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Cervical Cap vs Vasectomy

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.
Vasectomy A permanent outpatient procedure that blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot enter the semen.

Method	Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.	Vasectomy A permanent outpatient procedure that blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot enter the semen.
Efficacy	Cervical Cap 78% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	Vasectomy 99.85% typical use Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Cervical Cap $0–$90 Insurance: Usually	Vasectomy $0–$1,000 Insurance: Varies
Duration	Cervical Cap Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)	Vasectomy Permanent
Reversibility	Cervical Cap Reversible	Vasectomy Permanent
STI protection	Cervical Cap No	Vasectomy 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.	Vasectomy A clinician cuts, seals, or blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot mix with semen during ejaculation. The body absorbs the sperm, and the semen remains normal in appearance and volume.
Prescription	Cervical Cap Required Hybrid (Fitting or Ship)	Vasectomy Required In-Person Procedure
Side effects	Cervical Cap Vaginal irritation from spermicide Unusual vaginal discharge Toxic shock syndrome risk if worn during a period	Vasectomy Mild pain or swelling for a few days Bruising or bleeding at the site Sperm granuloma (swelling from leaked sperm that usually goes away on its own) Chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome (5% in a 2020 meta-analysis)
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)	Vasectomy 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 0.2 in 100 with Vasectomy (least effective vs most effective). How long it lasts: Cervical Cap, reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged); Vasectomy, permanent. Cervical Cap: reversible. Vasectomy: permanent. Cervical Cap: costs $0–$90. Vasectomy: costs $0–$1,000.