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Cervical Cap vs Tubal Ligation

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.
Female Sterilization A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

Method	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.	Female Sterilization A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
Efficacy	Cervical Cap 78% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	Female Sterilization 99.5% typical use Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Cervical Cap $0–$90 Insurance: Usually	Female Sterilization $0–$6,000 Insurance: Usually
Duration	Cervical Cap Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)	Female Sterilization Permanent
Reversibility	Cervical Cap Reversible	Female Sterilization Permanent
STI protection	Cervical Cap No	Female Sterilization No
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.	Female Sterilization Surgical disruption (clipping, banding, cauterization, or complete removal) of the fallopian tubes prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
Prescription	Cervical Cap Required Hybrid (Fitting or Ship)	Female Sterilization Required In-Person Procedure
Side effects	Cervical Cap Vaginal irritation from spermicide Unusual vaginal discharge Toxic shock syndrome risk if worn during a period	Female Sterilization Surgical risks (bleeding, infection, organ damage) Anesthesia side effects Ectopic pregnancy (a serious risk if pregnancy occurs after the procedure)
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)	Female Sterilization Medical instability for general anesthesia or laparoscopy Uncertainty about future fertility desires Known allergy or hypersensitivity to materials used in the procedure

Key differences

With typical use, 22 in 100 people using Cervical Cap get pregnant in a year, vs 0.5 in 100 with Female Sterilization (least effective vs most effective). How long it lasts: Cervical Cap, reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged); Female Sterilization, permanent. Cervical Cap: reversible. Female Sterilization: permanent. Cervical Cap: costs $0–$90. Female Sterilization: costs $0–$6,000.