Patch vs Female condom
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Overview
Rated 3.4
131 reviews
Weekly
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
Increased
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 3.5
4 reviews
During or before sex
Frequency
79% - 95%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Patch ingredients
Main hormones in Patch
progestogen
oestrogen
Female condom ingredients
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
Acne or bad skin
Heavy periods
PMS and PMDD
PCOS symptoms
Period pain
Protects against STIs
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Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Patch reviews
131 reviews
Used for 8+ yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I loved being on the patch. It was so convenient. My periods were still really heavy but I could push them to once every two months before breakthrough bleeding would cause me to take the patch off and have a period. I’d have pain on the first day but nothing ever as bad as I used to have before. I was solely on the patch to help with irregular/painful periods. I switched bc I wanted a more subtle birth control.
Increased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th May 26
I’ve not noticed many side effects other than weight gain / breast growth. Periods are extremely regular almost down to the hour of the day i’ll get it, lasts three days total and before birth control i would have had very bad cramps i’ve noticed they’ve minimised significantly. Now ive only some cramps on day two which is easily solved by Ibepopfen
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th Apr 26
I’ve been on the patch for around 6 months, it’s causing periods every 2 weeks even though I’m using it correctly. The only positive is it’s easy to use and hasn’t caused weight gain.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I loved being on the patch. It was so convenient. My periods were still really heavy but I could push them to once every two months before breakthrough bleeding would cause me to take the patch off and have a period. I’d have pain on the first day but nothing ever as bad as I used to have before. I was solely on the patch to help with irregular/painful periods. I switched bc I wanted a more subtle birth control.
Increased sex drive
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th May 26
I’ve not noticed many side effects other than weight gain / breast growth. Periods are extremely regular almost down to the hour of the day i’ll get it, lasts three days total and before birth control i would have had very bad cramps i’ve noticed they’ve minimised significantly. Now ive only some cramps on day two which is easily solved by Ibepopfen
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th Apr 26
I’ve been on the patch for around 6 months, it’s causing periods every 2 weeks even though I’m using it correctly. The only positive is it’s easy to use and hasn’t caused weight gain.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Female condom reviews
4 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Feb 24
Same as the male condom, has no side effects and will protect from STIs and pregnancy! The only thing its a little fiddly to get on and if you don't react well to latex then not ideal!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 19th Jan 22
These condoms prevent me from getting UTIs, I can't have sex without them! I think it's because the part of the condom that sticks out covers my urethra and prevents bacteria from spreading. They're a little hard to use at first, and some brands are better than others, but I highly recommend them to everyone.
Top side effects not reported
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 26th Apr 21
Tried it a couple times with different partners. Mixed reactions. I practiced inserting prior to anything, so it was easy, especially after a couple of tries. Sex felt no different for me and one of the partners. One didn't like the appearance and the other the feel. One thing I love is that it doesn't have that nasty latex smell! You can also use any lube. Overall, I think it is a great option for many people, but (like everything) you should try it a few times for yourself. Also great if you run into situations where the guy is resisting wearing a condom himself.
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 8th Feb 24
Same as the male condom, has no side effects and will protect from STIs and pregnancy! The only thing its a little fiddly to get on and if you don't react well to latex then not ideal!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 19th Jan 22
These condoms prevent me from getting UTIs, I can't have sex without them! I think it's because the part of the condom that sticks out covers my urethra and prevents bacteria from spreading. They're a little hard to use at first, and some brands are better than others, but I highly recommend them to everyone.
Top side effects not reported
3 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 26th Apr 21
Tried it a couple times with different partners. Mixed reactions. I practiced inserting prior to anything, so it was easy, especially after a couple of tries. Sex felt no different for me and one of the partners. One didn't like the appearance and the other the feel. One thing I love is that it doesn't have that nasty latex smell! You can also use any lube. Overall, I think it is a great option for many people, but (like everything) you should try it a few times for yourself. Also great if you run into situations where the guy is resisting wearing a condom himself.
Top side effects not reported
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 12th May 20
Used it once - it came off inside me within 5 minutes and I didn't realise so ended up having completely unprotected sex and having to get a STI test.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
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