless I’m on my pill break my mind doesn’t feel clear. I am scared to come off it as I do not know what other best alternative but I think I may change to the copper coil to natural cycles to let my body have a natural cycle. I just feel forcing your body to not ovulate cannot be good for it, I need my natural cycle back for peace of mind.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Rigevidon  

Was put onto Rigevidon after being on the mini pill and not agreeing with it due to constant breakthrough bleeding and UTIs/vaginal dryness. Rigevidon was great for nearly a year and really liked how regular my periods were and had no breakthrough bleeding as long as I did 21 days on, 7 days off rather than taking back to back packs. After a while my mood declined to the point I felt numb and libido declined. I switched to a lower Oestrogen but then after another round at the mini pill as well went back onto Rigevidon as it had been the best one for me and wanted to try it again but I do suffer from migraines but never with aura so I had been deemed safe to use the combined pill as long as I was aware of symptoms to watch out but suddenly developed aura with my migraines so came off Rigevidon and have been fine since.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  22nd Aug 24

Rigevidon  

I had quite a negative experience with the pill . I was prescribed it in 2020 after being diagnosed with PCOS , I was given this to lighten my flow which was very heavy and clear up my skin which had broken out in under the skin cystic acne at the time. Although my periods became more regular they still fluctuated quite a bit. My periods were also incredibly painful and even when I wasn't on my period I began to experience chronic abdominal, pelvic and back pain (I've recently been diagnosed with endometriosis). I also experience horrendous mood swings and had to go on an anti depressant to manage them. I would not try this pill again. I also had suicidal ideation and thoughts when I was on the pill.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 days ago

Rigevidon  

I have been on the combined pill for over 5 years now. I went on it at 16 and I am now 21 years old, whilst I have been on it it’s served me well no horrific side effects. However, over the years my sex drive has got worse and worse and I feel unless I’m on my pill break my mind doesn’t feel clear. I am scared to come off it as I do not know what other best alternative but I think I may change to the copper coil to natural cycles to let my body have a natural cycle. I just feel forcing your body to not ovulate cannot be good for it, I need my natural cycle back for peace of mind.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Rigevidon  

Was put onto Rigevidon after being on the mini pill and not agreeing with it due to constant breakthrough bleeding and UTIs/vaginal dryness. Rigevidon was great for nearly a year and really liked how regular my periods were and had no breakthrough bleeding as long as I did 21 days on, 7 days off rather than taking back to back packs. After a while my mood declined to the point I felt numb and libido declined. I switched to a lower Oestrogen but then after another round at the mini pill as well went back onto Rigevidon as it had been the best one for me and wanted to try it again but I do suffer from migraines but never with aura so I had been deemed safe to use the combined pill as long as I was aware of symptoms to watch out but suddenly developed aura with my migraines so came off Rigevidon and have been fine since.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  22nd Aug 24

Rigevidon  

I had quite a negative experience with the pill . I was prescribed it in 2020 after being diagnosed with PCOS , I was given this to lighten my flow which was very heavy and clear up my skin which had broken out in under the skin cystic acne at the time. Although my periods became more regular they still fluctuated quite a bit. My periods were also incredibly painful and even when I wasn't on my period I began to experience chronic abdominal, pelvic and back pain (I've recently been diagnosed with endometriosis). I also experience horrendous mood swings and had to go on an anti depressant to manage them. I would not try this pill again. I also had suicidal ideation and thoughts when I was on the pill.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  27th Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I’ve tried microgynon and ceracette to manage my heavy and painful periods before being put on rigevidon. Although, my period is generally lighter, there are major side effects that make me want to stop this pill. My mental health has been at its lowest - one minute I’m fine, the next I’m hysterically crying for no reason. I get irritable extremely quickly and I lash out with very little consideration of what I say and do. It’s damaging. I’m not sure whether this is related to the low mood or the pill itself but I’ve experienced a huge decrease in appetite. The thought of eating makes me nauseous. I also feel extremely fatigued and tired all the time but that can also be due to my anaemia and vitamin deficiencies. My breasts also feel tender and fuller. I am considering changing as it is beginning to affect my day to day and the relationships with people around me. I just do not feel like myself.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I used this pill continuously but my body rejected it. I had 2 breakthrough spotting bleeds every 6 months but after 1 and a ½ years I had a full blown period while on the pill. So I had to come off it. Had no issues on it other than that because I have endometriosis, the pain built up and during self pleasure I'd get debilitating cramps. This stopped after coming off the pill. However no one talks about how hard it is to come off the pill. Your hormones are bring shifted and changed and the emotional toll is so harsh. I've had the worst anxiety and paranoia and it's really hard.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3rd Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I was weary to go on Rigevidon after switching from a mini pill which caused non stop bleeding and decreased sex drive however, I was positively surprised. For me I found the side effects minimal if not positive: clearer skin and slightly bigger boobs. I take it without a break which means I only bleed every few months and find it a convenient method of contraception.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I was put on Rigevidon to help my pms and OCD symptoms which worsened the week before and during my period. I was on this pill for a month only and had to stop because of the side effects; the first day I took it i vomited in the middle of the night and every time I took this pill i would feel some sort of nausea. It made my mood much worse, I was uncontrollably sobbing almost every day and would frequently get very annoyed and shout at my family. It also worsened my OCD a lot which was triggered by my mood. I felt a lot better coming off of it.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  30th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

I took it for 3 months. It gave me a lot brain fog initially which either cleared or I just got used to it. I also had very sore breasts and period like cramps for the first few weeks. I had quite a bit of breakthrough bleeding, and couldn’t take it pack to pack. I don’t think it affected my mood too much. The main thing that made me stop was I was getting recurrent UTIs. They only started when i began this pill and have stopped since I started taking a different pill (fingers crossed).


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

This pill helped me so much mentally , it helped me regulate my mood better and focus on tasks so mentally it was great, physically however not so much. On this pill I was much hairier, oilier, sweatier and spottier than I naturally am and when I stopped taking it all of the above cleared up.It did however give me regular and much lighter manageable periods.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 8+ yr
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  12th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

I was moved onto Rigevidon from Yasmin about 14 years ago as my GP said the risk of blood clots was lower (now evidence looks like they are both pretty high risk). I started the pill as a teenager for PCOS symptoms (rarely having periods, excess body hair and acne). I have been very happy on this pill - my mood has been stable and good, my libido is very good, my skin is free of spots although it is oily and my periods are very predictable and light. I do still have a lot of body hair but I think this may just be normal for my genetics unfortunately, and not related to contraception.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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