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Cervical Cap vs External Condom

A side-by-side comparison of two birth control methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.

Last verified October 11, 2026Updated October 11, 2026

Side-by-side comparison

Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.
External Condom A barrier method worn over the penis that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.

Method	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.	External Condom A barrier method worn over the penis that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.
Efficacy	Cervical Cap 78% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	External Condom 87% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Cervical Cap $0–$90 Insurance: Usually	External Condom $0–$2 per unit Insurance: Varies
Duration	Cervical Cap Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)	External Condom Single use
Reversibility	Cervical Cap Reversible	External Condom Reversible
STI protection	Cervical Cap No	External Condom Yes
How it works	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap fits snugly over the cervix and stays in place by suction, blocking sperm from entering the cervix. Used with spermicide inside the cap.	External Condom A sheath worn over the penis that keeps sperm from entering a partner's body. Latex and plastic condoms also block contact with semen and vaginal fluids that can carry STIs.
Prescription	Cervical Cap Required Hybrid (Fitting or Ship)	External Condom Not required Over-the-Counter
Side effects	Cervical Cap Vaginal irritation from spermicide Unusual vaginal discharge Toxic shock syndrome risk if worn during a period	External Condom Allergic reaction to latex in people with a latex allergy
Who shouldn't use this	Cervical Cap Cervical anomaly preventing fit Active pelvic infection Sensitivity to silicone or spermicide Inability to insert or remove reliably History of toxic shock syndrome High risk of HIV exposure (because of the spermicide)	External Condom Known allergy to latex (use polyisoprene or polyurethane instead)

Key differences

With typical use, 22 in 100 people using Cervical Cap get pregnant in a year, vs 13 in 100 with External Condom (both least effective). How long it lasts: Cervical Cap, reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged); External Condom, single use. STI protection: only with External Condom. A prescription is needed for Cervical Cap, not for External Condom. Cervical Cap: costs $0–$90. External Condom: costs $0–$2 per unit.