Gynefix vs Combined pill
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Overview
Rated 4.4
12 reviews
5 years
Frequency
Over 99%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.8
2585 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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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
0 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
0 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
2585 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Overall, Haven’t noticed any changes to mood, it’s definitely made me gain a little bit of weight. However, My period i had when coming off the pill was in one word…. Excruciating. I’ve never had bad period cramps but with this pill my period came out in massive blood clots and it was very very painful.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
Gave me cystitis all the time and even after coming off I keep getting it after seeing a specialist they told me it’s due to the The pill, lowering my oestrogen
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 week ago
I thought i had gotten on well with Gedarel, didn’t have side effects really and took it continuously to not have periods which only about every 6mnths got beeak-through bleeding, the periods during a pill break were getting heavier each time though. only after coming off it and changing to the mini pill did I realise my sez drive was affected by it as it came back to my normal and my mood felt more stable generally also? The reason for switching was because I had one really bad migrane (and no history of it)
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Overall, Haven’t noticed any changes to mood, it’s definitely made me gain a little bit of weight. However, My period i had when coming off the pill was in one word…. Excruciating. I’ve never had bad period cramps but with this pill my period came out in massive blood clots and it was very very painful.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
Gave me cystitis all the time and even after coming off I keep getting it after seeing a specialist they told me it’s due to the The pill, lowering my oestrogen
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 week ago
I thought i had gotten on well with Gedarel, didn’t have side effects really and took it continuously to not have periods which only about every 6mnths got beeak-through bleeding, the periods during a pill break were getting heavier each time though. only after coming off it and changing to the mini pill did I realise my sez drive was affected by it as it came back to my normal and my mood felt more stable generally also? The reason for switching was because I had one really bad migrane (and no history of it)
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Very positive mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
16 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I started this pill 4 months ago, and i’ve noticed that i’ve bruised a lot, especially on my arms knees legs etc. i had swapped birth controls> from the injection seyena press to the combined pill and the injection, i had no period for the 2 year period i was using, started the pill and have had 2 quite big heavy periods- having a clear out isn’t an issue but the pain i am in is a lot. either way this pill is great whilst using for 4 months+ :)
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I really didn't like this pill. It caused my mood to plummet, and I gained weight on it.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I was prescribed Femodette because I wanted a COC pill that would not cause my mood to worsen. It didn't have any impact on my mood, which is great, but the weight gain I experienced on this pill made me consider alternative methods of contraception.
Increased sex drive
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
my pharmacy moved me to this pill when my previous one was not available. I was hesitent at first but found it lightened my discharge which was always so heavy on my previous pill. I was forced to stop this pill due to unavailbilty but i am currently trying to get it back because after a month back on my old pill i am now seeing how much better this one was for me. I didnt notice the positive changes until i had to go back onto my old one. But if anything that is a good thing to me because it felt natural.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
It was good in the sense that my “cycle” felt really regular and I had very consistent moods which felt good as it avoided the PMS I used to get. The peace of mind as a contraceptive method was also good. Whilst I was on it I didnt realise anything significantly different about myself. However, when I came off it i didnt realise how much of my self it had suppressed - in terms of feeling alive to the word and sexually charged. I now use condoms/ may consider the localised hormonal coil as I am no longer interested in experiencing such significant changes in myself for contraception.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
Within 48 hours of swallowing the first tablet I started to have Brown discharge which has grown into what would be described as a full on period with horrendous stomach ache, it will be 2 weeks on Sunday since I swallowed the first tablet. I'm assuming this is the breakthrough bleeding and my body needs to adjust but anyone else experienced this?
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments

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