IUB Ballerine

Cap or diaphragm

Combined pill

Expert advice about your contraception 

Our doctors are here to help

Copper coil (IUD)

Female condom

Fertility awareness methods (FAM)

Gynefix

Expert advice about your contraception

Hormonal coil (IUS)

Implant

Injection

Male condom

Vasectomy

Morning after pill

Patch

Progestogen-only / Mini pill

Sterilisation (Female / tubal occlusion)

Vaginal ring

Withdrawal or pull out method

I mean, it did the job! I didn't get pregnant! I was early in my cycle (around cycle day 12) It was a super precaution as I was unsure if withdrawal was effective at the time. I was in an awful mood about 1/2 days after taking it (like mega PMS) and had spotting just before my period started. I also had a bout of thrush just before I got my period too after taking it.

ellaOne pill-review-id-670135a2-ede7-4363-8f8a-bbf2ec7ffa3a

Always choose the best option for you I have taken this pill numerous times so i was aware of the side affects, not so bad as other pills just a heavier period which also came early which is normal for me happems most times I've took it but overall I would recommend for a morning after solution.

Levonelle One Step pill-review-id-95eff1d8-d576-4602-9416-c7881f1fc48c

Had to take after a condom issue (whoopsie) while waiting to get an appointment for a coil fitting. Was concerned about all the side effects I’d read online but was really relieved that I didn’t experience any and was simple to take. Does the job (I’m not pregnant) but very, very expensive from local pharmacist. I wasn’t offered a range of the options available and in future will be ordering from the lowdown if needed again

ellaOne pill-review-id-d82bd870-6063-43b9-995a-fbd44a45f5a7

I thought I didn’t have much negative side effect after this and I’ve taken it about twice or thrice in the last ten years when another contraceptive method has failed. Every time I have taken it, about a month after I have an incredible amount of hair fall which really worried me. 

Levonorgestrel pill-review-id-5ceebcd0-9e1f-4a6b-8606-d89ecb1781d9

I took this within 24hours of sex, during which the condom had failed. It didn't work and I ended up having an abortion.

Levonorgestrel pill-review-id-06010aa0-6fee-48d3-b52b-c8607035d206

I took this morning after pill last month and had no side effects but took it again this month and it delayed my period by 11 days and prolonged it by an extra few days. I was also heavier during this time. 

Levonorgestrel pill-review-id-3c85346c-f071-4b69-95c1-1ee854c1c7cd

It worked and you're not exactly offered a choice with what you're given but this seriously effected my mood both times I took it.

Levonelle One Step pill-review-id-193db279-8e97-44f6-a3d2-7de09c73e828

I become pregnant even after taking Ellaone literally the morning after. I was so shocked to find out this will not work if you have already ovulated!!!! Please be careful!! I did not know this and was told by the nurse when I had to get an abortion. Very traumatic experience and did not think this would happen to me.

ellaOne pill-review-id-f1119957-c094-4e99-9ac7-58ed93b36c08

Made me feel ill for the rest of the day, fine again the next morning though. Had quite a bit of spotting and period a little later than usual.

Levonorgestrel pill-review-id-9a697a6e-2c71-4a8e-bbff-1cc863cc7989

Do not recommend taking this if you’re allergic to milk or lactose intolerant. I was incredibly nauseous for over 3 days.

ellaOne pill-review-id-4ca116cb-8904-47d0-998c-b51533d2ae53

Started the mini-pill after the combined pill worsened my migraines, caused low mood and weight gain. I am on Desogestrel and I have found it a million times better! The only side effect I have experienced so far is slightly more painful cramps during my period (I still experience a regular period), however they used to be quite painful anyway so this may be unrelated. I have personally experienced no low mood, and feel much more 'level' in comparison to the combined pill. The only thing to note is that it is important not to miss a pill, and take it at the same time each day- I am on the 12 hour window brand though some must be taken within the same 3 hour window each day, to ensure they remain effective. 

Desogestrel pill-review-id-4cb20cf5-5506-49fb-ae60-e7a308814876

I stopped taking the mini pill in June 2022. I weighed 17 and a half stone. In 6 months I managed to successfully diet and lose almost 6 stone with virtually no effort. I had more energy, I didn’t crave junk food, I felt more positive. I started tracking my cycle using an app on my phone and then in February, I met someone and started to worry about cycle tracking as a form of contraception. In April I started the mini pill again. Almost immediately, I lost my sex drive again, started to really struggle with my diet and lost all my energy. I’ve stopped taking it again and can already feel the difference. Whilst the mini pill protected me from unwanted pregnancy, the side effects for me are not worth it. It’s very clear that synthetic contraception is not good for me and would suggest taking it is considered very carefully.

I have been on the pill since I was 14 (now 35), i didn’t suffer from problematic periods, I wanted it for contraception only. I got put on the mini pill from combined three years ago (roughly). I didn’t want to go on the mini pill but was given no other options, I was told it was this or nothing.

Desogestrel pill-review-id-e90ee7ec-83b6-4369-97cd-aacf284225a2

I have been on Cerezette since 17, Its been perfect for me, no periods or pain. Only symptom really is tender breasts sometimes, but that’s bearable. I came off the pill at 25 for a break. It was then when my periods came back I was diagnosed with pre menstrual dysphoric disorder. The first port of call was to put me back on my pill to stop my periods and it worked - my mental health was back on track and I could enjoy my life again. Worth trying if you’re going through a similar situation. 

Cerazette pill-review-id-5de1f403-5af4-42e0-93fc-39721da63f86

Was recommended this form of contraception by GP and started it on 1st day of period and bled for 18 days but have not had anything since but only been on it for 2 months. Skin feels drier but that could be age, but worth mentioning just in case. 

Lovima pill-review-id-04c6c524-3193-4227-aaae-2184aa2b54ee

I very briefly stopped before getting the Nexplanon implant. So not a lot of time to observe any changes. Period came back very quickly but I was really regular before starting the pill.

Overall using Cerelle I had very very few side effects. I was also grateful for the slight window for taking it (a few hours) so less panic. It did totally stop my periods, and the majority of my period symptoms (previously really sore back and nausea). Would definitely recommend.

Cerelle pill-review-id-7973077e-1e74-425f-8adc-8f66a2ff4ab9

After being off this pill for 6 months I have seen an enormous improvement in my mood, weight and overall well-being. I gained 9kg on this pill! I’ve been the same weight for a very long time, so to gain 9kg in a few months seemed odd but it was shrugged off as an ‘age thing’ as I’m approaching 30. Yet as soon as I came off this pill I lost the weight. I in part put this down to the extreme bloating I experienced on this pill. Insane levels of water retention stopped me from being able to wear any of my clothes. Not to mention the constipation! This had a serious impact on my well-being, self image and consequently my sex drive. Retrospect is a wonderful thing. Just wish I’d tried coming off it sooner! 

Norgeston pill-review-id-f084d740-7555-4cdc-b480-9fee39d2c86b

Was always on my period when taking this pill, bled non stop for 3 months. Was horrible and gave mood swings. Stopped taking in the end as could barely have sex as constant bleeding, so wasn't even worth it.

Cerazette pill-review-id-e1a38a06-c32d-47c4-9248-e14122752f35

For nearly three years I was taking no contraception so the changes I’ve noticed since taking this pill are noticeable. This is the first time I’ve been in this pill, previously I was always on the combined pill.

My periods have become much longer than before, going from 5days to nearly 8/9days. I’ve read online that this is normal so I’m going to give it a bit longer. My period pains have improved though which is a positive.

My boobs have defiantly increased in size and I have gained weight. Again I am going to see how it goes and if things change. 

My libido has pretty much gone which again I am going to monitor, if it doesn’t come back, I have trouble maintaining my weight and my skin does not improved I will be going back and asking for something different.

Progestogen-only / Mini pill-review-id-1b440cb5-671c-4ed5-be25-9e0b06fef7b6

I got married in summer 2019 and came off the pill straight away - thinking it would take a while for my reproductive system to readjust before I could conceive. 

My mood was almost instantly lifted and my libido came back with a vengeance. I ended up pregnant following my first cycle! 

I’ve been using Natural Cycles ever since because I don’t ever want to go back to feeling the way I did. 

It took me a while to realise that how I felt and what I was experiencing was due to the pill. I had been on the combined pill since the age of 15, but was moved to cerazette to see if it would help my migraines - it didn’t but I continued taking it anyway. 

I knew my constant moodiness and lack of libido wasn’t normal but I was too ashamed to speak to my GP because of bad experiences before. In hindsight, I wish I had because I feel my low mood really held me back. 

Cerazette pill-review-id-7cacb012-a891-4d53-90e3-659bbb0afa6e

I switched to this pill from rigevidon which gave me crippling anxiety and low mood. As soon as i went on this pill it all went away so that was nice. I would have stayed on this pill if not for the fact i had a period of 7 days breakthrough bleeding when switching and then a 4 day break and i started bleeding again which i thought was going to go away but it didnt and i bled every day for over a month until i switched pills. I also realised id get slight moments of nausea for a few minutes throughout the day but if this was my only symptom it would be manageable. The second dealbreaker for me though was my complete loss of sex drive. It was non existent and the thought of anything remotely sexual or intimate would be uninteresting or id even feel slightly uncomfortable about the thought of it. Felt like it definitely affected me mentally because i felt it was my fault I didnt feel aroused when my boyfriend made a move. So yeah, don’t recommend this pill.

Morning after pill vs Progestogen-only / Mini pill

Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor

Overview

Morning after pill ingredients

Progestogen-only / Mini pill ingredients

What Lowdown reviewers say

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Checkout our latest reviews

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Order online now

Not sure yet? Speak to a doctor