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Cervical Cap vs Internal 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.
Internal Condom A soft pouch worn inside the vagina that blocks sperm and lowers the risk of STIs, usually obtained with a prescription.

Method	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.	Internal Condom A soft pouch worn inside the vagina that blocks sperm and lowers the risk of STIs, usually obtained with a prescription.
Efficacy	Cervical Cap 78% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	Internal Condom 79% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Cervical Cap $0–$90 Insurance: Usually	Internal Condom $0–$3 per unit Insurance: Usually
Duration	Cervical Cap Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)	Internal Condom Single use
Reversibility	Cervical Cap Reversible	Internal Condom Reversible
STI protection	Cervical Cap No	Internal 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.	Internal Condom A soft, loose-fitting nitrile pouch lines the vagina and collects semen. The inner ring anchors it at the cervix and the outer ring stays outside the vaginal opening.
Prescription	Cervical Cap Required Hybrid (Fitting or Ship)	Internal Condom Required Telehealth Prescription
Side effects	Cervical Cap Vaginal irritation from spermicide Unusual vaginal discharge Toxic shock syndrome risk if worn during a period	Internal Condom Mild irritation or discomfort Slippage with incorrect insertion
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)	Internal Condom None reported

Key differences

With typical use, 22 in 100 people using Cervical Cap get pregnant in a year, vs 21 in 100 with Internal Condom (both least effective). How long it lasts: Cervical Cap, reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged); Internal Condom, single use. STI protection: only with Internal Condom. Cervical Cap: costs $0–$90. Internal Condom: costs $0–$3 per unit.