Generic Name: Phexxi (citric-acid-lactic-acid-potassium-bitartrate-topical)
Phexxi Reviews
For Birth Control "I made the switch from the ring to Phexxi in Dec of '21. I was tired of feeling like a huge jerk, not to mention gaining pound after pound. It has been a breath of fresh air. It’s really not that big of a deal to “slow things down” to insert it! Plus, my husband loves the lubrication it adds. I love the idea of using it as needed. For the fertile days, we will pair it with condoms (but we haven’t been perfect with that 100%) and have had good luck. I get that everyone is different…but just wanted to give my experience for those wondering! No side effects for me so far."
For Birth Control "I'm so excited to have a hormone-free option that I only have to use when I need it, instead of the IUD that pumped hormones into me constantly, or a pill that did the same. I had zero side effects with Phexxi. It can be annoying to stop and insert in the moment, but that's not an issue if you plan ahead and use it before foreplay. I do have to pee more than once to get it all out after, but that beats the side effects of hormones any day. My insurance covered it, and I paid $0. Also, no babies."
For Birth Control "This is the greatest Birth Control I have ever tried. Been on it for a year and no difficulties. Easy to use and hormone free. I am a RN and had to study possible effects of taking hormonal birth control so I opted out of using them for many years. It's nice to be worry free now! I told some of my friends and family about this and everyone that has tried it loves it. I don't know if the women reporting Pregnancy didn't do something right but so far no pregnancies for me or my friends/family."
For Birth Control "I got a positive pregnancy test within a month of starting Phexxi. I have never been pregnant before and have used every kind of birth control in the past without any failure. I would not recommend Phexxi unless you are open to having a baby."
For Birth Control "After using Phexxi as my birth control for a year, I want to say that the amount of research required to fully understand how to use it effectively is crazy. Fortunately, I have not experienced any pregnancies while using it, but I believe a common mistake people make is not using it correctly, even though the instructions state to insert it an hour before sex. What is not explained clearly is how often you are supposed to insert it. For example, if you plan on being intimate for the whole night, you should stop and insert one per encounter and wait an hour. This makes it very effective. Initially, this was not explained to me, causing me a lot of stress, but now that I understand how to use it properly, it has been a wonderful product for preventing unplanned pregnancy. I hope this information helps someone as it has helped me."
For Birth Control "I used this as a form of birth control because hormones didn't work for me. I was so excited for Phexxi when I heard about it. My husband and I used it for about 6 months. I was being careful and used it as instructed, and ended up pregnant. This product should not be on the market especially after Roe V Wade has been over turned. This is not a reliable contraceptive, and women should stay away from it especially if they don't want to get pregnant. I feel for all the women who get this product or use it and live in a state where they can't get the medical help they need when this product fails them like it did me."
For Birth Control "I am pregnant the second month after using this product. I followed the directions perfectly. I have never had an unplanned pregnancy or birth control failure previously and have used nearly all of them. I used this a total of four times over two months (each time I had sex) before the positive pregnancy test. This is not birth control."
For Birth Control "Disclaimer: I've only tried this once. I noticed a burning sensation when I first inserted the gel. During sex I felt a medium to strong burning sensation. It kept me from enjoying the moment and almost made me call it quits for the night. My partner felt a burning sensation like you would feel with Tiger Balm. The next day there was still a light itching feeling. I won't be using it again."
For Birth Control "I recently got married and was looking for a hormone free birth control option. Phexxi seems so great in theory and I’ve been using it along with natural cycles. However, unfortunately I have had adverse reactions to this, it has caused a lot of burning which definitely distracts from the moment, also it’s very inconvenient to use. After two months I have finally decided to try and I.u.d."
For Birth Control "I used nuvaring for over 9 years, with no problems, no pregnancy scares, and as my only form of birth control with my then fiance. Once we got married I switched to phexxi because I jumped on the no hormone train, and barely 5 months later, using as my only form of birth control, I was pregnant. I will never be using phexxi again as the only form of birth control. It's barely more effective than just condoms, but makes it sound like a super effective option compared to regular birth control. It's pretty misleading, and I'm a pharmacist so I know medication. As soon as I have the baby I'm going back on hormone birth control!"
For Birth Control "I had intercourse one time in a month and used this product exactly as instructed and was pregnant right away. Would not recommend as a stand alone birth control. I think it would need to be paired with condom or withdrawal to be effective."
For Birth Control "I loved the experience with Phexxi. I have been on it for two years, and it always worked. I use it directly before my husband inserts himself, and it always has worked. So happy to have found something that is working without hormones."
For Birth Control "I highly recommend Phexxi over anything hormonal. It doesn't have any systemic side effects and is made with a very short list of simple ingredients. Due to the efficacy, I make sure to be aware of my fertility and we typically pull out as well depending on the time of month. I have been using it regularly for two years now and I love its effectiveness and no side effects."
For Birth Control "For years I struggled with unwanted side effects. Phexxi was truly a salvation. The handling was a bit unusual at first, but now it's just part of the routine. Fortunately, we have not experienced burning and itching. On the contrary, it feels really good. After several months and regular use, I can only say good things."
For Birth Control "No side effects such as a UTI or burning. But the main side effect is that I ended up getting pregnant, even with perfect use. Bummer, due to the fact that hormonal birth control doesn’t work for me. If you do use Phexxi, I don’t think it would be a great idea to have that as your only form of birth control during intercourse."
For Birth Control "I developed a UTI after using Phexxi for the first time, despite not having had one in over 16 years. I was unable to urinate, which I believe was due to inflammation in my urethra. The infection manifested the next day. I was hopeful about Phexxi. Though as a hormonal birth control, it has caused estrogen dominance and I have developed subsequent copper toxicity. The UTI has made me wary of using it again."
For Birth Control "I gave up on hormonal birth control because it caused too severe of mood changes for me. I finally got the IUD Kyleena because it had the least amount of hormones and that still caused mood issues. Then I tried Phexxi and I loved how I felt without any hormones. I used it for one year and really liked it but unfortunately then got pregnant. I’m now trying to find new options that are better suited for nonhormonal, birth protection."
For Birth Control "My husband and I used Phexxi + withdrawal for about three years and now I’m pregnant. Hormonal BC was hard on me, so I had been happy…until I had a positive pregnancy test. I do not recommend this at all."
For Birth Control "After 1 month of use, I became pregnant. I am in a life position where this is okay however for most women, this may certainly not be true. I have historically done poorly with hormonal BC and was thrilled for this option even if it was only “as effective as a condom” however there is no way this is nearly as effective as a condom in my opinion. Also to mention, the technical language for the directions is so poorly written. I have a feeling there are plenty of women thinking they’re taking this up to an hour after sex thinking they’re using this perfectly. The directions for something this serious surely should highlight not to insert afterward at all."
For Birth Control "I use Phexxi along with the withdrawal method during my fertile window. I haven't had any adverse reactions or pregnancies, so I'd say it's doing its job. It's very convenient and easy to use."
For Birth Control "Been using it for a little over a half year along with the pull out method its working out great. Its nice to be off the pill and I enjoy a little extra lubrication."
For Birth Control "I followed the Phexxi instructions exactly as written and I ended up with an ectopic pregnancy and needed emergency surgery."
For Birth Control "Improved my sex life, no hormones, in control, zero co-pay. What's not to like?"
For Birth Control "I’ve never taken birth control, but this is the best experience. No side effects and adds extra lubrication, we have had 2 negative tests since using Phexxi. I highly recommend this."
For Birth Control "Burning sensation for both me and my husband. Ended up pregnant after using it 3 times. Not effective as a birth control"
More about Phexxi (citric acid/lactic acid/potassium bitartrate topical)
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- Drug class: miscellaneous vaginal agents
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