Gynefix vs Combined pill
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£From £0.16/day
Overview
Rated 4.4
12 reviews
5 years
Frequency
Over 99%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.8
2617 reviews
Daily
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
Increased
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Gynefix ingredients
Combined pill ingredients
Main hormones in Combined pill
progestogen
oestrogen
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
Acne or bad skin
Heavy periods
PMS and PMDD
PCOS symptoms
Period pain
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£From £0.16/day
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Gynefix reviews
12 reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 27th Apr 25
Like many others, I found myself unable to decide between a coil (painful) and hormones (just dont want hormones). Gynefix has been the perfect in-between solution for me. Hormone-free, but also not painful. Insertion was a bit uncomfortable. The gyno needs to pierce your uterus wall. It felt a bit like getting a tiny push somewhere deep inside which, rather than super painful, was just a weird feeling which is what makes it uncomfortable. During the week after I could still feel that spot but again it wasn't really painful just weird to be aware of an internal organ like that. Other than having to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks, the recovery was very smooth and I had no issues. You cannot feel the gynefix inside you which is amazing. I have noticed no difference in my periods other than that 2 weeks before my period is due, I get some light spotting. I was afraid that during sex, the guy would feel the removal thread, but this was not the case. The thread also curls around the cervix a bit (over time) which makes it even less noticeable. Maintenance wise it's also great. Just visit the gyno every couple of months to get an ultrasound and make sure the Gynefix is still in place. You get 5 years of protection. I wish the gynefix was advertised to more people because I believe it is an awesome solution for anyone that is looking for a pain-free, hormone-free, hassle free contraceptive.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6th Mar 25
I got my gynefix mini online and had it inserted at the John Hunter clinic in London. I had paraguard before which gave me terrible cramps and incredibly heavy periods: I had Jaydess for 3 years which gave low but manageable mood but I started having terrible back pains either it. Once I had it removed, back pains stopped. I didn’t use anything for a while and then tried the implant, which was awful! It gave me terrible mood swings and anger! Went back to jaydess and back pains returned and low mood. I started looking for other options and found gynefix and I am so glad I did! Insertion was painful and my periods are significantly heavier but nothing I can’t live with. No back-pains, no horrible craps and no mood effects! Thank you whoever created this! I really forget it is there and only sometimes can slightly feel it, but this is by far the best contraception I’ve tried! It was hard to find a dr to get it fitted and I had to order it myself as NHS don’t supply it, but worth it!
Very positive mood
0 helpful
1 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th Jan 25
Got one at mortimer market in 2023 and other than a slight increase in discharge (normal discharge), which to be honest I don't think is related to the gynefix, I have had an amazing experience with the gynefix, I just wish it lasted longer than 5 years! Insertion was very smooth; uncomfortable/painful for sure but nothing terrible and not the worst pain of my life, I was able to walk home after the procedure. Had spotting / light bleeding throughout my cycle for maybe a month or two, and I remember having spotting for a few months, but honestly nothing crazy or super annoying. My period was a bit heavier for a few months after insertion but now it is back to my normal (I had light, minimal pain periods before the gynefix for context!). I love it and wish it was more available in the UK, fear that when I need it out I wont be able to get it on the NHS and I can't see myself wanting any other contraception.
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 27th Apr 25
Like many others, I found myself unable to decide between a coil (painful) and hormones (just dont want hormones). Gynefix has been the perfect in-between solution for me. Hormone-free, but also not painful. Insertion was a bit uncomfortable. The gyno needs to pierce your uterus wall. It felt a bit like getting a tiny push somewhere deep inside which, rather than super painful, was just a weird feeling which is what makes it uncomfortable. During the week after I could still feel that spot but again it wasn't really painful just weird to be aware of an internal organ like that. Other than having to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks, the recovery was very smooth and I had no issues. You cannot feel the gynefix inside you which is amazing. I have noticed no difference in my periods other than that 2 weeks before my period is due, I get some light spotting. I was afraid that during sex, the guy would feel the removal thread, but this was not the case. The thread also curls around the cervix a bit (over time) which makes it even less noticeable. Maintenance wise it's also great. Just visit the gyno every couple of months to get an ultrasound and make sure the Gynefix is still in place. You get 5 years of protection. I wish the gynefix was advertised to more people because I believe it is an awesome solution for anyone that is looking for a pain-free, hormone-free, hassle free contraceptive.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6th Mar 25
I got my gynefix mini online and had it inserted at the John Hunter clinic in London. I had paraguard before which gave me terrible cramps and incredibly heavy periods: I had Jaydess for 3 years which gave low but manageable mood but I started having terrible back pains either it. Once I had it removed, back pains stopped. I didn’t use anything for a while and then tried the implant, which was awful! It gave me terrible mood swings and anger! Went back to jaydess and back pains returned and low mood. I started looking for other options and found gynefix and I am so glad I did! Insertion was painful and my periods are significantly heavier but nothing I can’t live with. No back-pains, no horrible craps and no mood effects! Thank you whoever created this! I really forget it is there and only sometimes can slightly feel it, but this is by far the best contraception I’ve tried! It was hard to find a dr to get it fitted and I had to order it myself as NHS don’t supply it, but worth it!
Very positive mood
0 helpful
1 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th Jan 25
Got one at mortimer market in 2023 and other than a slight increase in discharge (normal discharge), which to be honest I don't think is related to the gynefix, I have had an amazing experience with the gynefix, I just wish it lasted longer than 5 years! Insertion was very smooth; uncomfortable/painful for sure but nothing terrible and not the worst pain of my life, I was able to walk home after the procedure. Had spotting / light bleeding throughout my cycle for maybe a month or two, and I remember having spotting for a few months, but honestly nothing crazy or super annoying. My period was a bit heavier for a few months after insertion but now it is back to my normal (I had light, minimal pain periods before the gynefix for context!). I love it and wish it was more available in the UK, fear that when I need it out I wont be able to get it on the NHS and I can't see myself wanting any other contraception.
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Combined pill reviews
2617 reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
Since taking this pill it has regulated my period , I take it 21 days then have a 7 day break , i stop on a Saturday then I come on , on the Thursday and I finish on the Wednesday. It’s like that every month , but when I do stop taking them I get cramps and a bellyache and also runny stools , but soon as I start them again the pains subside and my stools become harder . I am finding a little more discharge than usual but I’ve heard that’s normal because of the hormonal changes . But overall I’d definitely recommend to anyone who fits the criteria 🙂
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Lucette has worked well for me for managing period cramps and acne. However since starting it I've had an increase in back pain, a flare up of eczema that I've never had before, and I can't have caffeine without having a bad reaction. My sex drive has also decreased a lot.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
This contraception changed my personality. It made me very angry, easily frustrated and issues that should be small seemed huge in my mind. Since changing contraception to the Yasmin pill, I honestly feel like a different person. I am quite upset that most of my twenties were spent in this state of constant anger. I thought it was just my personality but since changing pill I can now see that it was the contraception. I also got severe withdrawal headaches when I took the 7 day break.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 day ago
Since taking this pill it has regulated my period , I take it 21 days then have a 7 day break , i stop on a Saturday then I come on , on the Thursday and I finish on the Wednesday. It’s like that every month , but when I do stop taking them I get cramps and a bellyache and also runny stools , but soon as I start them again the pains subside and my stools become harder . I am finding a little more discharge than usual but I’ve heard that’s normal because of the hormonal changes . But overall I’d definitely recommend to anyone who fits the criteria 🙂
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Lucette has worked well for me for managing period cramps and acne. However since starting it I've had an increase in back pain, a flare up of eczema that I've never had before, and I can't have caffeine without having a bad reaction. My sex drive has also decreased a lot.
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
29 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
This contraception changed my personality. It made me very angry, easily frustrated and issues that should be small seemed huge in my mind. Since changing contraception to the Yasmin pill, I honestly feel like a different person. I am quite upset that most of my twenties were spent in this state of constant anger. I thought it was just my personality but since changing pill I can now see that it was the contraception. I also got severe withdrawal headaches when I took the 7 day break.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
i have PCOS this pill was amazing for the first 3 1/2 years, it made me lose 10 pounds in two weeks from me changing nothing to my active levels and diet, my skin cleared up, i had lighter and regular periods, had a high sex drive until i started having very irregular periods in the last 6 months. including periods happening every other week and spotting between it even when taking it correctly so i decided to change contraception but this may be because of my PCOS
Improved skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
For the first 2 years it was great. Then it got progressively worse, it severely affected my mental health and physical qualities of life too. Periods are so unpredictable by both pain and flow. As a contraceptive however, it works very well.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
Intended purpose is great- it’s stopped my debilitating periods and I can now carry on with my day when I first start my period, however I have experienced acid reflux and a lot of nausea specifically in the morning even after 8 months on this pill.
Decreased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I had several fortnight long periods on this pill. My regular periods are horrific so I was initially willing to take any side effects the pill had, and even though my regular level of pain/vomiting/fainting went away, I barely had rests from bleeding, my mood swings and hormonal breakdowns were uncontrollable, I gained a lot of weight, and I still had nausea and cramping. After over 18 months the side effects still had not dialled down so I had to quit.
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
28 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Nice to stop menstruation but in no way worth it for the awful psychological impacts. Mental breakdowns were indeed had.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
My boobs have got so much bigger but my skin it completely cleared my awful awful acne and I have the clearest skin now.
Improved skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments

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