Patch vs Injection
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Overview
Rated 3.4
109 reviews
Weekly
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
Increased
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.9
284 reviews
Every 2-3 months
Frequency
94% - 99+%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
Short term
Effect on fertility
Patch ingredients
Main hormones in Patch
progestogen
oestrogen
Injection ingredients
Main hormones in Injection
progestogen
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
Acne or bad skin
Heavy periods
PMS and PMDD
PCOS symptoms
Period pain
Endometriosis
Heavy periods
Period pain
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Add your Injection review
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Patch reviews
109 reviews
Used for 3 - 6 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I went back on the patch a few months ago as it's probably my most preferred form of contraception (I'm often not on any and am reluctant to use anything but needs must). I actually have fallen pregnant on the patch in the past and have a 5 year old son to show for it but so far this time round it seems to be doing the job. Pros: It's so easy to use, changing once a week is so much easier than trying to remember a pill each day. I usually use the whole pack back to back so appreciate less frequent periods. It stays put with no issue at all. Cons: My moods have been awful, to the point I feel quite depressed some of the time, I'm crying a lot and not coping with challenges very well as I normally would. My periods are generally heavier, I have a couple of days of constantly leaking through tampons in a very short space of time. I'm getting headaches quite regularly which won't shift with painkillers. Also feel nauseous quite often. This month have started breakthrough bleeding after just a couple of weeks since last patch free week. Overall, not loving it at the moment. However I've had such bad experiences with other forms of contraception that I still think this is the best of a bad bunch. Really rate the convenience of it. No noticeable difference to weight or skin thankfully.
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2nd Mar 25
I don't like it. It makes me feel sad, like full-time pms. I've cried most days on it. I get headaches and I never used to. My friends say I don't seem like myself. My sex drive is lower. I was spotting for the first 6 weeks. Pluses are decreased risk of pregnancy, being able to skip a break and less heavy period/breakthrough bleeding so iron levels are easier to control. It's easy to use and so far has stayed on well (we'll see if this is still the case in summer). I like that if I wanted to stop using it I can remove it myself.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
1 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
I went back on the patch a few months ago as it's probably my most preferred form of contraception (I'm often not on any and am reluctant to use anything but needs must). I actually have fallen pregnant on the patch in the past and have a 5 year old son to show for it but so far this time round it seems to be doing the job. Pros: It's so easy to use, changing once a week is so much easier than trying to remember a pill each day. I usually use the whole pack back to back so appreciate less frequent periods. It stays put with no issue at all. Cons: My moods have been awful, to the point I feel quite depressed some of the time, I'm crying a lot and not coping with challenges very well as I normally would. My periods are generally heavier, I have a couple of days of constantly leaking through tampons in a very short space of time. I'm getting headaches quite regularly which won't shift with painkillers. Also feel nauseous quite often. This month have started breakthrough bleeding after just a couple of weeks since last patch free week. Overall, not loving it at the moment. However I've had such bad experiences with other forms of contraception that I still think this is the best of a bad bunch. Really rate the convenience of it. No noticeable difference to weight or skin thankfully.
Somewhat negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2nd Mar 25
I don't like it. It makes me feel sad, like full-time pms. I've cried most days on it. I get headaches and I never used to. My friends say I don't seem like myself. My sex drive is lower. I was spotting for the first 6 weeks. Pluses are decreased risk of pregnancy, being able to skip a break and less heavy period/breakthrough bleeding so iron levels are easier to control. It's easy to use and so far has stayed on well (we'll see if this is still the case in summer). I like that if I wanted to stop using it I can remove it myself.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
1 comments
Injection reviews
284 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
Worst decision I’ve ever made Gained a lot of weight Depressed Anxious Moods all over the place
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
41 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I like the injection as no periods at all but gained over 2 stone in weight and no amount of dieting, eating less or exercising helps loose any weight at all I just gain even more.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I didn't notice any changes at first. I got my period for the first month or two, then the bleeding was irregular and lighter and eventually it stopped completely. I gained weight quickly. I would get hungry even after eating. I would get severe vaginal itching a few days after the shot.
Worse skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
Worst decision I’ve ever made Gained a lot of weight Depressed Anxious Moods all over the place
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
41 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I like the injection as no periods at all but gained over 2 stone in weight and no amount of dieting, eating less or exercising helps loose any weight at all I just gain even more.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I didn't notice any changes at first. I got my period for the first month or two, then the bleeding was irregular and lighter and eventually it stopped completely. I gained weight quickly. I would get hungry even after eating. I would get severe vaginal itching a few days after the shot.
Worse skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 22nd Mar 25
It is effective and it's convenient but unfortunately the side effects are really bad but it depends on different body types
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
16 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 21st Mar 25
This is pretty good for preventing pregnancy and my periods are thankfully gone, but now I have acne after having years of clear skin. It’s hormonal acne too due to the progesterone in the injection, so a nightmare to get rid of. I was prewarned about this issue but still hate it. I feel like my mood has gone lower too and I am more irritable than usual. Unsure whether I’ll get it again I will probably go back to the Lucette pill as that completely cleared my skin.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
41 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 21st Feb 25
Caused me horrendous hunger such that i couldn't feel satisfied with any amount of food. It was terrible for me. And the side effects continue even after stopping. It was my first time in 11 years to back to hormonal contraception and l will never ever do it again. I only go non hormonal. I honestly can't take the risk.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 29th Jan 25
As a newer young and childless nuristrate injection patient I don't recommend it for use . So far my body is experiencing a hell of changes . Irregular periods ,green smelly discharge and ugly acne
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
39 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 24th Dec 24
Its a right contraception but it stopped my periods since I was young end now I'm struggling to conceive end I think I'm running out of time and my marriage it's on thin ice here so I don't think that someone can still use it
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 17th Dec 24
Great that it stopped my period completely, only have to remember to have it every 12 weeks
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 9th Dec 24
I’ve only had the injection once and had to come off, I already suffer mental health for years and the depo made my anxiety worse, constant bloated, the bleeding never stopped which led me to constant itch down below due to wearing constant pads, my hair was falling out so so badly, now my baby hairs are growing through and I look awful, not like my self asteem is poor already,
Very negative mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments

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