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Cervical Cap vs Spermicide

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.
Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter.

Method	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.	Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter.
Efficacy	Cervical Cap 78% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	Spermicide 79% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Cervical Cap $0–$90 Insurance: Usually	Spermicide $16–$18 per package Insurance: Varies
Duration	Cervical Cap Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)	Spermicide Single use, one dose before each act of sex (gel works for up to 1 hour; film goes in 15 minutes to 3 hours before sex)
Reversibility	Cervical Cap Reversible	Spermicide Reversible
STI protection	Cervical Cap No	Spermicide 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.	Spermicide A chemical (usually nonoxynol-9) immobilizes or kills sperm on contact. Inserted into the vagina before sex.
Prescription	Cervical Cap Required Hybrid (Fitting or Ship)	Spermicide 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	Spermicide Vaginal or penile irritation Increased risk of UTI Allergic reaction
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)	Spermicide Sensitivity to nonoxynol-9 High risk of HIV exposure, or HIV in you or a partner (frequent use may increase transmission risk)

Key differences

With typical use, 22 in 100 people using Cervical Cap get pregnant in a year, vs 21 in 100 with Spermicide (both least effective). How long it lasts: Cervical Cap, reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged); Spermicide, single use, one dose before each act of sex (gel works for up to 1 hour; film goes in 15 minutes to 3 hours before sex). A prescription is needed for Cervical Cap, not for Spermicide. Cervical Cap: costs $0–$90. Spermicide: costs $16–$18 per package.