Implant vs Injection

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Implant

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Injection

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Overview

Rated 2.8

613 reviews

Every 3 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.9

296 reviews

Every 2-3 months

Frequency

94% - 99+%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

Short term

Effect on fertility

Implant ingredients

Main hormones in Implant

progestogen


Injection ingredients

Main hormones in Injection

progestogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

37% somewhat negative

49% irregular periods

50% lost sex drive

40% gained weight

56% no impact on skin

Cycle return

31% in 1 month

32% somewhat negative

70% stopped periods

56% lost sex drive

49% gained weight

47% no impact on skin

Cycle return

43% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Heavy periods

Ovulation pain

Period pain

Endometriosis

Heavy periods

Period pain

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Implant reviews

613 reviews

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

To me, the implant feels like a very fair tradeoff, where inconsistent spotting and occasional sore boobs is a price I am willing to pay to ensure I have the best protection from pregnancy. That is why I have rated it 5 stars, despite mild side effects. I have had the implant for six months now, and I can honestly say that it has been immense. My copper IUD gave me heavy periods and back pain which would ruin my day, and caused me lots of stress when it randomly decided to dislodge itself after 3 months. The implant cannot dislodge, so this was a welcome improvement. My partner and I used condoms but were worried about the risk of "human error". I was hesitant to start hormonal birth control because I heard stories about people losing their libido or experiencing emotional/personality changes, but these changes have thankfully not occured for me! I may cry slightly more (at films and such) since getting the implant, but I don't actually feel any sadder if that makes sense. Prior to contraception I always had easy, regular periods. Since getting the implant, I have only experienced two physical side effects. One of these is irregular spotting for ~7 days at a time, once or twice a month. This spotting sometimes becomes period-like in terms of the bleeding, and occasionally comes with period-like cramps. I have found this to be easily manageable, but some people find it very frustrating and everyone will have a different experience. It's up to you which side effects you are and aren't willing to put up with. The second side effect for me is sore boobs, although I haven't experienced this for a while. I am hoping that this side effect has run its course now that I have had the implant for 6 months. In terms of the insertion process, it was a ridiculously easy procedure (although I only have an IUD insertion to compare it to). If you're scared of needles I would recommend taking a friend with you because they inject your arm to numb it (mild pain for under 10 seconds, then it's numb). As someone who isn't bothered by needles and had such a friendly doctor, getting the implant was nothing more than an excuse to be taken out for a celebratory dinner. Please don't let the insertion process put you off! Whilst the insertion may sound more inconvenient than picking up a box of condoms or a prescription, it is very straightforward and will only require a 10-minute doctors oppointment every 3 years. I had the implant in my dominant arm and I was able to do normal everyday things, although I had to be cautious about lifting things or raising my arm for the first few days. The bruise took about a month to fully fade, but the mild-moderate aching was gone within a week and a half. In summary, it is so easy to read these reviews and make asssumptions about the implant based on peoples stories of irregular bleeding, painful insertions and hormonal side effects. BUT it is not a negative experience for everyone, and I am so glad to have the implant!

Read more

Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Implant  

All the great wetness I was feeling down there is all gone. I have painful sexual intercourse and I'm sad.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Nexplanon implant  

Poor experience. Great at preventing pregnancy however side effects on mental and physical health were not worth it. I chose to prioritise my health and swap to condoms.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 weeks ago

Nexplanon implant  

To me, the implant feels like a very fair tradeoff, where inconsistent spotting and occasional sore boobs is a price I am willing to pay to ensure I have the best protection from pregnancy. That is why I have rated it 5 stars, despite mild side effects. I have had the implant for six months now, and I can honestly say that it has been immense. My copper IUD gave me heavy periods and back pain which would ruin my day, and caused me lots of stress when it randomly decided to dislodge itself after 3 months. The implant cannot dislodge, so this was a welcome improvement. My partner and I used condoms but were worried about the risk of "human error". I was hesitant to start hormonal birth control because I heard stories about people losing their libido or experiencing emotional/personality changes, but these changes have thankfully not occured for me! I may cry slightly more (at films and such) since getting the implant, but I don't actually feel any sadder if that makes sense. Prior to contraception I always had easy, regular periods. Since getting the implant, I have only experienced two physical side effects. One of these is irregular spotting for ~7 days at a time, once or twice a month. This spotting sometimes becomes period-like in terms of the bleeding, and occasionally comes with period-like cramps. I have found this to be easily manageable, but some people find it very frustrating and everyone will have a different experience. It's up to you which side effects you are and aren't willing to put up with. The second side effect for me is sore boobs, although I haven't experienced this for a while. I am hoping that this side effect has run its course now that I have had the implant for 6 months. In terms of the insertion process, it was a ridiculously easy procedure (although I only have an IUD insertion to compare it to). If you're scared of needles I would recommend taking a friend with you because they inject your arm to numb it (mild pain for under 10 seconds, then it's numb). As someone who isn't bothered by needles and had such a friendly doctor, getting the implant was nothing more than an excuse to be taken out for a celebratory dinner. Please don't let the insertion process put you off! Whilst the insertion may sound more inconvenient than picking up a box of condoms or a prescription, it is very straightforward and will only require a 10-minute doctors oppointment every 3 years. I had the implant in my dominant arm and I was able to do normal everyday things, although I had to be cautious about lifting things or raising my arm for the first few days. The bruise took about a month to fully fade, but the mild-moderate aching was gone within a week and a half. In summary, it is so easy to read these reviews and make asssumptions about the implant based on peoples stories of irregular bleeding, painful insertions and hormonal side effects. BUT it is not a negative experience for everyone, and I am so glad to have the implant!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Implant  

All the great wetness I was feeling down there is all gone. I have painful sexual intercourse and I'm sad.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Nexplanon implant  

Poor experience. Great at preventing pregnancy however side effects on mental and physical health were not worth it. I chose to prioritise my health and swap to condoms.


Very negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments


Injection reviews

296 reviews

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Depo-Provera injection  

I’ve used it on an off for years sudden lost of weight within a month since using it again.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Sayana Press injection  

i think it’s amazing


Somewhat positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Noristerat injection  

I had no problems while using noristerate but I would get annoyed sometimes because I would experience spotting for 2 weeks before my next injection. I had little to no menstrual cycle.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Depo-Provera injection  

I’ve used it on an off for years sudden lost of weight within a month since using it again.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2 weeks ago

Sayana Press injection  

i think it’s amazing


Somewhat positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Noristerat injection  

I had no problems while using noristerate but I would get annoyed sometimes because I would experience spotting for 2 weeks before my next injection. I had little to no menstrual cycle.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th Jul 25

Injection  

Side effects are bad


Worse skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Jul 25

Depo-Provera injection  

All women should really do the research before starting this medication. I have read quite a few stories online of women who have felt the same. I have basically felt like a completely different person. I am near on the end of one injection and I will not be going back for another. It’s absolutely ruined my relationship with my partner. I’ve been absolutely horrible to him and it’s only now I’m starting to realise just what this injection did to me. Thank goodness he’s so understanding and helped me through it because I was literally horrendous. Literally a few days after I had it I was a different person, I hated him. Everything he done annoyed me, I was rude and hurtful and I couldn’t control it. I would snap in and out of moods so badly that we named the other “person” Patrica. He was constantly walking on egg shells as he never knew which version he would get. I am so upset that I have felt this way in the last few months. So much so I was having suicidal thoughts. I pray that anyone doesn’t risk it because it’s been 3 months of hell for us.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3rd Jul 25

Depo-Provera injection  

This has been great for me helped regulate my moods no longer huge crashes i get around periods. Also it has completely stopped my periods which were heavy and painful, I get the occasional period pain leading up to when my injection is due but they are very very mild and don’t really effect me.


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  26th Jun 25

Depo-Provera injection  

Things I’ve had history struggling with in the past: depression, anxiety, weight Things depo increased: depression, anxiety, weight


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  20th Jun 25

Noristerat injection  

im not gaining weight is that normal?


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Jun 25

Noristerat injection  

started using it on April but so far my body is still the same & haven’t experienced breast enlargement yet


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Injection  
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  28th May 25

Sayana Press injection  

Used for over 10 years, completely stopped my periods which was fantastic. The devices became harder and harder to use, needing a lot of force to inject so I ended up turning myself into a pin cushion & wasting a few, which made reordering a faff. Don’t think I gained weight and if anything my skin improved (but that could just be normal from teenage to late 20s). The only negative I noticed was decreased sex drive - but it didn’t totally go so not a massive issue for me.


Improved skin

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Implant with other contraceptives

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